Butter Cloth Men’s Shirts Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Danh Tran and Gary Falkenburg introduced their innovative clothing brand, Butter Cloth, to the investors on Shark Tank during Season 10.
Their brand focused on making dress shirts that combined comfort with style.
Unlike traditional dress shirts that feel stiff and restrictive, Butter Cloth shirts are designed using a unique long-fiber cotton fabric that allows for flexibility and breathability.
Danh Tran, originally from Vietnam, grew up in a family of tailors.
His passion for fashion started early, despite his parents urging him to pursue a more traditional career path such as law or medicine.
Ignoring their advice, he followed his dreams and attended fashion school before working in the clothing industry.
Eventually, he decided to create a unique shirt that solved the discomfort issue most people experience with dress shirts.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Product, Pricing, and Investor Interest
When Danh and Gary stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, they presented their pitch confidently, asking for $250,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in their company.
Their demonstration highlighted how their shirts offered a six-way stretch and superior comfort thanks to long-fiber cotton.
They brought in former basketball star Metta World Peace to demonstrate the shirt’s flexibility to make their pitch stand out.
While dunking a basketball, Metta showcased how the fabric moved quickly with his body, proving its breathability and stretchability.
After catching the sharks’ attention, the entrepreneurs gave samples and explained their business model.
They shared essential details about pricing, manufacturing costs, and customer acquisition. The numbers presented were as follows:
| Business Metrics | Details |
| Selling Price per Shirt | Around $100 |
| Cost to Produce | $20 per shirt |
| Customer Acquisition Cost | $40 per customer |
| Revenue (7 months) | Over $500,000 |
Danh revealed that, despite the company being relatively new, they had already surpassed half a million dollars in sales within seven months.
Additionally, he invested $240,000 of his savings into the company to help sustain operations and growth.
Shark Reactions and Investment Decision
The pitch intrigued the sharks, but some hesitated due to high marketing costs.
Kevin O’Leary was the first to back out, citing concerns about profitability given the expensive customer acquisition costs.
On the other hand, Mark Cuban believed that their focus should be on advertising rather than inventory, which led him to opt out as well.
Lori Greiner, known for investing in consumer goods, decided against making an offer, as she already had investments in the clothing industry and didn’t want another similar product.
Charles Barkley, the guest shark for the episode, wasn’t interested in the fashion industry and quickly dropped out.
That left Robert Herjavec as the only remaining investor. Seeing potential in the company, he offered $250,000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake.
Danh countered with a request for 20%, but Robert remained firm on his terms. After some deliberation, Danh and Gary agreed to Robert’s offer, sealing the deal.
How Butter Cloth Grew After Shark Tank?
Following their Shark Tank appearance, Butter Cloth experienced rapid growth.
The exposure from the show brought an influx of customers, leading to a significant increase in sales.
With Robert Herjavec’s mentorship and financial backing, the company expanded its product line beyond men’s dress shirts.
They now offer sweaters, outerwear, and even clothing for women.
Butter Cloth is generating more than $5 million in annual revenue, proving that its unique approach to dress shirts has resonated with consumers.
The company continues to focus on quality and innovation, ensuring its shirts remain among the most comfortable options.
The Key Takeaways from Butter Cloth’s Success
The story of Butter Cloth’s success holds valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to break into competitive markets.
Some of the key takeaways include:
- Identify a Real Problem: Danh Tran’s frustration with stiff, uncomfortable dress shirts led to the development of a product that genuinely addressed a common issue. Finding a real pain point in the market and solving it can lead to business success.
- Passion and Perseverance Matter: Despite family expectations, Danh’s determination to follow his passion showcases the importance of believing in one’s vision and pushing through obstacles.
- Creative Marketing Strategies Work: Bringing Metta World Peace on board to demonstrate the product’s stretchability was a unique approach that made the pitch memorable. Thinking outside the box can help attract attention in crowded industries.
- Investor Support Can Boost Growth: Securing a deal with Robert Herjavec provided Butter Cloth with the necessary resources and guidance to expand. The right investor can make a significant difference in scaling a business.
What’s Next for Butter Cloth?
With continued success, Butter Cloth is poised for even further growth.
The company remains committed to producing high-quality, breathable, and stylish clothing.
As they explore new product lines and expand their reach, their journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs.
From a small idea to a multi-million-dollar brand, Butter Cloth’s story proves that innovation, dedication, and the right business strategy can lead to long-term success.
The future looks bright for this fashion-forward company as it continues to redefine comfort in clothing.
