NineteenTwenty

NineteenTwenty is a direct-to-consumer fashion brand centered on convertible, multifunctional clothing. The company was founded by Ashley Sankar, who drew upon over a decade of supply chain experience and nine years as a Logistics Officer in the U.S. Army to create the line. Inspired by her own busy, travel-heavy lifestyle, she developed a patented clothing concept to solve practical challenges. The business gained significant traction in December 2022 after a video went viral on social media, leading to substantial initial sales.

The core of NineteenTwenty's offering is its utility-patented convertible jackets and skirts that can transform into functional items like tote bags, blankets, and pillows. This addresses a direct market need for versatile and space-saving options for travelers and individuals with active lifestyles. The brand operates on a direct-to-consumer business model, selling its products exclusively through its website. Revenue is generated through these online sales, with product drops occurring quarterly to manage production. The product line includes puffer jackets, windbreakers, and skirts, with retail prices for jackets ranging from approximately $148 to $298. The company emphasizes inclusivity by offering a wide range of sizes, from XS to 5X.

Founder Ashley Sankar's journey from military logistics to fashion entrepreneur was driven by a desire for more adaptable clothing. She created the initial prototype and secured a utility patent for the design before officially launching the company. Her husband and high school sweetheart, Zach Sankar, serves as the company's COO. The duo appeared on Season 16 of Shark Tank, seeking capital to overcome production limitations and scale inventory. They secured a deal with investor Robert Herjavec for $250,000 for 25% equity. Beyond its commercial goals, NineteenTwenty has expressed a mission to one day donate its jackets to people experiencing homelessness.

Keywords: convertible clothing, functional fashion, travel wear, direct-to-consumer, patented apparel, Shark Tank, women-owned business, veteran-owned business, adaptive clothing, puffer jacket, tote bag jacket, supply chain, fashion startup, e-commerce, inclusive sizing, outerwear, multifunctional garments, Ashley Sankar, smart clothing, travel accessories