Give us your elevator pitch.
ROUGH—DRAFT® is an outdoor exploration cut-and-sew brand designed for the space between the natural world and city environments.

The Five Ws

Who is ROUGH—DRAFT® for?

Anyone influenced by the outdoors. The “outdoors” isn’t just hiking or camping. It’s going for a walk in your neighborhood, taking the scenic route on your daily commute, or just stepping outside. It’s for anyone who resonates with being outdoors in their own way.

What is ROUGH—DRAFT®’s main message?

Embracing the natural world in whatever way feels right for you. We want people to feel confident wearing our garments in their everyday lives, whether that’s in the city, on a casual weekend trip, or anywhere in between. Every piece is influenced by elements of nature or outdoor gear we’ve come across over the years, but reinterpreted through a broader lens for everyday wear.

When was ROUGH—DRAFT® launched?

Officially, September 2022. It’s been a blur since.

Why was ROUGH—DRAFT® created?

I spent time living in Yosemite National Park, which was my first real experience in the mountains. Honestly, my first time out west. Coming from Detroit, it was eye-opening. I wanted to share that experience and this was the only way I knew how. My hope was that others who felt that same pull toward exploration would connect with it. Especially to those that look like me.

Where are people wearing ROUGH—DRAFT® gear?

Right now, our biggest market is NYC. We’re looking to establish a stronger presence on the West Coast for FW25, especially in the Pacific Northwest. That region was a major influence for the brand’s origin.

Nate Sturley

About the Brand

Where did the inspiration for the brand come from, and how was the name chosen?

The inspiration came from my time in Yosemite. It changed my perspective, and I wanted to channel that into something tangible. The name ROUGH—DRAFT® comes from the creative process itself. Everything starts as an idea or an iteration. It felt fitting for a brand rooted in exploration and constant refinement.

How does the brand’s name inform the creation of its goods and its way of thinking?

The focus is usually on the finished product, but we believe the process – trial, error, and revision – is just as important. Exploration, whether in design, nature, or city life, requires constant iteration. We embrace that mindset in how we create well-crafted, intentional clothing, making each piece a reflection of the journey.

Part of ROUGH—DRAFT®’s mission statement is that the brand is dedicated to “serving the space between.” What does that mean?

Our logo includes a dash, which represents the journey – the failures, successes, and time that lead to the “final” product. It also symbolizes the balance between city life and the outdoors, bridging those two worlds.

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The brand seems to encapsulate an idea of constant forward progress — refining, tweaking, and learning as you go: always looking to improve but never looking to be “perfect.” Can you tell us more about that? Do you believe a brand is ever fully “complete,” or is it always a work in progress?

Every stitch, every detail is intentional, and it can take anywhere from two to five samples to get it just right. But even when something feels done, there’s always another idea. ROUGH—DRAFT® will always be a work in progress. That’s what keeps it exciting.

ROUGH—DRAFT®’s goods strike an artful balance between menswear and classic outdoor gear: they’re high-quality but not at extreme price points, technical but not too gorp-y. How do you strike that balance?

We focus on providing the best value possible. The price is the price — fair and honest. Design-wise, we’ve learned that some of our favorite outdoor pieces are understated and highly functional. It’s a balancing act, but having things made in NYC allows us to be very hands on with the process.

What is the ROUGH—DRAFT® team’s idea of a “functional garment?”

Initially, we saw “function” as a utilitarian, multi-purpose approach. But over time, we realized function is about serving the purpose of the wearer. That means keeping things minimal and intentional. Our garments should be something you reach for regularly, something dependable.

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Nate Sturley

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Nate Sturley

Textiles are very important to ROUGH—DRAFT®: many pieces either feature fabric sourced from Japan or recycled materials. Where does that ethos come from and why is it so important to the brand?

Right now, 90% of our fabrics come from regions across Japan, and about half of those are made from recycled materials. We don’t claim that ROUGH—DRAFT® is a “sustainable” brand. That takes a lot of work to achieve. But we do believe in making thoughtful choices where we can. Some of those sustainable decisions have led to our favorite pieces.

Neutrals and earth tones are a core piece of the ROUGH—DRAFT® design language (with the occasional pattern also thrown in). What made the brand land on this more minimalist aesthetic instead of the bold prints and ultra-bright tones that can sometimes be seen on heritage outdoor gear?

It comes down to how we see the outdoors. Our palettes mimic natural landscapes we’ve encountered, and each collection pays homage to a particular region. This past collection was through the lens of my time spent in Arizona. I bounced around Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park and the sandstone formations and muted colors were unforgettable.

The brand has spotlighted painters, musicians and more through its “Field Study” series. How do the creatives in ROUGH—DRAFT®’s orbit inspire and influence the brand?

This brand is nothing without its community. The creatives in Detroit and New York bring it to life, and “Field Study” is a way to share their stories. It’s been interesting to see how nature plays a role in their creative process and how it’s portrayed in their work. It’s the whole, “my shade of blue might look different than your shade of blue” concept.

What’s next for ROUGH—DRAFT®?

Right now we’re working on a collaboration with 1733, a bag and accessory brand from Chicago. We’ve wanted to work with them for years and it’s finally going down this Spring.

Nate Sturley

Check out the latest from ROUGH—DRAFT® at its webstore and retail stockists (Today Clothing in Ann Arbor, MI and &son in New York City).