My name is Justin W. Uglow. I’m a custom clothier, luxury stylist, and an avid lover of nature. I’ve been working in custom clothing for over a decade, and have also spent time working in National Parks and National Forests throughout the southeast.
I grew up in Ruckersville, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and spent much of my free time exploring Shenandoah National Park. I was very fascinated with nature, and I was just as fascinated with fashion, particularly men’s tailoring. In high school, I took on my first job at Men’s Wearhouse in Charlottesville, and was fortunate enough to learn from three very talented clothiers: Vince Bacigalupo, Vincent Barbatti, and Michelle Brooks. My experience working with them solidified my love for menswear, and gave me the knowledge I needed to further my career.
After I finished high school, I drove cross country for the first time, hiking, camping, and backpacking in National Parks all over the United States. That journey sparked a lifelong dedication to public lands that continues to shape how I travel, work, and find inspiration.
I went to Virginia Tech, studying natural resource conservation, physics, and astronomy. When I left college, I became an AmeriCorps volunteer with Appalachian Conservation Corps, working on nature conservation projects throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. My whole time in college, and while volunteering, I continued to work in clothing and sharpen my skills in fashion.
After my time with Appalachian Conservation Corps, I moved down to Tennessee to work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, building and maintaining hiking trails and helping with wildlife management and ecological restoration projects. I then returned to Virginia, putting down roots in Richmond, and began working at Franco’s Fine Clothier. After my time there, I moved to 707 Fine Clothing, working with Dayal Baxani, Ben Baxani, and Thao Tran.
As the Lead Stylist, I was able to further my talents as a designer and custom clothier, working with hundreds of clients, and designing for several fashion shows. Every year I would always make time to travel cross country, exploring as much of our land as I could, and had a growing desire to combine my two greatest passions. After five years, I knew it was time to go off on my own, and I started JW Uglow.
I continue to live and work in Richmond, designing custom clothing for clients all over Virginia. I also drive across the country every year to work with people nationwide, bringing luxury fabrics from coast to coast, and hiking and camping along the way. With my clothing, it’s my mission to give back to our land as much as I can…