Ben Mears, Founder of Expio / Lightweight Waterproof Outerwear

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Ben Miers, founder of XBO, an independent menswear brand developing high-performance outerwear that combines style, technical innovation and sustainability. With a career spanning more than 20 years across tailoring, luxury fashion and performance sportswear, Ben has worked with brands and businesses including Timothy Everest, Yves Saint Laurent, Jaeger and Tommy Hilfiger. He brings that experience together at XBO to rethink what modern weatherproof clothing can be. Ben explains why he set out to create outerwear that delivers exceptional protection from the elements without sacrificing style or relying entirely on traditional petrochemical-based materials. The conversation explores the difficult balance between performance, sustainability, durability, cost and aesthetics when developing technical clothing. A major focus is XBO's innovative approach to materials and garment construction. Ben discusses the use of bio-based nylon made from castor beans, as well as advanced waterproof membranes, and explains why simply using a recycled or bio-based material does not automatically make a garment sustainable. We also explore XBO's stitchless construction technology, which uses sonic welding and high-frequency welding to join fabrics and seal seams rather than relying on conventional stitching. Ben explains how the technology was developed to solve problems in outdoor equipment and why he believes i