He Left Wall Street at 36 to Make Jeans

Eric Steffen left investment banking with no experience making jeans — and built Fitted Underground in Brooklyn. I had my first custom pair made, and we talked about careers and the choice not to settle. Fitted Underground: https://fittedunderground.com/ When I first learned about Eric and Fitted Underground, I was excited about made-to-measure jeans (I've always had trouble finding jeans that fit). Then I learned he only started the business in 2014, after stints as a physics teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, and investment banker — and I was even more excited to meet him. In my own career as a designer, I've made some bad choices that led to some very unhappy jobs. I used to think I was only worthy of what was put in front of me. In a small way, shopping for jeans that fit — as superficial as that may seem — is a good metaphor for that same kind of settling. Eric's path has been pretty wild when you think about it. But when we talked, it all made sense. He learned from every step, and he made choices that made sense for him, even when it didn't seem like he had a choice. I was incredibly inspired by his story, and I hope some of you are too. You don't have to settle. If there's a part of you your career isn't addressing, listen to that voice. And now I have a pair of jeans that fit me perfectly. I reach for them again and again, and I'm always pleased with the way they sit on my waist and hips. Do you know that feeling — the one garment in your closet you can rely on ev