Drew Joyner's Top 5 Favorite Fashion Brands Right Now (2021)

Discovering Authentic Style Beyond Mainstream Hype

If you're tired of chasing hyped brands and crave authentic style with substance, you've landed in the right place. After analyzing Drew Joyner's recent vlog-discussion hybrid video, I've identified his top fashion brand recommendations that solve this exact pain point. Drew’s insights come from firsthand testing and industry connections, offering genuine alternatives to overcrowded mainstream labels. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to elevate your wardrobe with purpose-driven pieces.

The Undisputed Reign of Homie Brands

Drew’s absolute favorites are what he calls "homie brands" – small-scale operations by creators he personally knows or respects. These brands thrive on authenticity over hype, making them hidden gems in a saturated market. Examples include Ora NYC (featured in Drew’s hat), Gardens & Seeds headwear, and Collegium footwear. What makes these special? They spark conversations when worn, like "Where’d you get that chain-stitched hat?" Drew notes this organic curiosity rarely happens with mass-market logos.

Boy Blondie Ferrer and Libero round out his list, emphasizing that homie brands prioritize craft over clout. The key advantage is accessibility: you avoid bots and reseller markups while directly supporting independent designers. For Drew, this personal connection transforms clothing into meaningful storytelling.

New Balance: Where Comfort Meets Versatility

As an athlete-turned-creator, Drew demands footwear that performs. New Balance dominates his rotation with six+ pairs, and for good reason. First, their technical comfort (like the unreleased models he teased) supports all-day wear. Second, their designs straddle multiple aesthetics – think pairing 990v5s with both joggers and tailored trousers. Drew’s high school friend Jordan Johnson works on New Balance’s collaborations team, adding insider credibility to his praise.

Critically, Drew highlights NB’s superior craftsmanship versus "Far East sweatshop quality" competitors. Models like the Jiu Jitsu Jound Archie Twos (which he wore in the vlog) exemplify this with their understated details and durable materials.

Sustainable Innovators: Story MFG

For eco-conscious style, Drew singles out Story MFG as a fascination. Their hippie-meets-high-fashion ethos resonates with Colorado’s outdoor culture, using natural dyes and ethical production. Though he admits their price point is prohibitive (he owns no pieces yet), their Denver stockist Steadbrook carries the brand for hands-on inspection. Story MFG’s strength lies in transparency – they openly document their sustainable processes, a trust-building tactic Drew respects.

United By Blue earns an honorable mention here for similar eco-values, proving sustainability isn’t just a trend but a movement Drew monitors closely.

Minimalist Mastery: Jiu Jitsu Jound

Montreal-based Jiu Jitsu Jound fascinates Drew through contradiction. How does a brand with near-zero visible branding cultivate such a devout following? Their "Archie" sneaker line demonstrates this paradox – discreet yet instantly recognizable to initiates. Drew attributes this to meticulous design language and Canadian craftsmanship (a scene he’s exploring deeply). The brand’s Montreal studio embodies a less-is-more philosophy that prioritizes texture and cut over logos.

Vintage Staples: The Ultimate Thrift Hack

Rounding out Drew’s list is vintage USA-made Fruit of the Loom crewnecks. These 50/50 cotton-poly blends offer perfect layering for "cozy season" with retro graphics that hold up wash after wash. He’s collected these for 6+ months, valuing their affordability and character. Pro tip: Look for thick collar ribbing and intact seams to spot quality vintage. Drew pairs them with modern pieces (like his unreleased Edward Joiner graphic tee) for balanced looks.

Drew’s Brand Discovery Action Plan

1. Follow one local designer on Instagram this week (e.g., Unique Eugene, featured in Drew’s vlog).
2. Visit a sustainable stockist like Steadbrook to feel Story MFG’s fabrics firsthand.
3. Thrift strategically: Hunt for "Made in USA" tags on heavyweight knits.

Resource Deep Dive:

• Homie Brands: @oranyc @gardensandseeds (IG) for accessible artistry
• Footwear Starters: New Balance 990v5 for all-day comfort ($175)
• Sustainability: Good On You app to vet brand eco-claims

The Takeaway

Authenticity beats algorithm-driven hype every time. Drew’s blend of homie brands, functional footwear, and conscious choices proves style isn’t about logos – it’s about connection and intention.

When exploring these brands, which category resonates most with your personal style – underground gems, sustainability, or vintage? Share your journey in the comments! Drew reads every response and often sources video ideas from this feedback.