Founder’s Vision and Background
Buttercloth was founded by Danh Tran, a Vietnamese-American fashion designer who grew up immersed in the tailoring trade. His early years in his family’s tailor shop in Vietnam gave him hands-on experience in garment craftsmanship. After emigrating to the United States, Tran worked for prominent fashion companies, including Mattel, where he designed clothes for Barbie, and Affliction Clothing, where he served as Head Designer.
Tran’s goal was to solve a common problem: dress shirts looked great but felt stiff and uncomfortable. His answer was to merge the elegance of formalwear with the softness of casual clothing, resulting in the creation of Buttercloth.
The Innovation: A Shirt Like No Other
Buttercloth’s shirts are made from long fiber cotton and crafted through a proprietary 6-way stretch process. This design allows for unmatched breathability, flexibility, and comfort. The fabric feels like a soft T-shirt but has the sharp look of a dress shirt—perfect for modern professionals.
The company also introduced Icy Cotton, a patented fabric that provides a cooling effect. This technology has attracted attention from active individuals and those seeking functional fashion without compromising style.
Explore more fashion innovations and insights on our blog.
Shark Tank Boost and Robert Herjavec’s Investment
Buttercloth gained national exposure through its 2018 appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank. Danh Tran impressed the investors with his product and vision, securing a $250,000 investment from Robert Herjavec for 25% equity. The deal gave Buttercloth a massive boost in visibility and credibility.
Following the episode, website traffic and sales surged, helping the brand scale its operations and enhance product development.
Celebrity Endorsements and Social Media Strategy
Buttercloth’s popularity has been bolstered by celebrity endorsements from figures like Metta World Peace and Jay Leno. These endorsements have helped broaden the brand’s appeal across multiple demographics.
The brand also excels in e-commerce and digital marketing, utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to engage customers. Their stylish visuals and compelling content have driven brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Expanding Product Lines and Market Reach
What started as a men’s shirt company has expanded to include:
- Women’s apparel
- Polos and T-shirts
- Outerwear
- Accessories
This expansion reflects Buttercloth’s commitment to comfort-driven fashion for a wider audience.
Revenue and Net Worth
As of 2024, Buttercloth generates over $5 million in annual revenue. The brand’s consistent growth and product innovation position it as a rising player in the fashion world. While the company has faced challenges such as high customer acquisition costs, it continues to thrive thanks to loyal customers and strong word-of-mouth.
With continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding collections, Buttercloth’s net worth is estimated in the multi-million-dollar range and climbing.
