An interview with Saurabh Agrawal, Co-Founder and CEO, Harfun, New-age apparel brand
In an engaging interview, Saurabh Agrawal, Co-Founder and CEO of Harfun, shares his vision. His journey with Harfun serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
He discusses the importance of technology in creating versatile apparel and the challenges faced in building a brand that resonates with modern consumers.
Saurabh shares his journey, the inspiration behind Harfun, and how the brand aims to connect with a modern audience while promoting individuality and self-expression.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Harfun and what motivated you to focus on men’s workwear?
Saurabh Agrawal: Our inspiration arose from the changing needs of modern professionals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As traditional formal wear became less relevant and the lines between work and leisure blurred, my team came across a looming question – why couldn’t workwear adapt to this new reality?
This led us to envision a menswear brand that seamlessly blended comfort, functionality, and professionalism—culminating in the creation of Harfun in 2022.
We identified a significant gap in the market: Traditional corporate attire often failed to address the practical challenges of long hours and versatile clothing needs.
Hence, we set out on a mission to redefine workwear by merging minimalistic design with advanced fabric technologies grown in-house that offer properties like wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking, and four-way stretch.
This led to the formation of our pivot category, Workwear 2.0, a collection of science-backed, tech-driven clothing that helps one transition seamlessly from office to casual settings.
Our mission is to replace stiff, uncomfortable formals with garments that cater to today’s dynamic workforce. Harfun is not just a brand; it is a movement to transform stiff formals into functional and aspirational pieces for every modern wardrobe.
How does Harfun differentiate itself from other workwear brands in terms of design and functionality?
Saurabh Agrawal: We utilize innovative and proprietary advanced technologies like 6X SmartTech°™, ZeroSweat° Tech™, Helix° Fiber™, and IQ°Tech™ in our clothing that attributes features such as wrinkle resistance, four-way stretch, SPF 50+ UV protection, moisture-wicking capabilities, anti-microbial, and anti-odor properties.
These materials are also ultra lightweight, making them 40-50% lighter than traditional workwear. Along with this, we engineer high-performance fabrics like Helix° Fiber™, specialized yarn, warp knit, knit, and elastane in our garments, which ensures durability and breathability.
Our garments, when sported, feel like luxurious pieces, while their science-backed properties help them remain fresh and make them adaptable for various settings—from the office to travel or casual outings.
Additionally, we believe in continuously adapting to the evolving needs of our clientele. We have expanded our product range to include approximately 90 SKUs, including shirts, trousers, jackets, and hoodies—all designed for versatility and ease of use.
By focusing on innovation and addressing the discomforts associated with traditional formalwear, we have been able to create a community of 2,50,000 people with a 70% repeat rate of our customers.
Can you discuss the research and development process that goes into creating your workwear collections?
Saurabh Agrawal: Our approach begins at the molecular level, where we engineer fabrics using advanced technologies such as using high IQ dyes that lock in with the fabric at a molecular level, ensuring vibrant colors and long-lasting performance.
We collaborate with research institutes in Japan and Thailand alongside our in-house R&D team to develop high performance fabric materials. Each product is designed to combine style with functionality.
For example, our Workday Shirt is a smart shirt that incorporates features like wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking, SPF 50+ sun protection, and anti-odor properties.
Such innovations make our garments feel as comfortable as activewear while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
What trends do you see emerging in the workwear market, and how is Harfun positioning itself to adapt to these changes?
Saurabh Agrawal: The demand for clothing integrated with technology is revolutionizing the fashion and fitness industries. At Harfun, we aim to lead this transformation by blending innovation with activewear to create garments that enhance functionality and well-being.
Our team is developing a groundbreaking shirt equipped with an in-built patch for real-time glucose monitoring, leveraging advancements in non-invasive technologies like sweat-based sensors. This product is expected to reach commercialization within the next year or two.
Additionally, predictive analytics embedded in smart fabrics, augmented reality for virtual workouts, and AI-driven customization are set to redefine fitness gear and shopping experiences. Virtual try-ons will further elevate convenience by enabling users to visualize fit and functionality before purchasing.
Further, collaborations between tech companies, designers, and fitness experts are accelerating advancements in wearable technology, paving the way for a new era of connected fitness and personalized activewear.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the fashion or workwear industry?
Saurabh Agrawal: Harfun, in India at least, was the first brand to recognise WorkWear as a category. We came in as the category creators, focusing on the consumers’ wants and needs. Here are some things that I have learned: First and foremost—know your consumer.
Spend time talking to them, observing them, understanding their needs and frustrations. The most powerful ideas don’t come from boardrooms—they come from real life.
At Harfun, our journey started by noticing a simple gap: modern professionals were stuck with outdated formalwear that didn’t match their dynamic lifestyles. That observation led us to a much bigger opportunity.
Also, it’s important to approach this industry with the right mindset. If your primary goal is just to make money, you’re missing the point.
The WorkWear space is deeply personal— what people wear affects how they feel, perform, and present themselves.
So, focus on solving real problems. Whether it’s discomfort, lack of functionality, or outdated aesthetics, your mission should be to add genuine value to your customer’s life.
If you lead with purpose and are relentless about innovation and utility, success becomes a byproduct—not the end goal.
As our conversation wraps up, Saurabh Agrawal’s passion for creativity and sustainability shines through.
His vision promises to resonate with consumers seeking style that reflects their values and individuality.
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