Get ready to meet the sportswear brand that’s turning heads and doubling its game in just one season—Arlo Mott. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a brand launched during economic uncertainty and tariff chaos not only survive but thrive? The answer might surprise you. Founded in 2024 by Alex and Karen Drexler and Susan Woo, Arlo Mott is quickly carving out its space in the competitive contemporary sportswear market. What’s their secret? A blend of timeless design, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of their customer’s needs—all while keeping things personal and flexible. Let’s dive into their story.
From its debut fall 2025 season, when the brand partnered with 15 wholesale accounts, Arlo Mott has expanded to 40 specialty stores for spring 2026. This includes high-profile retailers like Capitol, Tootsies, Kirna Zabête, TNT boutiques in Canada, and Max in Colorado. And this is the part most people miss: Their growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building relationships. The founders are showcasing their fall collection to retailers this week, continuing their hands-on approach to business.
Alex Drexler, who also runs the classic sportswear brand Alex Mill, brings business acumen and startup expertise to the table. Karen Drexler, his wife, previously worked as a buyer at TNT and later at Alex Mill, contributing her skills in design, merchandising, and sales. Susan Woo, a former designer at Derek Lam and Chanel, adds her flair for design and product development. Together, their complementary skill sets form the backbone of Arlo Mott.
The brand’s name itself is a blend of personal and professional inspiration. ‘Arlo’ was a name the Drexlers considered for their daughter (who they ultimately named Frankie), while ‘Mott’ pays homage to Mott Street in New York, a place where they’ve discovered countless new brands. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can a brand’s name truly reflect its identity? In Arlo Mott’s case, it’s a resounding yes.
Karen Drexler and Susan Woo’s friendship began when their children were in preschool, and the three founders now work out of the Drexlers’ TriBeCa apartment. ‘It’s so much to start a company,’ Woo reflects. ‘Nobody does it as a hobby.’ Karen adds that after taking five years off to focus on motherhood post-2018, the timing felt right to collaborate with Woo and embark on this new venture. ‘COVID hit, and it wasn’t until my daughter was in preschool that I started thinking about the next chapter,’ she explains.
Their collection is a testament to their shared vision: contemporary yet refined, sophisticated yet approachable. ‘We’re not trendy,’ Karen emphasizes. ‘We want timeless pieces that stay.’ Take their poplin shirts, for example—versatile, crisp, and effortlessly chic. Priced at $365, these shirts, named after streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn, were a top seller in their first season. But here’s the controversial part: Can a $365 shirt justify its price tag? Beth Buccini, founder of Kirna Zabête, thinks so. ‘Karen has an impeccable style and a true understanding of a woman’s needs,’ she says. ‘Arlo Mott offers an elevated take on uniform dressing, with essentials that feel fresh, modern, and effortless.’
The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of European fabrics and New York-based production, though their knits are made in China. For their first season, they intentionally kept distribution tight, partnering with a limited number of specialty stores to gather immediate feedback. ‘It’s incredible to have that touch point,’ Karen notes. ‘We can pick up the phone or visit a store and have a real conversation.’
Looking ahead, Arlo Mott is expanding its offerings with leather pieces and a broader color palette. ‘We’re getting better every season,’ Woo says. ‘We’re more seasoned, and it shows.’ Their fall collection features 50 styles, including shirtdresses, leather jackets, draped trousers, and poplin shirts with ties, priced from $125 for T-shirts to $450 and up for jackets. Sizes range from small to extra large, with bottoms from 0 to 12.
Beyond wholesale, the brand has launched an e-commerce platform, though their in-person approach remains unique. Buyers are invited to the Drexlers’ apartment to see, touch, and experience the collection firsthand. ‘It becomes a conversation,’ Woo explains. ‘This collection is so personal, and showing it out of our home gives buyers a sense of how special it is to us.’
Launching during a period of tariff volatility hasn’t been easy, but their small size allows for flexibility. ‘We’re doing our best to be fair to our company and our customers,’ Woo says. ‘Being small means we can adapt quickly.’
Here’s the final question to spark debate: Can a brand remain true to its roots while scaling rapidly? Arlo Mott’s journey so far suggests they’re up to the challenge. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this rising star in the sportswear world.
