Q&A: An Inside Look at RSVLTS’ Fandom-Fueled Apparel

If you’re into fandom fashion, but want something more unique than a graphic-splashed T-shirt, RSVLTS is the clothing brand for you.

Pronounced “rose-uh-velts” (named after the 26th U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt), this apparel brand is best known for its short-sleeve, button-down shirts decked out in pop culture-inspired patterns. The classic Kunuflex shirts are made from a four-way stretch material, making these button-downs lighter, softer, and better fitting than most.

The prints range from work-appropriate patterns that give the oh-so-slightest wink at your favorite fandoms — like the Disney and Pixar Coco “Don’t Fret” shirt featuring subtle skulls and guitars on a bone-toned backdrop — to more in-your-face styles to really show where your allegiance lies — like the Star Wars “A Droid Story” shirt featuring a colorful comic book panel design.

RSVLTS has even expanded beyond these classic shirts to include polos, flannels, outerwear, swimwear, hats, ties, and other accessories, with 2-4 new items/collections dropping per week. The selection is quite impressive, with great gift ideas for lovers of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Disney, Nickelodeon, WWE, horror, and more, as well as original, RSVLTS-branded gear to offer something for any lifestyle, fandom, or occasion.

We spoke with RSVLTS’‭ ‬Director of Communications and Brand Strategy Mike Shriner to learn more about this fandom-fueled company and to bring you a giveaway featuring five Marvel shirts — including the popular Spider-Man‭ ‬“The Meme”‭ ‬shirt. Check it out below!

The Pop Insider: Can you tell us about how RSVLTS got its start?

Mike Shriner: RSVLTS was co-founded by two friends and Seton Hall alumni — John Tramutolo and Stephen Gebhardt — a little over a decade ago in June 2012 and proudly headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey. Both worked in the marketing industry prior to forming RSVLTS (initially a publishing platform), and during that time had some fresh ideas on how to merge the worlds of advertising and publishing; tap into their passion for nostalgia, sports, and other pop culture fandoms; and bring everything to life through engaging content and later apparel.

PI: Why did you decide to name the company after Teddy Roosevelt?

MS: RSVLTS have always been drawn to Teddy’s quest for adventure and philanthropy, and we try to infuse that spirit into the brand and our products at every turn, all tracking back to our motto (and quote from one of his famous speeches): “Dare mighty things.” An interesting origin story: In 2012, a dot-com shark was squatting on “www.roosevelts.com” and would only part with the URL for a huge price the company couldn’t afford. So the two guys simply dropped the vowels and fully drove forward the “RSVLTS” name into the lexicon, all during those early days when the world of abbreviated brands wasn’t as commonplace.

PI: What does “dare mighty things” mean to you?

MS: We really like the motto since It means something different to everyone. However, for us, it reminds us to be bold in our decisions, to dive deep into our fandoms, and to create items that others might not attempt (ahem, our incredible Peli Motto exclusive at SDCC). The sentiment goes beyond just our apparel offerings as well. Dare mighty things extends to our product marketing and content, brand collaborations, philanthropic programs, creator partnerships, live events, and more.

PI: RSVLTS has a passionate fan base. Which shirts or collections have gotten the biggest fan response?

MS: Great question, however, tough to fully pinpoint since fandoms run so deep and wide. Initially it was The Sandlot that put RSVLTS on the map, and while Star Wars and Marvel have incredible fan bases, at the same time we see just as much fervor for the likes of WWE and Nickelodeon, down to cult titles such as The Big Lebowski, The Princess Bride, and Labyrinth, as well as collections for a few individual personalities, such as the iconic Kevin Smith and chef Justin Warner.

PI: Can you talk about your limited-edition drops?

MS: On select Fridays we do an exciting RSVLTS app-only forum and moment we call Dropzone, which features items — original and licensed — that will only be available during that drop. Likewise, we also have been dropping some exclusive button-downs for various comic cons and other events that will only ever be available during that occasion. Our fans have really embraced the collectibility factor.

PI: What kind of role do fan conventions or comic cons play in your business?

MS: It’s a newer avenue for sure, which we’ve dabbled in a bit in the past pre-pandemic, but only in the past few months have we really found our pace. We have big ideas and plans for what we can do for all our future experiences — not just solely conventions either. We’re thrilled for what’s about to unfold throughout 2023!

PI: Anything new and exciting fans can look forward to for the holiday season?

MS: We typically drop a few new RSVLTS original designs and branded seasonal items, such as flannels, hoodies, jackets, beanies, etc., and our licensed holiday collections are always massive hits. In particular this year we have some excellent drops lined up for Star Wars, Marvel, A Christmas Story, Harry Potter, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more!

Visit rsvlts.com and use the promo code POPINSIDER20 for 20% off your first online order (only valid for new customers).