DEFCLO is a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the world of retail, as well as a clothing brand in its own right. The innovative online retailer emerged in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zain Ahmed, the Founder and CEO of DEFCLO , interestingly received numerous inquiries about clothing manufacturing in Bangladesh while studying Computer Science for Business and Management at the University of Sussex in the UK. Despite having no prior knowledge of clothing manufacturing, he and his brother reached out to many small, offline boutique brands and realised they needed resources to scale their businesses online. Leveraging his computer science background and passion for technology, Zain helped these brands establish an online presence and became a manufacturing partner for them. This ultimately paved the way for the creation of DEFCLO .
DEFCLO offers support to individuals aiming to establish their own clothing brands, covering everything from initial planning and design to retailing products through its website and social media channels. Zain particularly realised that social media influencers, accustomed to sharing their personal lives, styles, and preferences with their followers, could effectively showcase their own clothing brands in an organic and authentic manner. This promotion would resonate with their followers, who often aspire to emulate their lifestyle and fashion choices. So far, DEFCLO has collaborated with Ridy Sheikh, Sunehra Tasnim, Zohaina Amreen, Sumaiya Pasha, and others.
Although DEFCLO has partnered with many clothing brands over time, Zain remains selective in choosing collaborators who are willing to work hard. He believes that a strong work ethic and a clear long-term plan are essential for launching a successful brand. Rather than seeking partners who view the process as a fun hobby or short-term project, he focuses on those who demonstrate true commitment and determination.
To maintain a constant stream of new collections, Zain recognised the need to establish DEFCLO ‘s own brand within the platform. This decision proved to be a catalyst for exponential growth. “Innovation is at the heart of DEFCLO ‘s identity. Our passion for experimenting with colours, themes, and designs allows us to create clothing that stands out in the market,” says Zain. “We take risks and push the boundaries of fabric usage. This spirit also extends to our business model, where we actively engage with customers, adapt to their feedback, and focus on one-time collections to stay ahead of fashion trends and keep our brand fresh.”
The people behind DEFCLO understand the importance of sustainable practices throughout their production process. They prioritise responsible material sourcing. All factories of DEFCLO are socially compliant and uphold international standards. The platform has also partnered with TÜV Rheinland, a leading German fabric testing company, to ensure that its fabrics are of high quality so that customers do not face any issues.
DEFCLO ’s Ocean Laundry project is a collection released every three years that emphasises eco-friendly fashion, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The Ocean Laundry collection features a range of comfortable and stylish garments, including hoodies, joggers, sweatshirts, and T-shirts, and distinguishes itself by using recycled plastic in its production. With plans to launch the next Ocean Laundry collection in the winter of 2025, DEFCLO continues to pave the way for a greener future in the industry.
“Like any retailer, DEFCLO has experienced its share of failures and successes. During our first year, order numbers were significantly low, and there were times when we found ourselves with little to no work. The onset of the pandemic presented additional obstacles that further challenged our progress. However, through determination and a willingness to learn from our mistakes, we navigated this learning curve, embracing a trial-and-error approach to achieve the success we enjoy today,” shares Zain.
As for the platform’s future, he envisions DEFCLO continuing to collaborate with talented individuals and evolving into a comprehensive one-stop solution for diverse clothing needs, all while staying true to its commitment to unique and creative designs. By offering a wide range of options and staying ahead of trends, DEFCLO aims to remain a trailblazer in retail.