The 6th Clothing Co. creates athleisure wear that inspires greatness and brings people together. On the 6th Clothing Co.’s website, the brand defines their mindset as such: “6th man” mentality: patience and sacrifice in the face of adversity, but always a belief in himself and what could be accomplished when it’s your time to shine.” The recent drop of the Summer of 6th Collection highlights this optimistic attitude. Pieces from the collection, such as the One Tribe Unisex Demin Jacket and the Summer ’21 Give More Tee are printed with positive messages to uplift and motivate customers to “Do More, Be More, and Give More Together.” To learn more about the 6th Clothing Co., visit their website. A portion of proceeds from all purchases will be donated to various non-profit organizations.
We spoke with founder/CEO Badi Tolo about the inspiration behind the 6th man mentality, nonprofits that the 6th Clothing Co. collaborates with, and exciting upcoming pop-up shop opportunities.
How do you define the clothing style of streetwear?
Unisex athleisure wear for all ages.
What nonprofits does the 6th Clothing CO. work with?
Currently, I’m spotlighting two great nonprofits, A Little Help (support elderly citizens by connecting neighbors) and Colorado Skateboarding Society (trying to get funding and support to build a top-of-the-line skate facility in Colorado where everyone is welcome). I’ve worked with close to 15 various non-profits though over a span of just over 2 years (one of which included a pandemic, haha) and all my products that aren’t specific to those nonprofits automatically contribute 6% of proceeds to various select nonprofits with every order. Long story short–the spotlight periods are focused on one or two [charities] at a time, but I want to continue to support as many causes and organizations as I can over time, with the resources I have available. I believe [that] helping out those who help those beyond my reach is having an impact [that] I (and my customers) can’t measure, but it’s one the world needs.
On your website’s About section, you mention sacrifice in the face of adversity. Did you come up with the “6th Man” mentality? If not, where does this idea come from?
As far as I know, I came up with it haha. I think generally a 6th man on a bench has a mentality that drives him/her, but I guess I just decided to define it as the core of my brand because I played ball when I was younger and [it] just kind of fit the career and passions I’ve had professionally. When I played, I started but I never viewed myself as someone who was just given anything. So, I always tried to leave it out there and play with that chip on my shoulder, like a 6th man would.
It was something I defined a little later in life as my “6th Man Mentality”. I think I honed-in on that message most coming out of high school when I reflected on regretting not giving basketball another shot after I was cut from my sophomore team and diagnosed with lymphoma cancer shorty after. That was pretty traumatic for me as a 15–16-year-old kid. I just kind of moved on through the rest of my high school life without revisiting the game I loved so much before the cancer thing. Going into college, I knew that I had sort of quit on something that I loved doing because of the cancer, because of the fear, because of pride. I knew I had more to give than that, so I decided going into college I would do everything I loved and could and go hard with it. I got more into music, I played new sports. I played gym ball for hours a day multiple times a week for basically 5 years. I became pretty decent and just had fun playing again while going through college. I was just grateful for the opportunity again, and I would give it everything I could–whether it was gym ball, city league hoops, music, school, family, work. That’s what the 6th man/woman does. They sacrifice for the team, but they know what they [need to do to] bring and relish those opportunities. That approach has driven me throughout life and lead to many more opportunities, personally and professionally, that I’m grateful for.
What is your favorite piece of apparel you have ever produced?
The first tee I ever did. [The] logo was huge right across the front of the chest and it says, “One Tribe” (which is my slogan/tagline) in a script font. I got a small run of tees printed and was just excited. [It] felt like that vision to have a brand where I could spread that [6th Man] mentality was finally here and real. I gave one to my mom, [and] kept one for myself. Funny story–I actually had a friend who [went] to a Meet and Greet with Mike Shinoda, at a concert of his we went to back in 2018. My buddy did me a solid and gave him one of my shirts, which I was super hype on because I was a big fan back in the day. [The] Linkin Park/Jay-Z collab was on repeat back then! Anyways, [I] always hoped I’d see a photo of him randomly wearing it someday haha, but it was just cool that he accepted it and signed a card my buddy gave to me. I don’t even think I have it up on my store anymore, but I might have to bring it back!
How would you describe the look of the “Summer of 6th ’21 Collection”?
[The] Summer of 6th look is just rolling with the current trend of tie dye prints. I wanted a little pop of color, which I’m trying to do a little more of with my brand. So, [I] got pink, sky blue, and black mixed with white tie die all over [the] print products. [Staying] true to the brand, I have to keep that message going, so a couple [pieces] say “DO MORE, BE MORE, GIVE MORE.” I’ll be adding a couple pieces to match (bathing suit, women’s dress and some youth options) probably in late June. There’s a little something for everyone, so get it while it’s hot! Everybody’s rockin’ the tie dye right now. Might as well give back and make a difference automatically while you’re shopping for it.
Do you have a favorite piece from the “Summer of 6th ’21 Collection?
The Diamond Mentality Tee. [It] has my logo masked out in tie die with a diamond shape around it, and the word “mentality” across the front. Simple and to the point. That’s what it’s all about for me. That’s how I built this brand, how I’m building my life and career. It’s always about your mentality through the ups and downs. Sometimes you need a reminder, so why not say it with your chest? It’s there for you and for anyone who can draw a little fire and inspiration from it.
Can you tell us about any exciting, upcoming artists who are to be featured within The Drop Collection?
I do have a collab in the works that will speak to the Stop Asian Hate movement, so I will hopefully be dropping a tee for that in July. I have a sponsor [who is working] on that tee who is based in the Bay area. Th[ey] do a lot for youth in the Asian community there. A percentage of sales proceeds will go directly back to them to support their efforts in the community and spread the word.
Aside from that, I’ll continue to feature a friend, Curt Fulsty of C Fulsty Books as one of my current featured artists. He illustrates children’s books about difficult issues that sometimes adults tend to gloss over or avoid. I think that’s important in today’s world, so I was happy to collab with him.
I’d love to work with a music artist for sure as I’ve always just been a big music fan. My first Drop Collection collab was with an artist/radio personality out of LA, named Jackie Hollywood. We did some lyric merch from a music video when it dropped, so I want to do more of that. The 6th is a new brand on the scene, so really I’m just hustling to try and get the name out, make a few sales, and support these nonprofits. So, I’m open to opportunities or people of interest that like the vibe and want to make something happen.
What is to come from the 6th Clothing Co. in the rest of 2021?
Some new merch for sure. With my current nonprofit spotlight, I’ll be doing a little popup at an event later this month where there will be a bunch of skate brands and other partners there to support their mission of building a skate facility here in Colorado. So, that’s exciting to be a part of that. I’ve got a couple more nonprofit spotlights lined up, so [I] will be working behind the scenes on that. Aside from that, sky is the limit. I always say, “Wherever I’m at in life with my brand, with my mission–I’m just getting started.” It’s all about mentality so who knows what the future holds, but I’m excited about it.
