Life in the Middle

The Men's Country Collection

The Normal Brand @ 2015-12-01 10:25:21 -0600

  Like many kids in the Midwest, I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad, brothers and uncles. In fact, some of my fondest memories happened out there in the country. But nowadays, as life gets busier, new memories formed in the woods, blind or cabin are a lot tougher to come by; especially when coordinating with friends.  Yet, when we do get a chance to get out there, we can all agree on one thing—you always need to have the right gear for the hunt. The pieces that travel well and remain strong. So, it’s with this knowledge...

College Inspired. Comfort Driven.

College Inspired. Comfort Driven.

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-30 09:56:45 -0600

Here at The Normal Brand, everything we do starts with the "feel" test. Growing up, that’s how I was taught to judge clothes—start with your hands and end with your eyes. It’s why, even today, every single piece we decide to make starts between our fingers.  I knew I wanted to create some really cool t-shirts—pieces that stand for something and make the person wearing them feel true pride. But first and foremost, I needed them to be the most comfortable thing you slip on in the morning. So, we found a family-owned and operated manufacturer in the US that we...

The Men's Holiday City Collection

The Men's Holiday City Collection

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-24 19:00:02 -0600

I identify with being from a city. I was born in the city, went to school and work in the city. I go to bars, restaurants, and cafes in the city. But I still want to show my personality in what I wear; I want to have some toughness; I want to have the freedom to jump in the truck and head out to the farm; I want to feel unfazed by the elements. I want rugged sophistication. I think we achieved that in the fabrics, colors, trimmings, and ribbings in our collection. From the versatility of our best-selling Two...

The Top Side Backpack Ranked #1 by Travel + Leisure

The Top Side Backpack Ranked #1 by Travel + Leisure

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-24 13:51:39 -0600

It always feels good to be called #1, especially when that distinction comes via a publication as prestigious as Travel + Leisure. So, when we saw our Top Side Leather Backpack ranked highest on their list of 18 Gifts for the Adventure Traveler in Your Life, we were thrilled to say the least. It’s awesome to have one of our products featured alongside heavyweights such as GoPro, Samsung and Eddie Bauer. We always knew this bag was something special, but every now and then it takes someone else’s word to actually validate it. Not to mention, we can finally pull the...

Why We Created The Top Side Backpack

Why We Created The Top Side Backpack

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-19 18:47:12 -0600

  I needed a bag. Briefcases are ancient and man bags with those over-the-chest straps aren't comfortable. I wanted a backpack, but one for a grownup. I wanted something that was sharp enough for my downtown loft and tough enough for the back of my truck next to my hunting gear. I wanted to fit a box of shotgun shells, the notebook I never use, my laptop, and my iPad in there. I wanted pockets for business cards, pens, and all 6 of my chargers. I wanted people to notice my bag but I didn't want to be noticed for...

The Normal Brand in the Wall Street Journal

The Normal Brand in the Wall Street Journal

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-19 12:11:36 -0600

  They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and we believe the same goes for fashion trends. In an article released yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, we were name dropped for being a counterpoint to the current movement of floral and lace in new menswear designs. While we truly believe everyone is entitled to his or her own personal style, we’re extremely proud to have already made such a mark in the industry that we’re now seen as the example. We’ve always held strong to the belief that you should wear what’s comfortable for you. After...

2015 Arch Grant Awarded to The Normal Brand

2015 Arch Grant Awarded to The Normal Brand

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-12 12:49:55 -0600

We are thrilled to announce that The Normal Brand was named a recipient of the illustrious Arch Grant. Founded in 2012 to help nurture entrepreneurs in St. Louis, it goes without saying that we are absolutely honored to be recognized alongside 10 other great companies, who are all trying to make a difference here in our hometown.   Each and every day, we strive to build a better company; one that not only honors our Midwest heritage, but also helps to ensure the next generation can watch it grow. So, to be awarded this distinction, it lets us know that...

Why We Created the Women's Line

Why We Created the Women's Line

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-11 11:32:33 -0600

As the oldest of 10 children, including 3 sisters, I tend to have a different outlook on things. So, when the ladies in my life started to wonder when we’d launch a women’s line, I knew it was time to get started. I began by looking around at women’s fashion trends and what I noticed was a lot of style, but very little functionality. Sure, the collections all looked good, but were they practical for the dead of winter? I didn’t think so and neither did my family or friends. That’s why we set out to create fashions that met...

The Normal Brand | Snapchat

The Normal Brand | Snapchat

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-10 17:03:31 -0600

In today’s always-on world, we think it’s important to find new ways to interact with our friends, families and fans. After all, this is a conversation, not a monologue. We don’t want to just present you with our products; we want to hear what you have to say about them too. That’s why we’re always listening to your thoughts, critiques and opinions. We’ll never forget that without you there’d be no us. With Snapchat, we want to give everyone a glimpse into what we do around here and what life in the middle is really like. So, we’ll be posting...

2015 Hat Giveaway

2015 Hat Giveaway

The Normal Brand @ 2015-11-02 16:49:39 -0600

For us at The Normal Brand, 2015 is a year we’ll never forget. And that’s because we not only grew as a business; we grew as a family. We’re humbled each and every day, as more and more incredible individuals—like you—purchase one of our products, Tweet us, Like us, Tag us, click on our website or simply tell a friend or two about us. We know, that without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. They’re your needs and desires we try to embrace in every design. It’s your passion and support that drives us to be the very...

The Midwest Mule

The Midwest Mule

The Normal Brand @ 2015-10-28 17:47:43 -0500

Heritage isn't something that can be manufactured, mass-produced or fabricated. True heritage is developed over generations in the hearts and minds of those who live its story. At The Normal Brand, we're constantly asking ourselves how we can further commemorate our own Midwest heritage; creating memorable experiences that harken back to those who helped build it and celebrating those who will carry these proud traditions into the future. That’s why, when we decided to release our very own copper mugs, we knew they had to be special. From the hand-hammered copper to the hand-engraved emblem that adorns the side, we...