The Kinky Courtesan Recommends…Bonobos

In 2008,  I was flipping through Fast Company when I came across this article highlighting a hot new mens’ pants company, Bonobos.  The company was started by two young entrepreneurial and Stanford-educated guys,Brian Spaly (currently the CEO of Trunk Club) and Andy Dunn.  These guys wer PHDs in style, design and business.  They also happen to be best friends.

They came into the marketplace with a different attitude and approach to menswear – seeking to hide men’s flaws and give them a bit of flair.  This was something unique at the time, many manufacturers didn’t really have a gentleman in mind.  This created ill-fitting for the average male customer, unless he was in the luxury market.  The Bonobos team saw a brilliant avenue, a way to evolve menswear, hence why the company is named after the ape.    Brian, with his head for design, aimed to solve the “KDB” – aka the khaki diaper butt problem – which,  btw, is the chief reason why I HATE khakis on a man.

Brian and Andy adopted the Zappos customer service model but more importantly they changed a gentleman’s outlook on style by putting the power back into their hands.  A man no longer looked unkempt or like his wife was buying his casual clothes.  Now, a man could pick a semi-custom made pair of pants – color, fit, even the lining.  The fit in the seat didn’t sag and the inseam was roomy enough to be comfortable but still tailored.  They made pants for every guy – from conservative, to preppy to the peacocks and dandies..

And now they make shirts too!

Bonobos is menswear, evolved.