The Washington, D.C., area is seeing a new menswear brand become popular. This brand is called Collars & Co. It was founded by Bethesda entrepreneur Justin Baer.
Collars & Co. started as an online business, but it has grown significantly and now has stores in Bethesda and Reston. This expansion came after gaining national attention on Shark Tank.
From A Frustration To A Great Idea
Every successful business starts by solving a problem, and Collars & Co. is a perfect example. Justin Baer did not like wearing a dress shirt under a sweater because it was uncomfortable and bulky. He came up with the idea for a shirt that looks like a dress shirt but feels as comfortable as a polo shirt.
This idea led to the creation of the Dress Collar Polo. It combines the polished look of a dress shirt with the comfort of a polo. The shirt is designed for the office, the golf course, or casual events. It sells for $88.
At first, the concept seemed unconventional. However, it ultimately solved a problem that many professionals experienced.
Making the Dress Collar Polo Perfect
Creating the Dress Collar Polo required extensive product development. One of the biggest challenges was designing a collar that would stay crisp throughout the day. Justin Baer and his team worked on this challenge for more than six months before finding the right solution.
They added an insert to the collar that keeps it firm while remaining comfortable. They also used machine-washable fabric, making the shirt easy to care for. The team created a dozen prototypes before perfecting the design. This shows how much work went into creating a shirt that appears simple but is actually highly innovative.
How Collars & Co. Created the Dress Collar Polo
Collars & Co. was already performing well before appearing on Shark Tank in 2023. In one year, the brand sold about 92,000 shirts, demonstrating that customers were ready to embrace a new approach to business-casual apparel.
When Justin Baer appeared on Shark Tank, the exposure accelerated the brand’s growth. He pitched his idea to the investors and struck a deal with Mark Cuban and guest investor Peter Jones, who invested $1 million in exchange for a 10 percent stake.
This investment not only provided funding but also gave the brand additional credibility by introducing it to millions of viewers across the country.
Expanding Beyond the Internet
Although the Shark Tank investment helped Justin Baer, he has been careful not to rely too heavily on his well-known investors. Instead, he has focused on building a business that can succeed on its own.
Opening stores in Bethesda and Reston marks the brand’s next phase of growth. These locations are a major milestone because they allow customers to see, feel, and try on products in person, an experience online shopping cannot fully provide.
Why Collars & Co. Is Doing Well In The DC Area
The Washington, D.C., area is home to many professionals who want clothing that balances style with comfort. Collars & Co. fits naturally into this lifestyle by offering apparel that looks professional while remaining comfortable enough for everyday wear.
As the apparel company continues to grow, it is becoming a recognized brand throughout the Washington region. The fact that it solved a common problem, created a product customers appreciate, and secured a Shark Tank investment makes it a notable business success story.
It appears that Collars & Co. will continue to grow in the Washington, D.C., market for years to come.
