Dapper Dan Gets a New Twist With Dapper Boi
This startup sells clothes for all gender identities and body types. Inclusivity is key.
Anyone waking up this morning and getting ready to face the world inevitably has to make a decision that will color the rest of their day: choosing what to wear.
Feeling comfortable and confident in your fashion aesthetic can go a long way in determining if you’re going to have a successful day.
And conversely, wearing clothes that you don’t feel really represents you, or what you’re about, can have the opposite effect on you.
Dapper Boi endeavors to make those early-morning decisions easier for those who have not found alignment with mainstream clothing brands, in terms of their identity and sense of fashion.
Inclusivity is paramount for founders Vicky and Charisse Pasche. But that does not merely mean gender-neutral clothing. It means clothing that’s also size-inclusive, stylish and comfortable.
Checking all these boxes for their apparel stems from Vicky Pasche’s own experience -- shopping for clothing in men’s departments.
“Many mainstream brands overlook the unique needs of those seeking masculine-presenting, body-inclusive styles,” Charisse Pasche said. “Dapper Boi’s commitment to diversity and the LGBTQ+ community has built a loyal customer base, making it more than just a fashion choice — it’s a movement toward inclusivity.”
Dapper Boi sells tops, bottoms, accessories and collection sets, including a Casual Knit Suit Separates Collection.
Foundation
Dapper Boi is a San Diego-based apparel company. Vicky Pasche serves as CEO and Charisse is the COO.
The company’s first fundraising effort was a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. At the time, the goal was to raise $18,000 for research and production to create a pair of androgynous jeans.
They exceeded their goal by several thousand dollars, making it clear that there was an audience for their vision.
They pitched to the sharks on Shark Tank in 2023. The pitch was not successful, but did catalyze the founding duo to stick with direct-to-consumer (DTC) as its business model.
One of the company’s advisors is Catherine Gray. She’s the producer of the Show Her the Money movie, as well as the founder of She Angel Investors. She’s also a general partner of the Silicon Valley Women Founders Fund.
Gray told inter-TECH-ion she decided to advise the company for two reasons.
“One is the absolutely dynamic duo of founders, Vicky and Charisse Pasche,” she said. “They are outstanding human beings with a passion to impact the retail industry. And the second is that I feel they have created a much needed retail solution with their in-demand, gender-neutral clothing."
Financing
To date, Dapper Boi has raised $1.5 million, with lead investors including Kelly Ann Winget, CEO of Alternative Wealth Partners.
Women typically get less than 2% of VC funding. So, women supporting women is evident in this startup’s case.
Part of that funding -- more than $282,000 – is from an equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine, which is still going. Dapper Boi’s valuation for this campaign is $6 million. The founders are still seeking to raise another $500,000 as part of this endeavor. Equity crowdfunding is open to individuals, not just elite funds and high net worth investors.
The funds raised are being used to expand Dapper Boi’s clothing line, increase inventory, strengthen online reach and hire an executive operations manager.
How it Works
Dapper Boi operates through a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, relying on a “strong” online presence and community engagement, Vicky Pasche said.
The brand uses "intro pricing" on new launches, “creating excitement and high sell-through rates,” she added.
This intro pricing, along with limited drops, is also designed to manage inventory “efficiently” and minimize waste.
This approach keeps the brand “agile, responsive to customer feedback, and focused on sustainable growth,” she said.
Community Engagement a Priority
And so far, it’s hard to argue with that model considering the traction Dapper Boi has seen, in terms of revenue and community engagement.
One way Dapper Boi engages with its customers is with a points-based, loyalty rewards program. Other ways include social media platforms, influencer marketing, blog posts and an annual model contest.
For the founders, the company is not just a value-based endeavor, but a values-based one as well.
Its emphasis on inclusivity -- gender identity and body type -- remains the focus.
So, while mainstream fashion can sometimes be slow to recognize the growing demographic of those yearning for more visibility in the fashion world, Dapper Boi is shining a spotlight on them.