Esse

What Esse does

Esse is a Singapore-domiciled, founder-led direct-to-consumer womenswear brand founded by designer Alicia Tsi. The company designs and sells a curated collection of versatile wardrobe essentials — including the Organic Cotton Maxi Dress, Wrap Vest, Elongate Elastic Pants, Cocoon Shirt, Cloud Twist Top, and Flourish Dress/Blouse — priced between SGD 86 and SGD 198. Products are crafted from 100% natural fibres (organic cotton, Tencel, OEKO-TEX linen, linen-rayon blends) by ethical manufacturing partners in Vietnam and Indonesia, with made-to-order options to reduce waste. Esse holds B-Corp certification and backs every garment with a lifetime repair guarantee and a DIY Repair Kit, reinforcing a circular-fashion positioning.

The business operates exclusively through direct-to-consumer channels: a Shopify-based multi-currency online storefront and a single physical retail store ('River's Edge Abode') at Clarke Quay in Singapore. International orders are fulfilled via DHL Express to six countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia), while Singapore domestic delivery uses NinjaVan. The customer base is long-tail individual consumers — modern women seeking timeless, sustainable, multi-occasion wardrobe pieces organized into 'Life Moments' collections (Everyday Ease, Travel Ready, Work Friendly, Bump to Baby, Day-to-Night). Marketing is conducted organically through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, an email newsletter (10% first-purchase incentive), the Esse Journal blog, customer UGC, and a rewards program supporting retention.

The operating model is asset-light and bootstrapped: the company runs with a 1-10 person lean team, has no disclosed external funding, and earns revenue through unit-priced apparel sales supplemented by bundle discounts (e.g., $20 off two Elongate Elastic Pants) and ancillary offerings like digital gift cards. The strategic emphasis is on capsule-wardrobe curation, longevity, and verifiable sustainability rather than high-volume fast-fashion turnover.

Name

Esse

Legal name

Esse

Website

https://essethelabel.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Esse is a Singapore-based, B-Corp certified direct-to-consumer womenswear brand founded by Alicia Tsi, selling versatile wardrobe essentials made from natural fibres through its Shopify storefront, a Clarke Quay retail store, and international shipping to six countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Womenswear Apparel

NAICS

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (45811), Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (458110), Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers (458)

SIC

Retail-Women's Clothing Stores (5621), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Women’s Apparel Retail (CRAAABAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sustainable/Ethical Shopping & Capsule Wardrobe Building (HSACAJAL)

Keywords

• Sustainable womenswear
• Capsule wardrobe essentials
• Organic cotton clothing
• Ethical fashion brand
• B Corp apparel

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales of womenswear apparel including dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, knitwear, and accessories. Products sold at various price points from $86 to $198. Offers bundle discounts and a rewards program for customer retention.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Esse designs and sells sustainable womenswear and capsule wardrobe essentials, including dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, knitwear, and accessories made from 100% natural fibres (organic cotton, Tencel, OEKO-TEX linen, bamboo). The brand operates a direct-to-consumer model through its Shopify e-commerce store and one physical retail location in Singapore, with global shipping to the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Sales are supported by a rewards program, bundle discounts, and a lifetime garment repair program.

Product overview

Esse is a B-Corp certified womenswear brand offering a curated collection of versatile, all-occasion styles designed for longevity. The product portfolio centers on wardrobe essentials including the Wrap Vest and Elongate Elastic Pants (signature co-ord suiting set), Organic Cotton Maxi Dress, Cocoon Shirt, Cloud Twist Top, and Flourish collection (Dress and Blouse). All garments are made from 100% natural fibres with sustainable materials including organic cotton, Tencel, OEKO-TEX certified linen, and linen-rayon blends. The brand offers capsule wardrobe bundles with discount incentives, gift cards, and operates a complimentary repair programme to extend garment lifecycle. Products are crafted in small batches by ethical makers in Vietnam and Indonesia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wrap Vest A core womenswear piece combining sharp tailoring with feminine sensibility, featuring hidden button closure and detachable waist tie for a flattering look. Made from a soft, lustrous linen-rayon blend that is breathable and does not crease easily. Priced from SGD 86 to SGD 135.
• Elongate Elastic Pants Signature pants with a clean column silhouette that falls straight to the knee then opens into a gentle flare, designed to lengthen the leg. Features two side pockets and semi-flat elastic front for a smoother, tailored line. Available in multiple colors including denim variants. Priced from SGD 90 to SGD 140.
• Organic Cotton Maxi Dress Best-selling silhouette available for 8 years, crafted from organic cotton. A versatile wardrobe essential available in various colorways including Summer Florals, Denim, and White Denim. Priced from SGD 164 to SGD 198.
• Cocoon Shirt Most wanted and worn style featuring an oversized, cocoon-like silhouette. Available in stripes, denim, and dark denim variants, offering relaxed comfort with refined design. Priced from SGD 127 to SGD 135.
• Cloud Twist Top Best-selling top made from lightweight Tencel designed for everyday wear. A versatile layering piece available in multiple colors including White, Black, Nautical Blue, Olive, and Mocha. Priced from SGD 87.
• Flourish Dress An everyday essential made from 100% OEKO-TEX Linen, featuring a flattering fitted waist and flutter sleeves for ease of movement. Crafted from biodegradable fibres with moisture-wicking properties. Priced at SGD 151.
• Flourish Blouse Everyday essential crafted from OEKO-TEX certified linen with flattering v-neckline and flutter sleeves. Features elasticised neckline and is easy to care for. Priced at SGD 103.
• Knit Bateau Neckline Dress Wardrobe essential knit dress featuring a classic bateau neckline. A comfortable and flattering piece suitable for everyday wear. Priced at SGD 132.
• Twist and Turn Toga Versatile toga-style garment that can be styled multiple ways, offering flexibility and ease for different occasions.
• Capsule Wardrobe Bundles Curated bundles including Elongate Pants Essentials featuring the signature Elongate Elastic Pants. Offered with bundle discounts (Save SGD 20 for 2 items, SGD 40 for 3 items).
• Gift Card Digital gift cards available for purchase, allowing recipients to choose their own Esse items.
• Esse Repair Kit DIY repair kit for customers to perform their own garment repairs at home, supporting the brand's sustainability and longevity mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Lifetime repair guarantee on all garments ensures longevity and reduces textile waste

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DHL ExpresscoreOthersInternational shipping partner for Esse's global deliveries. Handles shipments to USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, delivering orders within 5-7 working days.
• NinjaVancoreOthersSingapore-based courier partner for local deliveries. Handles all Singapore orders with tracking provided. Attempts delivery up to two times with neighbour drop-off options.
• For the Love of LaundryminorOthersSingapore-based eco-friendly dry cleaning service that uses GreenEarth technology. Recommended by Esse for customers needing dry cleaning services as an alternative to traditional perchloroethylene-based cleaning.
• GuppyfriendminorOthersWashing bag brand recommended by Esse to reduce microfibre shedding when washing synthetic garments, helping minimize environmental impact of laundry.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform powering Esse's online store. Provides secure payment processing, inventory management, and multi-currency support for the direct-to-consumer business model.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kotn: Canadian DTC brand focused on essential basics made from Egyptian cotton with ethical supply chain claims. Comparable on DTC model, natural-fibre essentials, transparent sourcing, and similar price-to-quality positioning.
• Encircled: Canadian DTC womenswear brand built around the capsule wardrobe concept with versatile, multi-occasion pieces. Closely comparable on product philosophy (fewer, versatile pieces), sustainability positioning, and target customer.
• MATE the Label: US-based DTC sustainable basics brand focused on non-toxic, organic essentials made in Los Angeles. Comparable on DTC model, sustainable/clean materials focus, and capsule-style wardrobe essentials positioning.
• Reformation: Los Angeles-based sustainable womenswear brand selling feminine dresses, tops, and knitwear through DTC e-commerce and physical stores. Closest direct competitor in sustainable womenswear, overlapping on product categories, sustainability positioning, and target demographic.
• Cuyana: US-based DTC womenswear brand built around the capsule wardrobe concept with timeless, versatile essentials. Directly comparable to Esse on product philosophy (fewer, better pieces), target customer (women seeking versatile wardrobe staples), and DTC channel mix.
• Amour Vert: US-based sustainable womenswear brand with French-inspired timeless silhouettes sold DTC. Directly comparable on womenswear category, sustainable materials, and DTC channel mix at a similar scale to Esse.
• Everlane: US-based DTC essentials brand with transparent pricing and ethical manufacturing claims. Comparable on DTC model, sustainable basics assortment, and radical transparency positioning, though at significantly larger scale.

Broad incumbents

• Patagonia: US-based outdoor and apparel brand that pioneered verified sustainability, B Corp-equivalent practices, and lifetime repair programs. Comparable on sustainability ethos and repair-driven customer loyalty, though a much broader incumbent across outdoor and casual apparel.
• Eileen Fisher: Established US sustainable womenswear brand known for minimalist, timeless silhouettes with a take-back/recycling program. Highly comparable on aesthetic and sustainability ethos, but operates at significantly larger scale with extensive wholesale distribution.

Emerging players

• Sézane: French DTC womenswear brand offering timeless, feminine pieces through online and physical stores. Comparable on DTC-plus-physical model, timeless womenswear aesthetic, and similar demographic, though operating at larger scale with European geographic focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/essethelabel
• Instagraminstagram.com/essethelabel
• TikToktiktok.com/essethelabel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/essethelabel

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Esse