Overview:
Presence News asked five business leaders which clothing brands they wear most often and why. Their answers reveal a shared focus on durability, functional design, professional presentation, sustainability, and long-term value — offering insight into how real-world environments shape wardrobe loyalty.
When it comes to clothing, loyalty often says more about a person’s profession and values than any trend forecast ever could.Presence News asked five business leaders and founders a simple question: What two clothing brands do you wear most often — and why do you stay loyal to them?
Their answers weren’t about runway style or seasonal collections. Instead, they focused on durability, fit, sweat management, sustainability, and cost-per-wear — practical metrics that matter in real-world environments.
From jeweler benches to shipping ports and gym floors, here’s what keeps these professionals coming back to the same brands year after year.
Function Over Fashion at the Jeweler’s Bench
Tom Daube, president of Washington Diamond, doesn’t describe himself as fashion-forward.
His workdays are spent examining stones through a loupe, recutting diamonds, and leaning over a jeweler’s bench surrounded by metal filings and chemicals.
That environment has shaped his wardrobe.
He relies on Patagonia and Duluth Trading Company — not for style, but for survival.
Patagonia’s outerwear, he says, has endured chemical splashes and polishing compounds without deteriorating. He points to a fleece he has worn since 2011 and emphasizes the brand’s repair program, which has extended the life of garments rather than forcing replacement.
Duluth’s Firehose pants, meanwhile, withstand the friction of constant movement — reinforced knees allow him to kneel at safes and workstations without shredding fabric. For Daube, clothing philosophy mirrors diamond buying: invest in quality once, maintain it properly, and it will serve you for decades.
Warehouse to International Port: Built to Last
Marzena Beltek, general manager of Doma Shipping & Travel, manages shipping warehouses in Chicago and inspects container operations abroad — often in the same week.
Her uniform consists of Carhartt and Eddie Bauer.
Carhartt’s duck canvas work pants withstand climbing into shipping containers, inspecting antique furniture wrappings, and navigating industrial environments filled with salt air and diesel fumes. She says she previously destroyed multiple pairs of standard pants in a single month before switching.
Eddie Bauer’s layering system solves another logistical challenge: temperature extremes. A freezing 5 a.m. warehouse inspection may be followed by an afternoon carrier meeting in warm weather. Lightweight, packable layers allow for flexibility without sacrificing professionalism.
For Beltek, durability under unpredictable conditions is the ultimate loyalty driver.
Engineering Basics, Not Trends
Hyunmin Kim, founder of SwagByte
He has handled thousands of apparel products through his promotional goods company. That exposure has shaped a data-driven approach to wardrobe selection.
He also chooses Carhartt for everyday wear, citing reinforced seams and long-term durability that outperform fast fashion alternatives in cost-per-wear.
For basics, he turns to Uniqlo.
Uniqlo’s Airism and HeatTech fabric technologies, he says, prioritize function over flash. Moisture-wicking performance and lightweight thermal layers meet real environmental demands without premium pricing. As someone who sources products for tech clients, Kim values engineering and quality control over marketing-driven trends.
His conclusion: brands that solve functional problems earn long-term loyalty.
Performance and Professionalism on the Gym Floor
Joseph Depena, owner of VP Fitness in Providence, Rhode Island, spends his days demonstrating lifts, coaching sessions, and meeting clients. Mobility and sweat management are non-negotiable.
He wears Nike for training — particularly Dri-FIT tees and shorts that retain structure even after frequent use.
For coaching and business operations, he turns to Lululemon. Stretch-friendly ABC and Commission-style pants provide the polish required for meetings without restricting movement during demonstrations.
Fit consistency, he says, eliminates distraction. When clothing moves properly and maintains a professional appearance, it supports the intentional, focused atmosphere he aims to create in his boutique gym.
Affordability Meets Sustainability
Amy Mosset, CEO of Interactive Counselling, keeps her wardrobe simple: Old Navy and Patagonia.
Old Navy provides affordable everyday wear — practical for busy schedules where coffee spills are inevitable. Patagonia handles harsh Canadian winters while aligning with sustainability values the brand promotes publicly.
For Mosset, loyalty balances budget consciousness with environmental consideration.
The Common Thread: Utility, Not Hype
Across industries — jewelry, logistics, tech sourcing, fitness, and counseling — the decision-making framework was remarkably consistent.
The five leaders prioritized:
- Durability under stress
- Functional design
- Cost-per-wear value
- Fit consistency
- Environmental or brand values
- Professional appearance when needed
None mentioned trend cycles. None referenced seasonal fashion. Instead, their wardrobes reflect professional realities — environments where clothing must perform as reliably as the people wearing it.
In an era dominated by fast fashion and influencer marketing, these responses suggest a quieter metric of loyalty: does the garment solve a real problem, and does it last?
For these experts, that answer determines everything.
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