Shipmate's Story: Building The Sailor Community

Shipmate Clothing started in the U.S. Navy. After returning from our 2nd straight WESTERN PACIFIC Deployment on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in 2012, a few of us Shipmates were sitting around really hungover after a night of partying. Joking around and throwing random ideas back-n-forth, Brandon (CEO) thought  "we're going to build a brand for the sailor... we're going to build Shipmate." For the Sailor by the Sailor.

Anyone in the U.S. Navy knows that the term "Shipmate" could be used in a joking or derogatory manner at times, or can be used as a term of endearment. During our back to back deployments, we had a Chief who would call us Shipmate all the time. So what did we do? We embraced it, chose a logo, printed it on our under-shirts, rocked them under our uniforms, and said "Yes Chief, we're Shipmates." He thought we were idiots, but was soon rocking a tee.

When "Shipmate" is used by Higher Ups, Chief of Naval Operations, Commanding Officers, Admirals, they don't use the term to degrade those below them, they use the term with good intent, they use it for it's original purpose, a term of endearment. Shipmate represents a community of Sailors who sail through rough and calm seas together. We also know how to party hard!

After much thought over the last couple of years, we turned the direction of Shipmate from a joke into a real communal brand, a brand for sailors all around the world. No matter what, we are all Shipmates. Till this point, the Navy never had a brand that truly represents our culture, our identity, our purpose. Till this point, the Sailor never really had a brand to represent it. So what is Shipmate? Shipmate is the world-wide Sailor Brand. Rooted in our Navy Traditions, Shipmate represents all Sailors around the world. If your in the Navy, Coast Guard, on a Cruise Ship, on a sail boat, a Merchant Marine, or simply have a love for ocean life, welcome Aboard. Life is better with your Shipmates!

- Stay Anchored.