2022 Most Stylish: Nine Line Apparel

Nine Line set out to reawaken patriotism, reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing, and to not-so-subtly encourage other people to do the same.

Nine Line set out to reawaken patriotism, reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing, and to not-so-subtly encourage other people to do the same.

Entrepreneurial inspiration
My dad was an entrepreneur, so I know the upsides and downsides of being one!  I like being my own boss, which is kind of funny that I first chose to join the military.

Your brand in one sentence
Nine Line is a veteran-owned, relentlessly patriotic apparel and lifestyle brand.

South’s most stylish because…
We are very bold with the materials and designs that we use in our clothing, most of which are created right here in the USA. We are getting cutting edge with our antimicrobials for summer and using ecologically sustainable material such as bamboo — and we’re constantly looking at new colors and new design techniques.

Finding inspiration
We find inspiration in many places. The name comes from a military phrase where if someone calls in a Nine Line, they are calling for help for someone injured on the battlefield. We want to inspire people to be better, to support those who serve, and to buy American.

Plans for the future
We are poised to expand pretty rapidly in the next 12 to 24 months. Focusing on the Southeast first, we’ll soon have a presence from Key West all the way up to Charleston. We are also planning on opening another two or three stores by the end of this year.

Secret to success
Leadership is extremely important. Nine Line began as a part time business while I was in Iraq and Afghanistan and the growth has been phenomenal because our leadership team knows how to not be jerks and how to collaborate and inspire.

“We want to inspire people to be better and we want to inspire people to buy American.”
– Tyler Merritt, Founder

450 Fort Argyle Rd., Savannah, GA
912.480.4250 | ninelineapparel.com

To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.