Brand Spotlight: Entry Level LLC

What’s not to love about a great small clothing brand? Cool clothes, a sense of exclusivity, and the thrill of watching something grow—being in on the ground floor before everyone else catches on. But beyond just the designs, the best brands offer something deeper: a point of view, a story, a message that resonates. They’re more than just clothes; they feel like an extension of who you are.

That’s what this blog is all about—spotlighting small clothing brands that stand out, breaking down their storytelling, content, and branding, and sharing my take as someone working at a marketing agency while getting my master’s in marketing at USC.

Entry Level: More Than Just a Brand

We’re starting this blog off hot with one of my favorite brands of all time, Entry Level - a brand I’ve been following since high school. Now, as I inch closer to graduating college in May, sending out job applications and hoping that just one company gives me a shot at a role I’m overqualified for and will inevitably be underpaid for, I can’t help but feel the frustration that Entry Level captures so well. There’s got to be a better way, right? And while I try to figure out what that looks like for me, at least I can wear my frustration on a sick t-shirt.

Story 

At its core, Entry Level is about more than just clothing. The brand was born out of frustration—the universal experience of feeling undervalued at work, stuck in a system that doesn’t always reward effort. Their website describes it best: Entry Level is for those who "spawned in at the bottom rung and are just trying to eke out an existence and an honest living in a world that all-too rarely cares to acknowledge the significance of their contributions."

This brand isn’t just selling clothes; it’s telling a story that so many people relate to. It captures that feeling of putting in more than you’re getting back, of questioning why things are the way they are. And that storytelling is what makes Entry Level stand out.

Clothing 

Beyond the message, the actual clothes hold up. Entry Level prints on LA Apparel and other high-quality blanks, ensuring their pieces feel just as good as they look. The designs aren’t just cool for the sake of being cool—they say something. Each drop is intentional, often tying back to their overarching themes of labor, capitalism, and the struggles of young adulthood.

And while affordability is always subjective, Entry Level hits that sweet spot—well-made, reasonably priced, and accessible without feeling cheap. With shirts ranging from $20 to $40, you’re getting quality without breaking the bank. These aren’t just impulse buys; they’re pieces that last, both in durability and in the way they stay relevant in your closet.

Content on socials 

One of the first things that drew me in was their content. Their TikTok presence is quite good, their graphics are consistently engaging, and everything they put out feels like it belongs in the world they’ve built. It’s a brand that knows who it is, and in the world of independent fashion, that kind of clarity is rare.

Entry Level’s branding is what makes it truly special. The aesthetic is personal, almost like an inside joke you’re lucky enough to be in on. They know their audience and, more importantly, they respect them. That’s probably why they have such strong customer retention—people don’t just buy from Entry Level; they come back.

Recommendations (HAVE NOT FINISHED)

For this blog i’m going to go above and beyond giving actual level headed advice (like posting more content/ads/instagram reels) cause that’s well.. Kinda boring. Instead i’m going to focus on some cool marketing shit. 

Idea #1: kinda basic 

  • Going up to rich people and asking them what they think of the shirt

  • Wearing the merch to professional conferences

Idea #2: stunt 

Idea #3: