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Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, State & Liberty is a performance menswear brand that designs dress clothing specifically for athletic builds, combining stretch fabrics with tailored style. What began as a solution to a personal frustration has grown into a nine-figure business with more than 40 retail locations across the United States and Canada.
Founder and President Lee Moffie came up with the idea after struggling to find dress shirts that fit his athletic frame. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist—developed during his hockey career at the University of Michigan and later in professional organizations like the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins—traditional menswear simply didn’t work.
“I couldn’t find a dress shirt off the rack that fit the way I liked,” said Moffie. “I wanted to solve that problem—not just for myself, but for other guys with a similar build.”
Inspired by moisture-wicking, stretch, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics commonly used in athletic apparel, Moffie saw an opportunity to bring those features into professional wear. With just $7,000 and a college friend as a co-founder, he launched State & Liberty with a small collection of dress shirts designed for athletic physiques.
Despite having no formal background in fashion or retail, Moffie navigated the early years through trial and error, learning everything from sourcing fabrics to product development and operations. At the same time, he remained focused on delivering a better customer experience.
“I had zero experience in fashion when we started, so the first few years were a deep learning curve,” explained Moffie. “But we stayed focused on our mission—creating high-quality, well-fitting apparel for people with active lifestyles.”
Start with a clear mission and focus on solving a real problem for your customers. Be willing to learn as you go, stay disciplined, and build a team that reflects your values—because no one succeeds alone.Lee Moffie, Founder and President of State & Liberty
A key differentiator for the brand has been its commitment to brick-and-mortar retail at a time when many competitors were moving away from physical stores. Moffie believed customers needed to see and feel the product firsthand, leading the company to invest in a concierge-style shopping experience designed to feel personal and elevated.
“We wanted people to walk into our stores and feel like they were walking into our home,” he said. “That level of service and connection has been a huge driver of our growth.”
Today, State & Liberty continues to expand its product offerings beyond dress shirts and suits into casual wear and outerwear, while staying true to its core identity. The company has also seen significant growth in its wedding concierge business, helping thousands of grooms prepare for their big day each year.
Much of the company’s success stems from its direct-to-consumer model, which allows it to maintain control over both product quality and customer experience. Just as important, Moffie credits the company’s culture and team for sustaining that growth.
“Start with a clear mission and focus on solving a real problem for your customers,” he said. “Be willing to learn as you go, stay disciplined, and build a team that reflects your values—because no one succeeds alone.”
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