Gender-neutral, versatile clothing everybody can wear
Unable to find clothing silhouettes that he liked, Karl Guerra decided to make them himself.
“I wanted to create pieces that were more accessible to like-minded individuals who shared the same appreciation for form, comfort, and flow,” Guerra told Lifestyle.
Back then, Guerra, who loves clothing and coffee, was working for a software company. But that didn’t stop him from venturing into fashion.
He named his brand Suot —“a name that was simple and universal, something that directly translates to ‘wear’ in Filipino. This allows us the freedom to create anything wearable, beyond just apparel,” he said.
The label offers “gender-neutral, adaptive clothing that complements different body shapes and sizes. The goal is to create pieces that look and feel good on everyone, no matter how they move or wear them.”
Suot debuted its first collection in January 2020, featuring wide pants made of corduroy in honey mustard, black, and olive, along with what Guerra called Boxy Combo Tees—oversized boxy shirts in khaki, maroon, and gray, each with a color-blocked sleeve.
Just two months after, the pandemic brought the world to a standstill.
“The lockdowns made production really challenging, especially with sourcing materials and coordinating with suppliers,” Guerra recalled. “Luckily, I still had my day job at the time, so I was able to keep things going. When restrictions eased, I was able to release more designs, and I was grateful to see people continuing to support the brand despite everything.”
Guerra created garments that were great for relaxing at home and also going out for essentials—perfect pieces for people trying to survive in a world plagued by COVID-19.
Think and create
Today, Guerra works on Suot full-time. “I’m based in the mountains of Antipolo. The slower pace and natural surroundings here give me the space to think and create.”
He finds inspiration “in the everyday things that make the world move—whether it’s the way fabric drapes, the rhythm of the streets, or anything that embodies comfort and flow.”
He added, “I have a deep appreciation for local craftsmanship, which is something I try to incorporate into Suot whenever possible.”
Suot’s designs have included wide pants, baseball jersey-inspired Homerun Shirts, co-ord sets, oversized shirts and cargo pants that can be mixed and matched, balloon shorts, sleeveless shirts, multipaneled tops, collared shirts, reversible hats, and more.
The Akap Vest, which Guerra called “a representation of connection between comfort and style,” can be worn in a variety of ways, including wrapped around the wearer like a hug. Previous collections have explored asymmetry, lines, shapes, and colors.
“Suot pieces focus on fluidity and adaptability, both in fit and function. The silhouettes are intentionally designed to move with the body, creating a natural balance between structure and ease. Every piece is also made with versatility in mind, allowing it to be worn in different ways, across different settings,” Guerra said.
He also came out with a RetaSuot series featuring clothing and accessories (like the Tagpi-Tagpi necklaces, Lukbot bags) made with leftover fabric or retaso, as a way to minimize waste.
Easy to wear
The collections and designs may have evolved, but Suot remains true to its core: offering clothing that is comfortable, relaxed, functional, effortless, versatile.
Many have fallen in love with Suot, and it’s not surprising. Guerra said, “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The pieces resonate with people who appreciate the comfort, quality, and how effortlessly they fit into their daily lives. One of my favorite things to hear is how Suot pieces become their go-to essentials because they feel good wearing them.”
The Katrina Round Pants and the Dominic Shirt have been Suot’s most popular silhouettes. “Both designs are simple, easy to wear, and have become part of Suot’s signature look.”
The Katrina Round Pants are also Guerra’s all-time favorite. “They’re such a versatile staple. Another favorite is our new Tandem Shirt, I love the layered details and the overall movement it creates when worn.”
The Tandem Shirt—which has a built-in vest, creating a unique layered effect—is part of Suot’s newest offering, the Achromatic collection, which features a muted palette and a variety of textures. “The collection explores the interplay of fabric, layering black and gray in varying weights and finishes to create dimension.”
The pieces are both relaxed and refined, retaining the flow Suot is known for, while also having more structure. The Irregular Jacket, Suot’s take on a classic suit jacket, the Overlap Vest, and the Half Apron Shorts are just some pieces from Suot’s Achromatic collection. There are also Dominic Shirts and Katrina Round Pants in grays and blacks.
You can view the collection on Suot’s Instagram account (@suot.natin) and shop by going to suotnatin.com.
What’s next for Suot? Guerra said, “We’re working on new, exciting designs and bigger, well thought-out collections. Our focus is on making Suot more accessible to more people while continuing to evolve our silhouettes and concepts.”
