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10 Awesome Kickstarter Clothing Brands

Everyone has to start from somewhere.

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Everyone has ideas, but not everyone has the money to make them reality. Sure you can ask your parents for extra cash, but that’s only going to take you so far—unless your parents are really rich. You can also chase down high-roller investors for seed money, and if you're lucky you can get Ashton Kutcher to invest. Another way however is using the power of the Internets.

Kickstarter has made it easier for entrepreneurs to get their creative projects off the ground. You simply start your own page, pitch the product you would like to develop, set your funding goal, and hopefully people like it enough to back you. Backers also don't have to commit to thousands of dollars to help out, and they're rewarded with clothes, discounts, and packaged deals as a thank you for their support. It's a win-win for both parties involved.

We took some time to look at what eager designers have to offer and rounded up a couple that caught our eye. From simple socks to advanced backpack contraptions, here’s a look at 10 Awesome Kickstarter Brands worth checking out.

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Sammy Icon 8-Bit Socks

Do you want socks that don’t suck? Sammy Icon is trying to revive classic video game characters in the form of its new 8-Bit sock collection. The brand is relying on you to make its next collection happen. Get the whole nostalgia vibe with video games graphics that include Mario, Duck Hunt, and Pac Man. The sock is the most basic essential you can start off with, so why not add a little variety in the sock drawer. Visit the Sammy Icon Kickstarter page for more info.

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Subrr

Seriously, cork fabric is like the new cotton. It has been used a lot lately especially in sneakers. Nike used it in the Lebron X, and Gourmet has a new cork pack coming out too. It’s a versatile fabric that’s also waterproof. What’s not to like?

A lot more accessible than the previously mentioned sneakers are cork accessories by Subrr. There are three items available which include a slim wallet, iPhone backing, and an iPhone pouch holder. Who knew cork would be the fabric of the future? Cop them now on the Subrr Kickstarter page.

Stock Mfg Co.

Chicago is more known for its deep-dish pizzas and dislike of all things Steve Bartman other than being a major fashion hub, but Stock Mfg Co. is trying to change that. The company produces not only its brand of clothes, but collaborates with designers to make their ideas a reality. Because of its direct-from-manufacturer business model, it keeps the high-quality garments it produces at a wallet-friendly price points.

One thing though, it owns a 45-year old factory where it produces its garments and the machines uses to make clothes are getting old. To keep operations running smooth, upgrades need to be made and new machines need to be purchased. To do this, it's raising money by offering exclusive products only on Kickstarter. Included are shirts, 5-panels, ties, and pocket squares. Do you have your own design? They’ll make that for you too. All proceeds will fun their new collection as well as put money back into the factory. Check out the Stock Mfg Co. Kickstarter page for more.

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Cuoiela

A fat wallet signals you’re either carrying some serious stacks or you just love to hoard tons of receipts. No matter what’s in there, bulky wallets are always cluttered and they are never a good look. For Cuoiela, the name may be a tongue twister but the idea is simple: giving you a minimal wallet that’s designed to be slim, looks good, and keeps your cash and cards organized. Made up of a combination of fine Italian leather and elastic band, it can hold up to eight cards with a separate stash slot for your cash. Even the packaging is neat. Free yourself from that brick you call a wallet and visit the Cuoiela page for a thinner more streamlined holder.

Forecast Outerwear

Forecast Outerwear is a snowboarder’s brand that has been selling apparel for well over two years now. The problem is their collection stops short of offering outerwear. Most of the offerings have been tees, tanks, beanies, and accessories. To get to its ultimate goal of expanding to offer environmentally friendly technical outerwear it’s going to need your help.

The funding raised will help duo Sean Hudgens and Seth Pearson build two jackets, two technical hoodies, and a pair of pants all built for active winter sports. They also run on a look-good-do-good business model. Not only will they be building their gear out of recycled fabrics, they will donate 10% of their annual profits to nonprofit organization Protect Our Winters. Visit the Forecast Outerwear page to make your pledge. And if it’s high enough, maybe you can even name the brand’s first jacket.

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Duc Kien Denim Jacket

Well known brands have started off with one signature piece that defined them, for Duc Kien it’s the denim jacket. Most of you have run into the problem of finding a dope piece, but get super bummed when you flip over price tag and get a little sticker shock. Instead of coughing up the big bucks for a name brand denim jacket, designer David Kien is making his own.

Taking the classic trucker silhouette he adjusts the fit and details with his own design changes. It features a longer torso, slimmer fit, minimal branding, and priced at $125. Back the project and the jacket is yours. And hopefully if enough funds are raised, Duc Kien aims to expand to offer more high-quality garments at affordable prices. Visit the Duc Kien Kickstarter page for more details.

10-Year Hoodie

You’re not the only person who’s experienced purchasing some form clothing only to see the threads or buttons come apart after a few days of wear. Judging by the tremendous support behind the “10-Year Hoodie,” people just want something that lasts.

Everyone is advertising “Made to Last”, but 10-Year Hoodie guarantees to last a decade and backs it up with free mending if it ever comes apart. But by the way the way it’s constructed, you might have to do some rigorous activities to tear it apart. The only thing you have to do, is prevent your girlfriend from stealing it. Visit the 10-Year Hoodie Kickstarter page and see for yourself.

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Brave Star Selvage

Quality selvage denim can often burn a hole in your pocket. Yes, they do last practically a lifetime if taken care of, but sometimes you just can’t justify the prices. Brave Star Selvage takes a different approach to offering you selvage denim by cutting out the middleman. No middleman means no markup, so you’re getting a deal by paying wholesale price. But that’s only one part that makes this brand’s idea awesome. Not only are you getting quality denim at a cut-rate price, its also custom, built by you.

There are four different fits available at varying weights starting at 11oz to 15.5oz. The denim is sourced from renowned mills here in the US and Japan—including the now celebrated Cone Mills denim. By now everyone has a pair of selvage denim, but how many of them are custom made? Visit the Brave Star Selvage Kickstarter page to back this program.

Bootlegger Modular Pack

Boreas Gear introduces a versatile collection of bags that can cover any types of adventure, but it needs your help making them. Named the Bootlegger Modular Pack, it’s a versatile set of bags all working off the its Super Tramp System. This is the perfect bag for weekend warriors that love to explore the outdoors.

There are three bags total that consist of the Torpedo Hydration, Hopper, and the Scrimshaw. Each bag has a separate purpose for whatever adventures you feel like taking on. If you want to keep hydrated during bike rides strap on the Torpedo Hydration pack. For longer trips out in the woods swap the Super Tramp System into the Hopper for bigger space for your gear. If you plan on doing water activities, drop the Hopper into waterproof Scrimshaw bag. Think of it as the transformer of bags. Visit the Bootlegger Modular Pack Kickstarter page for more info.

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Sword & Plough

You know what happens to old military gear when it doesn’t get used? They usually end up in the dumpster. What Sword & Plough does its take this unused military surplus and put them to use. Meanwhile it also chooses to work with manufacturers who employ veterans that are transitioning back into civilian lives to sew the product.

In return, what you get are pretty sturdy bags and accessories that won’t fall apart like those cheap military-inspired jawns. These are repurposed military fabrics, so you know its made tough enough to survive more than a few battle wounds. Visit the Sword & Plough page to provide some backing.

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