Commando (company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Kerry O'Brien |
| Headquarters | South Burlington , United States |
| Products | Underwear, lingerie, intimate apparel |
Commando is a U.S.-based underwear brand located in South Burlington, Vermont. Established in 2003 by businesswoman Kerry O'Brien, the company introduced innovative "raw cut" lingerie characterized by seamless edges without elastic, a patented feature that provides a unique edge in the intimate apparel market. Commando's products have gained significant visibility, featuring prominently at high-profile occasions such as the Academy Awards and New York Fashion Week, with participation in more than 30 runway shows each season.
History
Before founding the company, Kerry O'Brien served as senior vice president at Weber Shandwick. She began her entrepreneurial journey with Takeouts, a collection of removable bra inserts presented in distinctive packaging. The launch of the Commando collection in 2005—named after the colloquial term "going commando"—quickly attracted widespread attention from designers across the country. The business later adopted the name Commando.
O'Brien initially focused on direct retail sales, successfully placing products in over 500 outlets and generating $1 million in revenue during the first year. Her patented innovations, such as an elastic-free waistband and a weighted slip design, have played a key role in differentiating the brand within the marketplace and earned her a nomination to the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Overview
The Commando product range features microfiber fabrics combined with seamless, raw-edge construction. The brand distributes through its online platform as well as approximately 1,200 department stores including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Commando boasts endorsements from numerous celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Emma Watson, Kim Kardashian, Kristen Stewart, and Jennifer Lawrence. Additionally, prominent fashion stylists and designers such as Brad Goreski, Prabal Gurung, Monique Lhuillier, and Nicole Miller integrate Commando pieces into their collections, enhancing both its market presence and brand reputation.