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The RompHim has been dominated pop culture over the last few days, and for good reason: it is a romper specifically designed for men. That’s how it’s promoted, and that’s the sentiment that caused many to debate whether or not it’s a good fashion move for the younger generation.
Either way, the RompHim, and its company ACED Design, are shipping these colorfully designs garments out at a frantic speed, and it’s clear that they will at least be around for the near future. Learn more about the RompHim with these five fast facts.
1. It’s ‘A Romper For Men’
The RompHim, according to New York Magazine, “combines a tailored collarless shirt with structured shorts and an adjustable waist” — in other words, a romper designed specifically for men. The company behind this new trend, ACED Design, even aknowledge this on their Kickstarter page, as their description reads: “Is it a romper designed for men? Sure. But it’s also pretty damn comfortable, and it may just be the start of a fashion revolution.” As it turns out, however, this “revolution” is just the tip of the iceberg for ACED, as they explain in their mission statement:
“Turn heads and break hearts when you take your RompHim for a spin. Is it a romper designed for men? Sure, but it’s also so much more. We spend countless hours designing the RompHim to be your favorite summer outfit. Concerts? Beach days? Rooftops? Pool parties? Leisurely strolls? Bar patios? This super-garment is designed to take them all on in style, keeping you cool as the days and nights heat up.”
2. It Was Invented In Chicago
RompHim was invented in Chicago, where, according to their Kickstarter biography, they were “sitting around over drinks one evening and got to talking about men’s clothing options out there. Everything was either too corporate… too fratty… too “runaway”… or too basic. Something was missing.” That something, as it turns out, was the RompHim: “Why wasn’t there anything out there that allowed guys to be more stylish and fun without sacrificing comfort, fit, and versatility?”
“We all go to business school together, so we knew more that a romper hit all of these attributes– it’s unique, fashionable, cool, and very wearable.” As a result, they reached out to one of “Chicago’s top fashion designers” and worked tirelessly to create a garment that wears as good as it looks.
3. It’s Already Raised $70,000 On Kickstarter
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With a sizable push on social media, ACED Design set a goal of $10,000 for their RompHim Kickstarter. Incredibly, the company surpassed this number in the first few days of its availability, and now stands at just over $70,000 (with increases by the minute). This surprising turnout has caused RompHim to become something of a pop culture sensation overnight, with countless reports and think pieces flooding media outlets.
4. You Can Become Part of ‘Team RompHim’
ACED has also amassed 694 backers due to this exposure, and they now offer various packages where you can pledge money and join the Team RompHim campaign. A pledge of $5 gets you the status of “RompHero,” where you will receive updates of the campaign. A pledge of $25 elevates you to the rank of “Team RompHim” member, where you will be privy to a RompHim iron patch and a sticker.
This process continues all the way up to $1,250, a massive pledge that will earn you “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to look at what into creating the RompHim, including visits to the fabric store to pick out the fabric of your choice, a visit to the design studio to pick a patter, and a visit to the ACED production team to finalize your shirt and hang out with the company founders in Chicago. Check out the chart above for more details.
5. The Response Has Been Divided
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Needless to say, the RompHim has the internet feeling some type of way. Publications like Esquire and Elle are publishing entire pieces that denounce the RompHim as a step too far in the world of outlandish fashion. “The Bro Romper Exists and I Don’t Want to Live on This Planet Anymore,” reads the headline of the latter piece, a sentiment that has support on social media. Many have poked fun at the ACED designs, and perceived lack of manliness is wearing a garment historically reserved for women. Check out some of these reactions below:
There’s a cis man out there that’s going to let y’all know that a black man wearing a romper or “romphim” is emasculation & feminization
Others are more in favor of seeing where the RompHim goes, and find some the designs to be appealing as we approach summertime.