Entry Level

Entry Level: More Than Just a Brand

We're starting this blog off hot with one of my favorite brands of all time, Entry Level - a brand I've been a fan of since high school. As I inch closer to graduating college in May, sending out job applications and hoping that a company hires me for a role I'm overqualified for (and will inevitably be underpaid for), I can't help but feel the frustration that Entry Level captures so well.

There's gotta be a better way.. right? While I try to figure out what that better way looks like for me, I can wear my frustration on a sick t-shirt. Thanks, Entry Level.

So What is Entry Level?

At its core, the brand was born out of frustration with the universal experience of feeling undervalued at work, stuck in a system that doesn't always reward effort. Their website describes it best: Entry Level is for those who "spawned in at the bottom rung and are just trying to eke out an existence and an honest living in a world that all-too rarely cares to acknowledge the significance of their contributions."

Got chewed out by your boss for something completely out of your control? Channel that energy into this t-shirt! Perfect for your off-hours (or your office hours, if you're feeling brave)

Beyond this, Entry Level has similar cynicism when it comes to politics. They were first to market in t-shirts that called Elon Musk a loser and haven't let up since. ​Their "Never Talk to Cops" tee breaks down your 5th Amendment rights and doubles as a reminder of the risks of speaking to law enforcement without legal representation (plus, it's a pretty sick cheat sheet if you get pulled over—like wearing a map of the U.S. to your fifth-grade geography quiz). More recently, they released a new version: "Don't Talk to ICE," with all proceeds supporting legal aid for immigrant services.

Entry Level isn't just a brand—it's a battle cry for the overworked, overlooked, and totally done with pretending things are fine.

Clothing 

Beyond the message, the actual clothes hold up.

Entry Level prints locally in Washington DC, using LA Apparel and other high-quality, union-backed blanks—ensuring their pieces feel as good as they look and actually last. That longevity also makes them a more sustainable choice.

Affordability is always subjective, but Entry Level hits the sweet spot where it's pricey enough that I feel confident it wasn't made with child labor, but still cheap enough that I can grab a shirt or two on a student budget. If you want that in dollar terms, most shirts go for around $30—but if you follow their socials and keep an eye out, they run solid sales every so often.

Content on socials 

Wow great transition Jason, proud of you.

I first learned about Entry Level back in my streetwear startup phase in high school, when I'd spend hours on Reddit, perusing and chatting with indie brand founders. The fact that I'm still keeping up with Entry Level all these years later says a lot—it's clear their socials are doing something right.

Their TikTok presence is quite good, it's authentic to the brand without a ton of flash. It's usually the founder stitching a video of someone talking about a societal issue and casually giving his take. Every now and then, he throws in a plug for a shirt he made about it—just enough for brand awareness without being overbearing.

On Instagram, their graphics are consistently engaging. Everything they post feels like it belongs in the universe they've built. The fonts, color schemes, and voice stay true to their brand identity. And in the world of independent fashion, that kind of clarity is rare.

What really sets Entry Level apart, though, is the branding. The aesthetic is personal—almost like an inside joke you're lucky enough to be in on. It's the kind of shirt you'd see that one cool guy at the Silverlake flea rocking, probably with a beat-up Marlboro hat and some long jorts. Entry Level knows exactly who it's speaking to, and it speaks fluently.

That's the magic of having a founder who's a member of the target audience. It creates this sense of being seen. It's probably why they have such strong customer retention—people don't just buy from Entry Level; they become a fan of Entry Level.

Recommendations

Tier #1: Very Basic (But Still Important)

Let's start with the low-hanging fruit—simple changes that could make a big difference. Think of these as the equivalent of finally fixing the loose handle on your favorite cabinet: small, satisfying, and long overdue.

1. Google Ads (Search, Display, and Even Video)

I get it, ads can feel icky, especially for a brand built on authenticity and anti-corporate ethos. But the right kind of ads can actually serve the brand and the audience. Running targeted Google ads (especially search and display) can help Entry Level appear when someone's looking up niche terms like "political streetwear" or "ethical streetwear."

Google Ads are pay-per-click—so you only pay when someone actually clicks through. By focusing on long-tail, specific keywords (like "leftist clothing brand" instead of just "t-shirts"), Entry Level can keep the cost low while reaching people who are already aligned with the brand's values.

Even $5–10 a day could be enough to test the waters and start seeing results. It's low risk, high reward, and a great way to drive discovery without compromising the brand's soul.

2. More Instagram Reels

Entry Level already wins with static content, but it can blow up by leaning into video. Reels are Instagram's golden child right now, and they drive high engagement. Short-form video content can expand reach beyond the core audience without feeling like it's selling out the brand like some paid ads. It doesn't have to be overly polished—just more of what the brand's already doing: quick takes, social commentary, behind-the-scenes of running the brand, and the occasional t-shirt plug.

3. Email Capture with a Stronger CTA

Right now, there's a quiet little box at the bottom of the website that says, "subscribe to get special offers." Most people won't scroll that far. This should be a pop-up—something punchy, branded, and direct. A line like:

"Corporate emails are soul-crushing. Ours come with discounts. Get 10% off your first order + occasional updates from your favorite underdog brand."

Simple, effective, and now you've got a growing email list that you can convert into repeat customers. Mailchimp, Klaviyo—there are tools out there that make this seamless.

4. Website Redesign (Especially the Homepage)

The website works, but right now, it feels like a placeholder for something cooler. Instagram's branding is so specific, gritty, and self-aware, but the site's layout doesn't quite reflect that.

What if the homepage mirrored one of those chaotic yet aesthetic graphics they post on Instagram? Think: distorted text, layered visuals, and a homepage banner that feels like it was ripped from a protest sign.

Tier #2: still kinda basic (but a lot more fun)

This next batch of ideas takes things up a notch—not necessarily harder to execute, but definitely a bit bolder.

1. The opposite of the target audience

You know what's more effective than a billboard? A TikTok of someone walking past cops in a "Never Talk to Cops" tee and filming their reactions. Whether it's awkward side-eyes, full-on double takes, or deadpan stares, the tension is the content. You don't even have to say anything—just walk, film, and let the shirt speak for itself.

Want to level it up? Politely ask, "Hey, what do you think of my shirt?" and see who takes the bait. It's bold, uncomfortable, and extremely shareable

2. Wear the Merch to Professional Conferences

In a similar vein, you could create content by showing up at a professional conference where everyone else is in suits. Meanwhile, you're wearing a shirt that goes directly against their whole corporate executive schtick. The contrast would be fun to watch. It's bold, hilarious, and exactly the kind of thing that would resonate on TikTok or Reels.

Tier #3 bigger swings

#1 "Elon is a Loser" Tesla Sticker

"If you put this sticker on your Tesla, I'll send you a free shirt."

This is pure virality bait. It's polarizing, hilarious, and exactly the kind of thing that'll spark both love and hate in the comments (which, algorithmically, is the dream).

People who hate Elon get a badge of honor. People who are Elon stans will freak out. Either way, Entry Level wins. Make it a limited-time offer, post reactions, repost customer photos—it becomes content and distribution in one.

#2 Entry Level leaves its mark on DC

Take the chaos up a notch by combining cryptic posters that lead to a city-wide scavenger hunt. Design unbranded, unhinged posters and put them all around DC.

No logos. No calls to action.

• Your leaders have failed you

• Do you want to see my bills from last month?

• Elon Musk fan club (no meetings, just vibes)

Each poster includes a small QR code tucked in a corner - quiet and context-free. When scanned, it leads to a mystery page on the Entry Level site: a clue.
That clue is part of a wider a limited-edition hidden merch hunt. T-shirts get stashed around the city: benches, stairwells, taped behind flyers, folded into free newspaper boxes. Each one is numbered and tagged with a short, printed message inside. Then, on TikTok and Instagram Stories, Entry Level drops subtle clues to further draw more engagement and fun. It's part scavenger hunt, part anti-capitalist art project, fully on brand.

The best part? It costs almost nothing but builds buzz, content, community, and real potential for earned media.

3. Crash a job fair

Crash a college career fair or industry networking event with a rogue Entry Level booth. No actual jobs—but there is merch.

Hand out stickers, shirts, and posters with classic Entry Level messaging, and film the reactions. It's equal parts brand activation and satire, and exactly the kind of content that speaks for itself.