Mizzen+Main

Mizzen+Main was co-founded in 2012 by Kevin Lavelle. He served as the company's CEO until April 2019.[1] Chris Phillips, formerly the head of men's clothing at Stitch Fix, became the CEO in April 2019.[2] When Phillips exited Mizzen+Main in early January 2021, Ryan Kent, the former COO, became the President and acting CEO.

Co-founder Lavelle -a graduate of Southern Methodist University- began his career as a management consultant,[3] working as an intern in Washington D.C..[4] He observed that traditional dress shirts did not handle perspiration effectively, leading him to develop a prototype dress shirt designed in style to athletic clothing[5] to manage moisture. This prototype eventually became one of the company's first offerings.[6][7]

The company was self-funded and later received external investment.[8] It began with selling online and later expanded distribution to retail stores and specialty shops.[7] To supplement the brand's distribution strategy, it also sought out partnerships with men's specialty stores and golf shops.[9] In 2013, it caught the eye of executives from Saks Fifth Avenue,[10] and was invited to be one of two pop-up stores inside of Saks' New York store as part of Super Bowl XLVIII weekend.[11][10] In the summer of 2014, the firm raised an additional round of capital from investors.[12][8]

In 2015, professional football player J.J. Watt entered into an agreement with Mizzen+Main, receiving an equity share in the company.[13] In July 2017, Watt and the company launched "The J.J. Watt Collection" clothing line[14] featuring eight pieces ranging from polos to dress shirts.[15] The following April, professional golfer Phil Mickelson wore a Mizzen+Main long-sleeve dress shirt to play in a golf tournament. The outfit was selected as part of an agreement with Mizzen+Main in which Mickelson received an stake in the company and a cash lump sum.[16][17]

• Mizzen+Main official website