Interview - Randy's Garments

In the rugged landscape of American workwear, there have always been giants; names that echo through generations like Carhartt, Dickies, and Filson. For years, they’ve been the bedrock upon which the nation’s laborers have built their dreams, clad in garments designed to withstand the harshest elements and the toughest tasks. But the tides of time have a way of ushering in change, and in recent years, the workwear scene has witnessed a remarkable evolution.

Enter the pioneers, the risk-takers, and the visionaries—the small but mighty workwear brands that are redefining the industry and spearheading a workwear resurgence. Among them stands Randy’s Garments, a promising star on the horizon of the American workwear landscape, defying the dominance of the behemoths. But unlike other disruptors, like Rosa Rogusa, for example, another emerging workwear brand headed up by Matty Matheson —Canada’s very own cherished culinary maestro and all-round good guy — Mr. Brandon Portelli, the man behind Randy’s Garments, is an elusive character. Seldom would you find him skulking about in black shades and leather fingerless gloves, posing for pictures on runways. You’re more likely to find him hunched over a makeshift wooden desk in the middle of New York’s Garment District, pensively looking over new designs with tape measure in hand.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the fascinating story of Randy’s Garments, a brand at the forefront of workwear innovation, and the spirit of innovation and passion that drives Mr. Portelli himself.

William Reynolds: Hey, Brandon. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We like what we’ve seen of Randy’s Garments so far, and we’re keen to learn more about the brand. How are you and how has 2023 treated you so far?

Brandon Portelli: Thanks for thinking of me and Randy’s. I’ve been a fan for many years now. I’ve just wrapped up and launched FW23, so feeling much lighter. Few weeks left of no stress ahead before SS24 production starts and FW24 sampling.

WR: It never ends, does it? So, why Randy’s Garments? Who the hell is Randy?

BP: Randy was a nickname of mine and all of my friends that stemmed from an ongoing joke years prior. Small American businesses were traditionally named after their owners or founders, and I’ve always been a fan of this approach. For example, Joe’s Auto, Rose’s Cafe; the list goes on. It’s just the right headspace.

WR: I won’t ask how you got that nickname. So, how did you find yourself in the world of clothes-making?

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BP: I moved to New York for an internship in 2015, specifically to learn all I could about the clothing industry. I had it in my head towards the end of my senior year in high school that having my own [clothing] line was what I wanted to do.

WR: Why workwear? The workwear market is one of, if not the most saturated fashion verticals. You’ve got brands like Carhartt, Filson, and Dickies that have dominated since the inception of the fashion ‘genre’. How does Randy’s differentiate itself?

BP: I think the brands mentioned above are all exemplary, and play an important role in terms of what they offer the marketplace. But so does Randy’s. All I can really do is let the garments speak for themselves.

Rand’ys Garments Longsleeve Pocket Tee, available for $49 from Lost & Found.

Randy’s Garments Double SNap Heavyweight Hoody, available for $148 from Huckberry.

WR: Have you had any feedback from people wearing Randy’s gear for labor? Do you supply anyone locally with workwear?

BP: Can’t say I’ve had much feedback from “real labor“ use. That said, I’ve had a handful of exciting conversations regarding outfitting staff/employees, but nothing has been nailed down just yet.

WR: I think I need a career change if those are the sorts of conversations you’re having. Awesome. Tell us about New York. Why is it important that your garments are made in the USA, specifically in NY? Are you a New Yorker, yourself?

BP: Randy’s is an American workwear brand, so it has to be made in the USA; no exceptions. New York offers me the Garment District, which suits the brand perfectly. Garments made here are always rough around the edges and have a distinguished look and feel that can’t be achieved anywhere else.

WR: Your garment silhouettes are so simple yet so strong. Is this something that you believe is important when it comes to workwear?

BP: Thank you. Absolutely. Obviously, I haven’t reinvented the wheel with any silhouette I offer, but I will say I’m definitely offering garments you can’t buy anywhere else. I attack each silhouette with the basis of what a garment is: fabric, cut, and construction. If you take a look at any style carefully, you’ll be able to see this clearly.

WR: You mentioned when we were setting up the interview that the collection you’ve just shown, FW23, is the most interesting you’ve released so far in terms of fabrics. Can you elaborate? What sort of fabrics are you using?

BP: It’s definitely the most interesting in terms of fabrics. Particularly in the sense that it’s the most I’ve offered that are very unique in their own right, within the same season. It’s also the first collection with fabrics I’ve never used before. Our new “Super Twill” is king, with distinguished lines at a beefy 10 oz. The brushed poplin stencil plaid is refreshing, too. I hate printed fabrics, but this one doesn’t intersect where the plaids meet, which is amazing because, typically, prints are meant to mimic wovens. The 24 oz. “Shadow Plaid Melton” is extremely robust. Fabrics like that aren’t really made anymore; it was a 30+ year old deadstock find. A tone-on-tone mini wool check milled and exported by Lanificio Luigi Zanieri S.p.A. It’s so classic it’s modern.

WR: Deadstock? You’re speaking my language. What’s next on the horizon for Randy’s? Your collections are somewhat modest in size. Are you thinking about expanding the team? Adding additional garments?

BP: I take it from season to season and figure it out as I go. I’ve always had countless ideas, but usually, I can only do a handful at most per season. Adding new styles can be very difficult due to the production process. Randy’s is still a small business, so if my wholesale doesn’t perform on a new style, I can’t run production without it being too expensive on the retail end. One of the main reasons I started Randy’s was to be the most competitively priced in its respective field, which is extremely difficult to do.