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Man in black Outlier trousers and a black jacket running on a red track in the city

Brand Portrait · USA

Outlier: trousers for moving through the city

Two friends in New York started with one pair of cycling trousers in 2008. Today Outlier makes some of the most thought-through technical clothing for city and travel.

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Outlier is proof that a technical trouser can look like a normal one. The New York label has spent almost two decades making clothing that works on a bike, on a plane and in a meeting, without ever looking like sportswear.

Man in a black short-sleeved shirt and black Outlier trousers in front of a blue backdrop
Image: Outlier

01 / 03

Two friends in New York

Outlier was founded in 2008 by Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens. The story starts with a simple problem: trousers for cycling through the city that still looked right once you got off the bike. The studio is in Brooklyn, and the brand still sells almost only through its own website.

Water droplets beading on dark technical fabric
Image: Outlier

02 / 03

Materials first

Outlier describes its approach as «a deep materialism»: everything starts with the fabric. A good example is Futurecloth, a nylon canvas woven in Sweden with a lot of stretch, a fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish and UPF 50+. Many pieces are named after their fabric, not after a season.

Legs in black Outlier trousers and white sneakers mid-stride on a sports court
Image: Outlier

03 / 03

Made for movement

The brand calls its clothing «designed for free movement worldwide, without borders». That is why the trousers have elastic waists hidden under clean fronts, deep pockets that hold a phone while running, and fabrics that survive a week in a carry-on. It is technical clothing for the city, rather than outdoor clothing worn in the city.

Your turn: which Outlier trousers would you take on a trip, and do they replace your hiking pants on easy trails?

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The Kit

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  • Outlier

    Futureyeses

    US$198

    Loose, lightly tapered trousers in Futurecloth, a 200 gsm nylon canvas woven in Sweden with 35% two-way stretch, an elastic waist with paracord cinch and mesh pockets.

    View at Outlier
  • Outlier

    Futureslimworks

    US$240

    The slim, clean version: trousers that look like chinos but move like training pants.

    View at Outlier
  • Outlier

    Light Dungarees

    US$240

    A five-pocket trouser that passes for jeans, in a light technical fabric that dries fast and works on a bike.

    View at Outlier

Prices as listed on the brand's own website, November 2026.

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