David Alan’s new clothing line focuses on cozy leisurewear.
Since 2016, Pittsburgh-based designer David Alan has become the person lots of guys — including former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, professional wrestler John Cena and comedian Michael Blackson — call when they need a slick custom suit for a special occasion.
Now he’s hoping people will think of him if they’re hunting for a cozy-yet-quality pair of joggers or a hooded sweatshirt, too.
Under his David Alan Pittsburgh label, he’s releasing this month a ready-to-wear clothing line on his website, davidalanclothing.com, with plans to add more styles throughout the year.
“It’s something I wanted to start for a long time,” he said. COVID-19 and the hundreds of thousands of dollars he lost in business because of the pandemic gave him the push to figure out how to do it.
His goal for it is to give more people an opportunity to own a piece of the brand at a lower price point.
“We want to highlight fashion in Pittsburgh and to continue that. You don’t have to go outside the community to find some of the latest trends and hottest things that are happening now.”
So far, the ready-to-wear line includes unisex sponge-fleece full-zip hoodies, longsleeve crew necks and camo relaxed-fit joggers. What these styles have in common with Alan’s custom creations is their commitment to quality.
“From a comfort and softness standpoint, everything has to be elegant and high-end,” he said. “We don’t want to lose that feel.”
He sold out of most pieces during a soft launch in December. The camo joggers, in particular, were popular and are his favorite from the collection.
“They’re just really fun. It’s a cool product,” Alan said.
He designs and ships everything from the David Alan Lounge, his brick-and-mortar headquarters and podcast studio on Mount Washington. He works with manufacturers in Thailand, Indonesia and the U.S. to source materials and make the clothes.
The average price for styles in this month’s launch is $70 to $80. More ready-towear looks, including bomber jackets, and celebrity collaborations are in the works for later this year.
“Optimistically, I think you’re going to see a lot of us throughout the country, which is exciting,” Alan said.