FRENN

FRENN is a Helsinki-based menswear brand established in 2013 by co-founders Jarkko Kallio and Antti Laitinen. The duo, who collectively possess over four decades of experience in the textile, design, and fashion industries, launched the brand to update traditional menswear with a focus on relaxed sophistication, transparency, and sustainability. Kallio's background is in design and marketing, while Laitinen has extensive experience in menswear design and production. The company's name is a portmanteau of the words "fresh" and "Nordic."

The brand operates on a direct-to-consumer business model, complemented by retail partnerships. Sales are generated through its flagship store in Helsinki's Design District, which opened in May 2018, its online store, and partnerships with retailers like the Swedish online store Boozt and Stockmann department stores. FRENN targets the urban man seeking versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting apparel that is suitable for both professional and casual settings. The company emphasizes a comprehensive customer experience, offering services such as tailoring, repairs, and recycling to extend the life of its garments. All products come with a lifetime manufacturing guarantee and a one-year repair guarantee.

FRENN's product line features a modular collection of menswear, including blazers, trousers, shirts, and knitwear, designed to be easily combined. A core part of the collection consists of timeless classics that are continuously available. The company is committed to sustainable practices, using premium, eco-certified European materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified fabrics. Production is handled responsibly in Northern Europe, specifically in the Baltic countries and Poland, with the company transparently listing its partner factories. This commitment to sustainability has earned FRENN top scores in Eetti's (Pro Ethical Trade Finland) sustainability rankings for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. The brand also won the "Design Deed of the Year" award in Finland in 2017.

Keywords: sustainable menswear, Nordic design, modular fashion, ethical production, Helsinki fashion, eco-certified materials, direct-to-consumer, men's apparel, casual formality, slow fashion, transparent supply chain, Jarkko Kallio, Antti Laitinen, long-lasting clothing, repair services, Finnish design, versatile wardrobe, organic cotton, European manufacturing, circular fashion