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Universal Standard develops and distributes size-inclusive women's apparel, offering a comprehensive range of fashion essentials from sizes 00 through 40. The company’s core approach centers on meticulous design and fit, employing techniques like individual garment fitting across its entire size spectrum and developing bespoke fabrics. This dedication ensures that high-quality, modern clothing is consistently available and optimally tailored for a diverse customer base.
Founded around 2016 by Alexandra Waldman, a former fashion journalist, and Polina Veksler, Universal Standard emerged from a critical insight into the fashion industry's arbitrary size segregation. Waldman’s personal experience with exclusionary fashion, combined with Veksler’s strategic vision, led them to challenge the prevailing norms. They recognized an underserved market for stylish, quality clothing beyond conventional sizing, inspiring a brand built on universal access.
The company caters to all women seeking sophisticated and well-fitting clothing, particularly those overlooked by traditional fashion brands. Universal Standard’s vision is to fundamentally redefine industry standards, establishing a "new normal" where size is no longer a barrier or distinguishing factor in fashion. Their mission aims to ensure that every individual has access to modern, quality apparel, ultimately making size irrelevant to style.
Universal Standard has raised $9.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Universal Standard has raised $9.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Universal Standard is a women-led direct-to-consumer (DTC) fashion brand specializing in size-inclusive apparel for women, offering high-quality essentials from sizes 00 to 40.[1][2][3][5] Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York City, it serves customers seeking stylish, durable clothing like denim, activewear, swimwear, underwear, and office attire, solving the problem of limited size options and poor fit in traditional fashion by promoting "Fashion Freedom" through equal shopping access for all body types.[1][2][3][5] The brand has achieved significant growth, selling over 2.5 million items and grossing nearly $200 million in sales over nine years, with revenue estimates around $6 million annually and a loyal customer base built on quality fabrics, fit testing across sizes, and the Fit Liberty exchange program.[1][3]
Universal Standard was founded in 2015 by Polina Veksler (CEO) and Alexandra Waldman, two friends with no prior fashion industry experience, starting with an eight-piece collection in sizes 10 to 28 sold via Shopify.[1][2][3] Veksler learned e-commerce operations like website building and inventory management, while Waldman handled design sketches, driven by a mission to democratize fashion and end size-based exclusions.[2][3] Early traction came from customer feedback, leading to expansions in sizing (now 00-40), product lines (including a 2024 office collection), and initiatives like Fit Liberty, which solidified their reputation for inclusivity and quality beyond fast fashion.[1][3]
Universal Standard rides the wave of DTC e-commerce and consumer internet trends in fashion, using platforms like Shopify to bypass traditional retail barriers and deliver personalized, inclusive shopping experiences.[1][3][4] Timing aligns with rising demand for body positivity and size diversity amid social media-driven inclusivity movements, amplified by post-2020 shifts to online apparel sales.[3] Market forces like consumer rejection of fast fashion's poor quality and exclusionary sizing favor its premium, tech-enabled model, influencing the ecosystem by consulting major brands and setting standards for "Fashion Freedom" that push industry-wide change.[1][2][3]
Universal Standard's customer-for-life model and inclusivity leadership position it for continued expansion, potentially scaling office wear, denim lines, and international e-commerce amid growing DTC apparel markets.[1][3][5] Trends like AI-driven fit personalization and sustainable fabrics could enhance its tech edge, while social impact partnerships amplify influence; expect deeper retail partnerships or funding to fuel growth beyond $200 million in sales. This evolution reinforces its opening promise: true Fashion Freedom for all sizes, reshaping fashion's future.[3]
Universal Standard has raised $9.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Series A in February 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2018 | $7M Series A | — | 7BC Venture Capital, BAM Ventures, BoxGroup, BrandProject, Compound, Dopamine Ventures, Eunoia Capital Partners, FabFitFun, Fifth Wall, FirstMark Capital, Frontier Ventures, Imaginary Ventures, Klossy, Lightspeed Venture Partners, M13, Race Capital, Rubicon VC, Serena Ventures, Shine Capital, TPG, VMG Partners, Wildcat Ventures, Andy Katz Mayfield, Baron Davis, Erik Matlick, Gwyneth Paltrow, L.d. Salmanson, Marcel Legrand, Moshe Lifschitz | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2017 | $2M Seed | — | — | Announced |
Universal Standard has raised $9.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Universal Standard's investors include 7BC Venture Capital, Bam Ventures, BoxGroup, BrandProject, Compound, Dopamine Ventures, Eunoia Capital Partners, FabFitFun, Fifth Wall, FirstMark Capital, Frontier Ventures, Imaginary Ventures.
