Written by Menswear Style in Interviews on the 15th November 2023

Expio are a cutting-edge brand for men's fashion that prioritizes style, sustainability, and performance. Through their groundbreaking approach to development, they have been able to produce the lightest, warmest, most durable and waterproof styles ever seen in the industry. The brand achieves this without compromising on their commitment to avoiding petrochemical materials and using subpar production methods. Expio's mission is to address the harm caused by the clothing industry through conscious decision-making and reducing their social and environmental impacts. By creating top-tier performance clothing with a clear understanding of these issues, they strive to make a positive impact on the world.

Ben Mears is a seasoned expert in the apparel industry with over two decades of rich experience. Born in England and nurtured in the verdant lands of rural Gloucestershire, his journey into the world of fashion has been extensive and rewarding. His passion for design led him to Kingston University, where he graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. His career path has taken him across the globe from Paris to Milan, Amsterdam, and London, gaining invaluable on-the-ground experience in the fashion capitals of the world. This global exposure has not only honed his design skills but also broadened his perspective on different cultures and fashion movements. Ben’s specific focus is on sustainable design and performance development, a niche that is both close to his heart and crucial in the current global scenario.

“I studied fashion design and during that time I worked with Timothy Everest which is when I found my love of menswear. I then went to work for Yves Saint Laurent as a tailoring designer, and on to Jaeger, Tommy, and North Sails too. The unique materials we use at Expio is key to what we do. I’m always looking for something that will perform at a high level. We use stitchless technology which was first developed for camping and no other brand in the world is using it for clothing. I've been working on this for 3 years and I get very excited about fabrics. I enjoy testing them to see how they perform under stress.”

This is a shortened transcribed edit of episode 206 of the MenswearStyle Podcast with Ben Mears, Founder of Lightweight Waterproof Outerwear brand expio-tailored.com. You can listen to the full version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.

We sit down with Ben Mears of Expio Tailored to talk about Fabrics, Innovation, Textiles, and Outerwear.