History
The Birth of a Fashion Phenom
Affliction Clothing was launched in 2005 by Courtney Dubar, Todd Beard, Eric Foss and Clifton Chason. In 2012, Courtney Dubar (current CEO) bought Todd Beard’s portions of the company, making him majority shareholder.
Born from frustration with the fashion industry, Affliction emerged as a defiant roar against the status quo. Now, the brain trust of Courtney Dubar and Eric Foss, the company exploded on the scene nearly two decades ago with the idea to create a line of premium men’s tees that were truly unique in design, fit, fabric and wash techniques. Armed with the desire to offer the best possible garments, and the vision to forge their own path, breaking all the traditional rules of printing, the line, with its counter-culture aesthetic, was quickly embraced by the most elite athletes, rock band, celebrities and the fashion conscious. The name Affliction, which means, “pain and suffering due to adversity” was chosen as a nod to the notoriously cutthroat and difficult fashion industry. Rather than succumb to the norms dictated by others, the small team of innovators rose above to break new ground, establishing a new category of street clothing for the renegade trailblazer who dares to dream differently.
Affliction’s philosophies are best explained in the company’s creed”
AFFLICTION: THE PASSION THAT DRIVES US TO REACH FOR GREATNESS. WE ARE INSPIRED BY THOSE WHO LIVE FAST AND ARE WILLING TO ENDURE PAIN AND SUFFERING TO PUSH THE LIMITS OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE. YOU EMBRACE THE IDEOLOGY OF NEVER SAY I CANT, BUT I AM THE FIRST WHO EVER HAS. YOUR AFFLICTION MAKES YOU BUILD WHEN OTHERS BUY.
Quickly realizing they had started a trend that was on a fast uphill trajectory, Affliction’s vision expanded beyond a few men’s tees, to embrace full clothing lines for both men and women, conquering the worlds of denim, knits, wovens and outerwear. As a complete fashion brand, their goal has been consistent year after year. To push the envelope of what is possible in the clothing industry. They are artists and clothing is their canvas. Each intricate graphic is created by Affliction’s team of artists and is a distinctive work of art. The garments, with their divinely executed dark and powerful themes, are hand distressed and softened with various wash techniques including silicon, enzyme, and mineral washes. The graphics are screen printed using water base inks, which yield a no-hand feel and add to the vintage look.
Today Affliction is more than just a brand, it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication. It’s a reminder that the most daring ideas can create empires, leaving an indelible mark on the world.