At first blush, a handful of MIT grads may seem like an odd group to try and hack the fashion-meets-function conundrum of the outdoor apparel industry. But by applying web-centric approaches like A/B user testing and leveraging their collective engineering expertise against the problem, Ministry of Supply may have hit the tech-lifestyle target that so many brands have been striving to execute. This Kickstarter darling (who earned $400K more than their ask of $30,000) now offers ten products, each one focused on delivering outdoor-centric tech features (stretchable, weather-resistant fabrics; anti-odor treatments made from recycled coffee beans; smart, subtle venting) while still keeping the aesthetic urbane and refined. Dress shirts, like the Archive ($108), boast laser-cut venting and moisture-wicking fabrics constructed in a Savile Row-style profile. They look pretty sleek, but may not appeal to outdoor lovers who eschew formality, or don’t have to wear a button-down at their 9 to 5. But other products may have a greater application, like the slim-fitting Aviator Chinos ($118). During prelim tests, the pants have proven clutch for urban bike commuting, with mesh pockets for targeted venting, moisture wicking tech, stretch construction, and soft shell-like weather protection in a poly pant that doesn’t make you look like you’re about to attempt a first ascent.
—Nathan Borchelt