MAN OF GOD: A Lifestyle Brand Dedicated to Redefining Masculinity in India
In a market saturated with apparel brands vying for attention through flashy designs and aggressive marketing, MAN OF GODⓇ wants to stand apart. Founded in April 2024 by Arfa Amaan and Ahaan Iqbal, this Indian men’s lifestyle brand is not just selling clothing—it’s selling an ideology. Rooted in faith, purpose, and authentic masculinity, MAN OF GOD is carving a niche for itself by focusing on content-driven storytelling and a mission to inspire its audience.
The Genesis of an Idea
The seeds of MAN OF GOD were sown during Arfa's time in Germany, where he pursued a Master’s in Data Management and Analytics at Mannheim Business School. Despite a promising career in data analytics, including stints at companies like Amazon, Arfa felt a persistent pull toward entrepreneurship. “I always had a passion for building something of my own, creating an impact, and having people recognize me for something I’ve built out of my own will,” he recalls.
The idea crystallized during a conversation with his friend Iqbal, a product designer and digital creator with whom Arfa shared a like-minded vision. Together, they conceptualized MAN OF GOD as India’s first masculinity-focused men’s lifestyle brand built on faith and purpose. “We wanted a brand that wasn’t just about good designs but something people could connect with on a deeper level,” Arfa explains.
A Brand with a Mission
MAN OF GOD distinguishes itself by its emphasis on ideology. While most apparel brands focus on aesthetics or functionality, Arfa and Iqbal wanted to create a brand that resonated with its audience’s values. Drawing inspiration from global giants like Nike, which markets not just products but a feeling of victory, MAN OF GOD aims to sell an idea—faith, purpose, and authentic masculinity.
“When you buy from us, you’re not just buying a T-shirt; you’re buying into an ideology,” Arfa says. The brand’s designs are meticulously crafted, with each piece reflecting a thoughtful narrative. The colour palette is deliberately subdued, favouring mature, subtle tones over flashy hues. The designs are intricate and meaningful, avoiding the trend of random quotes or hazy graphics.
The concept of authentic masculinity is central to MAN OF GOD In a cultural landscape where terms like “toxic masculinity” often dominate conversations, the brand seeks to redefine what it means to be a man. “Men carry a lot of responsibility—family, work, societal expectations. We wanted to celebrate that resilience and purpose,” Arfa explains.
Building the Brand
Launching a brand from scratch is no small feat, especially in a competitive industry like apparel. Arfa and Iqbal bootstrapped MAN OF GOD, relying on their combined expertise in design, data analytics, and web development. The brand’s website, designed by Iqbal, reflects their commitment to delivering a premium experience. From the packaging—a sleek black box emblazoned with “Built on Purpose”—to the thoughtfully designed products, every detail is intentional.
Marketing has been primarily organic, driven by Instagram content that has resonated deeply with their audience. Two of their videos have garnered over 1 million views, a testament to the power of their storytelling. “Your first touchpoint with the customer is the content you put out. If they connect with that, they’ll connect with the brand,” Arfa says.
Challenges and Competitors
While MAN OF GOD has found its footing, it operates in a space with established competitors like Bluorng and Almost Gods. These brands, while not ideologically aligned with MAN OF GOD, cater to a similar demographic with high-quality apparel. Arfa acknowledges the competition but remains confident in his brand’s unique value proposition. “We’re not just selling T-shirts; we’re selling an idea. That’s what sets us apart.”
The Road Ahead
Six months into its journey, MAN OF GOD is already planning its next steps. A new collection of T-shirts is set to launch by March, with plans to expand into innerwear, socks, sunglasses, and other lifestyle products. However, scaling requires funding, and the company is actively seeking investment to fuel its growth.
For Arfa, MAN OF GOD is more than a business—it’s a lifelong dream realized. “Creating something that people relate to and find meaning in—that’s the ultimate goal,” he says. With its unwavering focus on faith, purpose, and authentic masculinity, MAN OF GOD is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of men’s lifestyle brands.
As the brand continues to grow, its founders remain committed to their vision: to inspire men to live with purpose and faith, one piece of clothing at a time.
