In a world that’s rapidly changing post-pandemic, there’s a brand that’s making waves with a fresh approach to fashion. Meet Able Made, a luxury clothing brand that’s redefining the fashion industry by seamlessly blending style, soccer inspiration, and a deep commitment to social responsibility.
One of the standout achievements that underscores Able Made’s journey is its remarkable 170% increase in revenue since the brand relaunch in April 2022. This meteoric rise in revenue from 2021 to 2022 is a testament to the brand’s agility and the resonance of its unique approach to fashion. What sets Able Made apart is its challenger spirit, breaking free from the typical playbook of paid marketing. The brand has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve exceptional growth through organic and unpaid reach, redefining the norms of starting and growing a fashion brand. “Part of this success,” explains founder and CEO Suzanne Mckenzie, “is because as we’ve grown, our mission hasn’t changed. We’re always supporting responsible manufacturing while raising thousands of dollars for city-youth health and other powerful nonprofit initiatives aimed at building our communities.”
Able Made’s impact goes beyond its stylish clothing. While they operate as a for-profit business, they have a triple bottom line approach: profit, people, and planet. This means they’re not only about making money but also about making a positive difference in the world.
Able Made’s style-driven focus is another key differentiator. Unlike traditional performance apparel, Able Made’s collections are designed for “off-pitch” moments, drawing inspiration from high fashion rather than conventional sports kits and jerseys. This unique approach to fashion has resonated with a diverse range of consumers, from athletes and sports front offices in the Premier League, MLS, NWSL, NBA, WNBA, NFL, and MLB to fashion, culture, and sustainability influencers.
However, Able Made doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. The brand’s inception in 2012 was fueled by the tragic loss of CEO and Founder Suzanne Mckenzie’s husband, Ucal Mckenzie, a Jamaican-born guidance counselor, soccer coach, and city-youth mentor, to sudden cardiac arrest while playing the game he loved. Driven by this loss, Able Made uses its proceeds from sales to support the Ucal Mckenzie Breakaway Foundation, which partners with sponsors to fund city-youth soccer & health camps and clinics in Boston, Hartford, and soon, New York City. Each garment features a unique spin on the pattern of a soccer ball shaped into a heart, paying homage to Suzanne’s late husband’s love for soccer and reflecting Able Made’s mission to spread love and care to communities. This past July, Able Made and UMBF joined forces with Boston Parks and Recreation and In A Heartbeat Foundation to begin a program to distribute Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across public fields in Boston. Because of this distribution, they were able to save a life this past September.
Their commitment to responsible manufacturing, using organic, upcycled, and cruelty-free materials, has not only made waves in the fashion industry, but Able Made occupies a unique space in the market where soccer, style, and sustainability meet. This is a massive $30 billion market opportunity, catering to folks who love soccer, care about style, and are conscious of their environmental footprint. The growing popularity of soccer in the United States, bolstered by events such as Leo Messi’s arrival in the MLS and the rapid growth of the NWSL, further validates this market’s potential.
Sara Toussaint, Co-Owner of NWSL team N.C. Courage and Underdog Ventures notes, “There are so many exciting fashion brands for investors to choose from, but Able Made stands out because it connects many personal interests: a woman founder who designs cool apparel inspired by soccer that’s sustainably and ethically made in North Carolina while offering city kids memorable experiences. And as an investor, I know two things: one, soccer will continue to boom in the U.S., especially with the upcoming 2022, 2023, and 2026 World Cups; and two, consumers will spend more on businesses with social purpose.”
In a world where fashion and sustainability are colliding, Able Made is paving the way. They’re proving that a brand can succeed by aligning with the values of its customers and making a real impact in the world. As they continue to grow with a multi-million dollar revenue target for 2024, Able Made is on a mission to set new standards in luxury fashion where style, sustainability, and social responsibility are seamlessly interwoven.
