Frank & Oak

Frank & Oak operates as a Canadian apparel brand with a pronounced focus on sustainability and responsible manufacturing. The company was established in 2012 in Montreal's Mile End district by childhood friends Ethan Song and Hicham Ratnani. Song, an immigrant from China with a background in computer and electrical engineering, and Ratnani, aimed to merge design and technology to serve a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs.

The business began as an e-commerce-only retailer for men, later expanding into womenswear in 2016 and opening physical brick-and-mortar stores across Canada. The brand's business model initially included a subscription service called the 'Style Plan,' which provided personalized clothing selections to members, though the company has since shifted toward a more traditional multi-channel retail approach. Revenue is generated through the direct-to-consumer sale of its apparel and accessories via its website and physical retail locations.

A significant milestone in the company's history was achieving B Corporation Certification in 2019, which legally requires the company to balance profit with purpose and meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The company's commitment to sustainability is a core pillar of its operations. A stated goal is for 100% of its products to contain low-impact, cruelty-free, organic, biodegradable, or recycled fibers, or be produced using industry-leading technologies. Frank & Oak utilizes a variety of eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, kapok, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and Seawool. Specific initiatives include a circular denim program, where jeans are designed without rivets to be more easily recycled, and the use of carbon-neutral packaging and shipping for a portion of its deliveries.

Frank & Oak has faced financial difficulties, leading to it filing for creditor protection in June 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in its acquisition by Unified Commerce Group (UCG) in October 2020, an investment intended to provide resources for growth and expansion into the U.S. and Asia while keeping the headquarters in Montreal. However, the company filed for creditor protection again in late 2024/early 2025, with plans to close its remaining stores and sell the brand to a new ownership group. As of May 2025, Frank And Oak has suspended all online and retail operations.

Keywords: sustainable fashion, B Corp, menswear, womenswear, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, eco-friendly materials, circular denim, Canadian apparel, Montreal fashion