Ripley Rader: From Broadway Dreams to a Fashion Phenomenon

Ripley Rader’s journey to becoming a viral sensation in the fashion world is anything but an overnight success. A former Broadway performer, Rader turned her love of sewing into a thriving brand that combines comfort, inclusivity, and style. Named after the West Virginia town her grandparents called home, Rader has spent the past decade building her eponymous fashion label from the ground up.

Ripley Rader: A Brand Born from Persistence

Rader’s fashion career began serendipitously in 2013 when a jumpsuit she made for herself caught the eye of a buyer at Fred Segal. With no formal fashion training, she dove into sourcing fabrics and finding seamstresses, ultimately launching her brand. Over the years, Rader and her husband, Ben, operated their business like a family enterprise, growing gradually without sacrificing creative control.

“We were the little engine that could,” Rader reflects. They stayed focused on high-quality, American-made production, even renting out part of their home to keep the business afloat.

A Pandemic Pivot and Viral Success

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, pushing the couple to consider other jobs. They pivoted to making masks and donated 30,000 face coverings but struggled to sustain the business. Then, in 2022, everything changed. Rader’s wide-leg pants went viral online, earning praise for their comfort, chic style, and inclusive sizing. A humorous, unscripted ad featuring a customer quote—“I wear your clothes when I want to get a job or get laid”—struck a chord, catapulting the brand into the spotlight.

More Than Just Pants

With newfound visibility, Rader has expanded her collection, offering pieces designed for versatility and effortless elegance. Her signature jumpsuit, the piece that started it all, remains a bestseller. “Women take on so much that we don’t need bad mood clothing. We need clothes that feel good,” she says.

Rader’s philosophy extends beyond style. Her commitment to ethical production includes fair wages and sustainable practices. “Every piece of clothing is sewn by a person,” she emphasizes, celebrating the artisans behind her garments.

A Testament to Tenacity

Today, Ripley Rader’s team has grown, and her designs are sold in over 200 boutiques nationwide, including Neiman Marcus. Her story underscores the power of persistence and authenticity. “There’s something really powerful in showing up,” she says.

Rader’s brand is now synonymous with a new wave of fashion—clothing that empowers women to take up space while feeling comfortable in their own skin. Her path from Broadway to boardrooms proves that true success is never instant, but always worth the effort.

For more on Ripley Rader’s story, check out her podcast, Younger But Wiser, where she interviews teen girls, offering yet another platform for empowerment and inspiration.