Supreme started out as a small streetwear skater brand but has subsequently become a giant in the streetwear fashion world. The brand has a loyal fanbase spread across the globe, with new releases selling out extremely quickly.
Very little is known about Supreme’s clothing manufacturing, a deliberate effort on the part of the brand’s founder to keep details under wraps. The brand has a vertically integrated supply chain, with manufacturing suppliers located across the USA, Canada, as well as China.
Regardless of the secrecy surrounding the brand’s clothing manufacturing, Supreme has achieved remarkable success and is one of the world’s leading streetwear names. Strategic marketing choices, collaborations with big names in the apparel industry, as well as celebrity endorsements have all contributed towards Supreme’s success and popularity.
History of the brand
Supreme is a skateboarding brand that was founded by James Jebbia in 1994 in New York City. The brand’s first store was opened in downtown Manhattan and the brand established itself with a variety of countercultures including skaters, artists, punks, and hip-hop enthusiasts.
Over two and a half decades, the brand has grown into a name recognized worldwide and has stores located across the globe. It’s now a popular streetwear and fashion brand that continues to work with artists, writers, photographers, musicians, and more, gaining fans in celebrities as well as youth culture.
Supreme’s popularity across the globe has even resulted in a collaboration with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, bringing diverse consumer groups together through a merging of skater streetwear and luxury.
Where is Supreme clothing made?
Supreme is close-mouthed when it comes to where the brand’s clothing is manufactured. However, there is some general information to be found on their manufacturing facilities.
Supreme uses manufacturing facilities in various locations including the USA, Canada, and China. The brand rotates between different suppliers and manufacturers.
The brand previously made use of CYC Design Corporation to source fleece made in Canada. CYC is a Vancouver-based manufacturer that brought the brands Wings + Horns and Reigning Champ to life.
There are rumors that Supreme still has a Canadian manufacturing facility in Brampton, Ontario, but this has not been confirmed.
There are two main reasons so few specifics are known about where the clothes are made. Firstly, the brand’s founder doesn’t volunteer the information and prefers to remain discreet on the details.
Secondly, Supreme has a vertically integrated supply chain, meaning that they own the supply chain and have full control over it.
Where to buy Supreme clothing
Consumers who are keen to get their hands on Supreme clothing have a few options. They can visit the brand’s retail stores, located in the likes of New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tokyo.
It’s also possible to purchase Supreme clothing through the brand’s online shop. Additionally, the brand’s clothing is available through Dover Street Market which is a multi-brand retailer with online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Regardless of whether consumers opt for in-store or online purchases, it’s important to be prepared and expect a lot of competition when new clothing drops are released. New releases tend to sell out exceptionally quickly, so consumers need to be quick off the mark to obtain their desired pieces.
Another alternative for purchasing Supreme clothing is through third-party retailers. This option can be expensive however as these retailers will obtain Supreme clothing from the brand’s physical stores and website before it sells out.
Subsequently, third-party retailers will add a markup to the clothing, so resale prices are significantly greater than obtaining clothing directly from Supreme’s stores or online shop. Many people buy Supreme clothing with the intention from the start to sell it on, confident that fans of the brand will fork out much more than the original retail price to score their coveted gear.
Much higher markups are not the only thing to be aware of with regards to third-party purchases. There is also the additional risk of counterfeit merchandise being sold through third-party retailers, so consumers should bear this in mind when considering purchasing through a third-party retailer.
A streetwear brand that conquered the world
Supreme has seen exceptional success from its skater shop roots to a globally recognized streetwear brand. Its huge fan base is passionate and dedicated to the brand, as evidenced by the extreme speed with which new clothing drops sell out, not to mention the expensive resale prices that Supreme clothing goes for.
As a streetwear brand, its domination is impressive. Add in its collaborations with luxury brands and established household names in apparel and its popularity is only going to increase.