Rails
Rails is a contemporary fashion brand from Los Angeles founded by Jeff Abrams in 2008. It is best known for soft, reworked shirts, especially plaid shirts, and has grown into a lifestyle brand for women, men and children.
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jeff Abrams |
| Based in | Los Angeles |
| Signature | Plaid shirt |
| Website | railsclothing.com |
What is Rails?
Rails is a Los Angeles contemporary brand founded by Jeff Abrams. It launched in 2008 at the Los Angeles store Fred Segal and built its reputation by updating the classic shirt.
Products and positioning
The brand's starting point was shirting in a Tencel and rayon blend, offering a softer alternative to the stiff cotton common in contemporary shirts. Its signature is the plaid shirt, reworked with new shapes and details such as back pleats, epaulettes and tie fronts. The range has since broadened to include:
- Denim, jersey and sweater knits
- T shirts, dresses and outerwear
- Men's shirting
- Little Rails for children
Rails describes its pieces as refined and affordable, with a relaxed Los Angeles sensibility.
Distribution
Rails grew primarily through wholesale and by the mid 2010s was stocked in more than 1,000 doors worldwide. Retail partners have included Intermix, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Isetan Mitsukoshi. The brand also developed pop ups, shop in shops and its own stores.
Why it matters
Rails shows how a single hero product, the soft plaid shirt, can anchor a contemporary brand's growth into a global lifestyle label.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Rails?
Rails was founded in 2008 by Jeff Abrams in Los Angeles.
What is Rails known for?
Rails is known for soft, reworked shirts, especially its plaid shirts in a Tencel and rayon blend.