The Outlier freedom was born quite literally from trial and error. It was so uncannily coincidental that the company’s creation seemed imperative/inevitable–that Tyler Clemens and Abe Burmeister (the duo behind Outlier) were meant to be. Tyler and Abe Burmeister were strangers in the same city, sharing the same goal of making something better (Abe was trying to make pants for cycling, and Tyler was trying to make shirts), and also sharing the same spot for joe. Both men met under the introduction of the Barista at Gimme Coffee (the coffee joint both men frequented) and started a company within a month.
Outlier’s first product and subsequent creations, like their meeting, were serendipitous. Both Tyler and Abe had no experience in tailoring nor fashion design, but they both believed in cycling as 21st century’s urban transportation of choice. Thus, they both wanted better cycling pants. Not just any pair of cycling pants, but one that can withstand rain, shine, dirt, grime and also stay physically liberating. These are the cycling pants that will free the urban cyclist and transform his transitional journey into a state of being.
Just as the company’s namesake suggests, Outlier aims to serve the modern commuter. But, it is not a cycling company as it stays rooted as a clothing company with a dictum to design clothes that will free its wearer. The Outlier man is freed of his destination, of the volatile weather, and simply enjoys the exhilaration derived from zipping through his city on his own terms, at his own pace.
Outlier goes about clothes making with the gusto, and a methodical experimental approach. Outlier creates on a demand basis, heedless to fashion’s seasonal calendars. Every piece of Outlier clothing is tested on a rolling bike so Tyler and Abe can act as the cyclist to make sure the item can withstand tribulations of peddling. Going on the experimental note, the duo are constantly researching and sourcing unique, technical fabrics (Outlier’s 4 Season fabric, which is like Superman on speed but only in cloth terms, repels rain and is magically self-cleaning) that will be of service to the urban cyclist. Outlier does stay in the outlying regions in the sartorial landscape today, veering far and away from the cookie-cutter approach of fashion, creating with a firm direction and an open mind.
Freshness had the pleasure of chatting with Tyler and Abe and learned more about Outlier beyond its highly comprehensive site. Outlier is like a breath of fresh air in the multitudes of new labels who enter the game advocating a tired play. It is reassuring to know that there are those operating on an uncompromising note doing good work worth looking forward to.
READ OUR CONVERSATION WITH ABE BURMEISTER and TYLER CLEMENS OF OUTLIER ยป
- Produced by: Dan Hwang | Interviewed by: Poe | Written by: Emily Chang
- Links: www.outlier.cc
