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D2C surge in outdoor apparel sector: Darn Tough Vermont CEO

15 Sep '23

1 min read

Pic: Darn Tough Vermont Socks/Facebook

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In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, the CEO of sock manufacturer Darn Tough Vermont discussed the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in the outdoor apparel industry.
He cited the agility of D2C, and the tangible experience offered by traditional retail as their respective strengths.
He also likened sock knitting machines to 'the first 3D printers'.

There has been a notable rise in direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in the outdoor apparel industry, noted Ric Cabot, founder and CEO of Darn Tough Vermont, an American manufacturer of end-use-specific socks. In a recent interview with Fibre2Fashion, Cabot shed light on the evolving landscape of the outdoor apparel industry.

Cabot acknowledged the merits and drawbacks of the D2C model vis-a-vis the traditional retail channels. “The advantage of D2C is the ability to be nimble. The advantage of traditional retail channels is human interaction. To touch and feel a product brings the experience to an entirely different level. They each pay for themselves and have immense value,” he told F2F.

Delving into the world of smart textiles and wearable technology, Cabot articulated the transformative journey a sock undergoes, from a cone of yarn to a finished product through sock knitting machines, which he playfully referred to as ‘the first 3D printers’.

Click here to read the full interview.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)

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