We are so proud to present Too Tomboy. Our team has been working with the founder, Caroline, for the last year to help her develop her line from concept to a full 200 unit production. You can now shop the collection at our shop.
Read more about her brand in our interview below:
What inspired the creation of Too Tomboy, and what gap in the fashion market were you aiming to fill with the brand?
Too Tomboy is inspired by my childhood growing up as a tomboy. I have two older brothers, and I always wanted to wear what they wore and do what they did. That freedom shaped me into a sporty, outdoor-loving kid who would never be caught in a dress. However, as I got older I started to feel pressure to conform and dress more traditionally feminine because that’s what society told me I should look like. For a long time, I moved away from what actually felt natural to me. Too Tomboy exists to fill that gap. It’s for people, especially women, who don’t want to dress overly feminine, but also don’t identify with dressing traditionally masculine. There was a missing middle in fashion: elevated, well-made pieces that feel effortless, neutral, and authentic. Too Tomboy is about reclaiming that in-between space and honoring the version of ourselves that felt the most free.
How would you describe Too Tomboy’s approach to gender-neutral clothing and inclusive fit, and why was this important from the start?
Too Tomboy’s approach to gender-neutral clothing is rooted in designing for people, not gender. We focus on relaxed silhouettes, thoughtful proportions, and high-quality fabrics that work across different bodies and expressions. Inclusive fit was essential from the start because the brand was created for those who don’t feel represented by traditional women’s or men’s clothing. Too Tomboy is about creating space, both in fashion and in identity, where people can feel comfortable, confident, and fully themselves.
Can you walk us through the journey from developing your logo and brand identity to producing your first finished garments?
The brand identity for Too Tomboy came together in a very unexpected way. After struggling with the logo concept, I had a moment of clarity inspired by the symbolism of safety pins which represent protection, solidarity, and inclusivity. That meaning felt deeply aligned with the brand and especially important for the LGBTQ+ community. From there, I worked with a graphic designer to create our heart logo, which became the foundation of Too Tomboy’s visual identity. From logo to production, I partnered closely with Made X Hudson, who supported me through fabric sourcing, sampling, and final production. As someone without a traditional fashion background, having a hands-on, transparent manufacturing partner made all the difference and allowed me to confidently bring the brand to life.
What role did fabric selection and sustainability play in shaping your designs and production decisions?
Sustainability played a major role in shaping Too Tomboy. As I learned more about the fashion industry, I was shocked by how much clothing is made from synthetic, plastic-based fibers. That realization paired with how wasteful fast fashion has become made fabric selection a non-negotiable for the brand. We chose to work exclusively with natural, sustainably sourced cotton and produce our garments ethically in the U.S. Every decision was made with longevity, comfort, and responsibility in mind from the materials we use to ensuring fair wages for everyone involved in the process.
What was it like producing small-batch garments in the U.S., and what benefits or challenges came with that choice?
Producing small-batch garments in the U.S. has been incredibly hands-on and educational. It allowed me to be involved in every part of the process which gave me a much deeper understanding of how clothing is actually made. More importantly, it ensured that Too Tomboy could stay aligned with the values we stand for: sustainability, transparency, and ethical production. The biggest challenge is cost. Small-batch, U.S.-based manufacturing comes with higher upfront expenses and slimmer margins compared to fast fashion, where corners are often cut at the expense of people and the planet. But that tradeoff was intentional. We chose quality, fair wages, and responsible production over scale and speed. For the consumer, that means our pieces come at a higher price point but they’re made to last. The materials, craftsmanship, and care behind each garment are simply not comparable to mass-produced clothing made overseas under poor working conditions. You’re investing in longevity, ethics, and a brand that stands behind how its clothes are made.
How does working with a local production partner like Made X Hudson support your goals around quality, transparency, and ethical manufacturing?
Working with a local production partner like Made X Hudson has been essential in supporting Too Tomboy’s commitment to quality, transparency, and ethical manufacturing. Being able to work closely with our manufacturer means I have full visibility into how each garment is made from fabric sourcing to sampling to final production. That proximity allows for real collaboration and accountability. I can see the working conditions, ask questions, make adjustments, and ensure that every person involved in the process is treated fairly and paid a living wage. It also gives us greater control over quality, because nothing is rushed or outsourced in ways that compromise the integrity of the product. For a brand built on trust and intention, local manufacturing isn’t just convenient, it's aligned. It ensures that our values aren’t just part of the brand story, but are actively practiced at every stage of production.
How do you want people to feel when they wear Too Tomboy, both in terms of comfort and self-expression?
When someone wears Too Tomboy, I want the first thing they notice to be the quality before they even put it on. That initial touch of the fabric matters. It should immediately communicate care, intention, and trust. Once they’re wearing the piece, I want them to feel confident both in how they look and how they feel internally. Not performative confidence, but a grounded sense of ease. The kind that comes from wearing something that feels natural and authentic rather than forced. For those who relate to my story of growing up as a tomboy, I hope wearing Too Tomboy feels like reconnecting with that version of yourself and the joy, freedom, and confidence you felt before societal pressure came into play. Creating this brand allowed me to heal my inner child and express myself in the way I always wanted to. My hope is that the clothing offers that same sense of comfort, self-expression, and quiet confidence to others. Looking ahead, how do you see Too Tomboy evolving, and what role do you think sustainable, inclusive fashion will play in the future of the industry? (Sustainable fashion future, brand growth, ethical fashion trends) Looking ahead, I see Too Tomboy expanding thoughtfully into more wardrobe staples like tops, shorts, pants, and accessories while staying true to the same tomboy sensibility and values that define the brand today. Growth for us isn’t about releasing more, faster. It’s about creating pieces that feel intentional, elevated, and genuinely useful in everyday life. Sustainable and inclusive fashion will play a major role in the future of the industry because consumers are becoming more informed. People are starting to understand the impact of synthetic, plastic-based fabrics and fast fashion on both their bodies and the planet. As that awareness grows, so does the demand for brands that are transparent, responsible, and trustworthy. I believe the future of fashion belongs to brands that slow things down; brands that prioritize quality, ethics, and inclusivity over trends and excess. Too Tomboy aims to be part of that shift by continuing to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style, comfort, or self-expression to make responsible choices.
