Pride Clothing: On Pride and Fitting In

A conversation with Phit Clothing by Jasmine Ledesma

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Photography provided by Phit Clothing

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When Phillip White, the creator of the simultaneously casual and stylish clothing line Phit Clothing, visualizes the aesthetic of the line, he imagines wide skies, mountains, smooth wine, aged castles, elephants, and finally — rainbows. His muses are Victoria Beckham and Rhianna. His friends describe White as an optimist, he calls himself a lover of life. “I know life is short and I want to enjoy my time here. I hope that I inspire people to go for their dreams and live their most authentic life.” This unflinching positivity undoubtedly bleeds over into the clothing he makes.

Coming from the parched, bustling city of Dallas, Texas, where other inspirational designers such as the venturesome Charles Smith II have paved a way for other creatives, White’s mission in beginning the adventure of Phit Clothing was to create a men’s activewear that would alter the way activewear was typically seen. Not so much a measly outfit to sweat through, but fashion. He wanted to create pieces of clothing that would complement, and even outshine, the necessary gym ensemble of sweatpants.

When Phit Clothing launched at Austin Fashion Week, among other lines such as the dreamy Soul Studio and fiery Kweens Royal Tees, the reaction was immediate. Heart emojis galore. Surrounded by frills and gold and teeth-baring competition, to see the models of Phit walking down the lilac runway in reversible bomber jackets, compression shorts and gnarly hoodies actually feels like a triumph. Comfort is key, a notion that feels fresh and humbling. There is nobody Phit Clothing is attempting to impress, no diamond audience or award they’re yearning for. That lax attitude must feel refreshing to customers who are so regularly bombarded with companies desperate for attention.

This shameless, carefree attitude has prompted White to release a new Pride collection, which features bright zigzags of rainbows across tank tops, jogger shorts, and athletic shoes. They are fun and exuberant. White says, “I treat this collection as an album, with each piece like a single that can stand on its own.”

Although the collection was once at risk for not being produced due to the strain COVID-19 has put on the fashion factories, as well as the emotional strain of the recent gruesome death of George Floyd, White was able to push through. He named the collection, “We Need A Rainbow” to reflect the great importance of sharing black, gay joy right now. This collection is his way of offering comfort to those around him. He claims, “There really is something there for everyone who needs some joy at this moment.”

Thank you, Phillip.

Shop the collection now by visiting phitclothing.com