Last summer, my brother Jake and I hit the road for a big trip across North America. We started in the cold, windy spots of Maine and ended up in the warm, sunny streets of San Diego. We weren’t hunting for anything special, just good food, some cool places to see, and a break from our everyday grind. But somewhere along the way, we stumbled into this brand called Inomyalgia, and man, it changed how we think about clothes.
That Random Stop in Chicago
It all kicked off in Chicago. We’d been driving forever, and Jake was complaining his shorts were about to fall apart. We pulled into a random mall to grab something new. Most stores were the same old chains, but this one little shop caught our eye. The sign said “Inomyalgia” in big, clean letters, and the window had these cool outfits that looked good but not over-the-top.
Inside, it was laid-back. No one bugged us to buy stuff, just clothes hanging around waiting to be checked out. I picked up a navy sweatshirt, and it felt amazing—soft as anything but strong, not like those cheap shirts that rip easy. Jake found some khaki shorts with a stretchy waist that he said felt like pajamas but looked sharp. We bought a few things, and the guy at the counter, Marcus, started telling us about the brand. That’s when we got curious.
What Inomyalgia Is All About
Inomyalgia got started back in 2018 in a small workshop in Portland, Oregon. Two friends, Mia Chen and Lucas Alvarez, met at design school and got tired of clothes that either looked okay but hurt to wear or were comfy but made you look sloppy. They decided to make stuff that did both—stylish and easy to live in. The name’s a fun mix they made up: “innate” for natural style and “myalgia” as a joke about fixing the “pain” of bad outfits.
Their goal is to make clothes for regular people doing regular things. They use good stuff like organic cotton, bamboo mixes, and recycled polyester, but they don’t just throw it together. You’ve got basics like T-shirts and joggers, plus nicer pieces like blazers and dresses. The designs are simple but smart—clean lines, soft colors with neat textures, and little extras like strong seams or hidden pockets.
They’ve grown fast. From that one shop in Portland, they’re now in boutiques all over—Toronto, Austin, Vancouver, you name it. They’ve got an online store too, and their Instagram’s full of people showing off their outfits with #InomyalgiaVibes. Jake and I can back it up—my sweatshirt still looks new after tons of washes, and his shorts are his favorite thing now.
Why the Clothes Feel So Good
Let’s get to the comfort part, because that’s the big win. Inomyalgia picks fabrics that feel like a dream. Their shirts and sweats mix organic cotton and bamboo, so they’re soft, breathable, and don’t stick to you. Pants and shorts have a bit of stretch, so you can move without fighting the fabric. I wore their joggers on a 10-hour drive and didn’t feel wrecked at the end.
They also think about real bodies. Sizes go from XS to 3XL, and they’ve got fits for all kinds, loose for people who hate tight stuff, fitted for those who like a clean look. Jake’s tall and skinny, and their pants finally fit his legs right. I’m curvier, and their dresses shape up nicely without squeezing me.
They test everything hard—washing, stretching, even throwing them around to see if they hold up. That’s why my sweatshirt survived my coffee spills. They skip cheap dyes that fade or itch, which is a relief for Jake’s sensitive skin.
The Style That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Comfort’s one thing, but these clothes look good too. I’d call it “easy cool”, a mix of streetwear, simple fashion, and old-school basics. Colors are mostly neutral like gray, green, or off-white, with some pops like rust or blue. Nothing’s loud, but there’s stuff like uneven hems, small embroidery, or buttons that don’t pop off.
I love a linen jacket I got later online. It’s light, great for layering, and has a loose fit that feels stylish but works for everyday stuff like grocery runs. Jake’s into their graphic tees with funny, hand-drawn designs, not the lame slogans you see everywhere. He says they start conversations at parties, which is big for him since he hates chatting.
How They’re Getting Popular
So why’s everyone into Inomyalgia? They don’t try to be for everybody. They focus on clothes that work anywhere, work, a coffee shop, a hike. Prices aren’t super cheap but not crazy either. A T-shirt’s about $35, and jackets go up to $120, which feels fair for how long they last. Some brands charge $80 for a tee that falls apart fast, so this is better.
They care about the planet but don’t brag about it. Their website says they use eco-friendly fabrics and work with ethical factories, mostly small ones in the U.S. and Canada. Their bamboo comes from a sustainable spot in British Columbia. It’s just part of what they do, not a sales pitch.
People are spreading the word, too. After Chicago, we kept hearing about it—friends in Seattle, a coworker in Toronto with their tote bag, even a TikTok Jake saw. It’s growing without shouting, which makes it feel real.
Our Trip Wardrobe Got Better
After Chicago, Inomyalgia became our road trip go-to. We ordered more in Denver, and it showed up at our Airbnb in two days (free shipping over $50). I got joggers I now wear on flights, and Jake snagged a flannel shirt he says makes him look “tough but friendly.” We joked we were their ambassadors since we wore it everywhere—hiking, eating tacos, even a wedding in Vancouver (the jacket worked!).
The clothes held up great—no tears, no fading, no weird fuzz after long days. People asked where we got them, and we’d say, “Some shop in Chicago.” It felt like we found a hidden gem.
Check It Out Yourself
Want to try Inomyalgia? Here’s how:
- Hit a Store: They’re in places like Portland, Chicago, Austin, and Toronto. Check their website for spots. Trying stuff on in person is the best way to feel it.
- Go Online: Their site’s easy, with good size info and real photos. They add new stuff every few months.
- Start Simple: Grab a T-shirt or hoodie to test it out. They’re cheap enough to try, and you might want more.
- Take Care: Wash cold and air-dry to keep them nice. I’ve used the dryer a few times, and it’s okay, but don’t tell them!
Why Inomyalgia’s Worth It
Inomyalgia isn’t just another brand chasing trends. They make clothes that work, look good, and last, which isn’t as common as it should be. Jake and I didn’t plan to find our new favorite on that trip, but that Chicago stop was a lucky break. If you like fashion or just want clothes that don’t annoy you, give them a shot. Don’t blame me if you end up with a closet full like Jake!
