To Create a World-Class Apparel Brand from Pakistan

Published on: January 27, 2022

“For a startup to thrive … a lot has been said about passion being the driving force. I personally, find the passion argument to be really overrated. I think the biggest prerequisite for a startup is the startup mindset that whatever problem comes to me, I am going to solve it”, says Syed Obaidullah, talking about his apparel business, The Jacket Maker – which is emerging as a major disruptor in the global leather outerwear industry.

Since its inception in 2016, The Jacket Maker has recorded sales in over 90 countries and 5000 cities across the globe, for its core product – affordable, high-quality bespoke leather jackets. With an impressive $3 million earned in revenue last year, they’re setting a new target to reach $50 million in the next five years.

The brand sets itself apart from others in the e-commerce apparel industry by creating the perfect fusion of the age-old craft of bespoke tailoring combined with the efficiency and ease of e-commerce which has led to The Jacket Maker gaining traction in global markets. With its ‘Made to fit’ and bespoke tailoring models, by using technology with digital illustrations alongside an in-depth design and delivery process, Jacket Maker ensures customers get the perfect fit for their choice – quality that’s reflected by the brand’s less than 2% return rate on custom products.

The brand is disrupting bespoke tailoring in the apparel industry through its meticulous attention to detail at every step of the manufacturing process.

For Obaidullah, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing people wear the jackets that his brand has made and seeing his work getting recognition and appreciation from his customers. The Jacket Maker has been recognized as a brand revolutionizing the leather outerwear industry, for its creative illustrations and custom apparel options by Forbes, Business Insider, GQ, Men’s Health, New York Post amongst other prominent publications.

Syed Obaidullah started the business along with three of his school friends and all of them recognized Pakistan’s exceptional capability when it comes to leather products. Obaidullah’s previous experience in digital marketing and e-commerce with Daraz, and a realization of a gap in the industry for high-quality, affordable leather jackets helped finalize his decision to start The Jacket Maker.

“You need method and madness both”, says Syed Obaidullah as he reasons what it takes to successfully build and run a startup. According to him, passion is not as much of a driving force as it is made out to be but having persistence and grit is what is equally important when it comes to making a startup a success.

Hear our conversation with Obaid to hear more about the brand’s processes, the challenges of running a global ecommerce retail business, his experience of creating a global brand from Pakistan, and the lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.