We Are
Public Rec

Our Story

Most people might call us an “athleisure” brand. Honestly, we’re not even sure that’s a real word—try telling your dad you’re launching an “athleisure” company. Public Rec was born from one man’s dream and a pair of sweats that didn’t fit. Picture this: a guy, stuck in his mom’s sweatpants, realizes there must be a way to combine real comfort with a look that works outside the house. So he got to work.

Bootstrapped from a small Chicago apartment, hand-packed by our founder, we started with a simple, no-nonsense idea: make pants that look great and feel even better. Our goal wasn’t to create a status symbol; we wanted versatile, comfortable pants for everyone—just like public recreation spaces, meant for all.

Our Founder's Vision

At the start, our founder Zach Goldstein had one goal: to create pants that felt as comfortable as his favorite Jordan sweats but looked sharp enough to wear anywhere. That meant cool, urban, and with a touch of ‘I don’t give a f**k’ confidence.

Our Products

We launched with a single pair of sweats that were the first to come in waist and inseam sizes, solving the one-size-fits-all problem. Fast forward to today, and our pants have been everywhere: on long international flights, at weddings, on casual nights out. Every pair has become part of someone’s journey.

We didn’t just rewrite the rules; we invented Undercover Comfort, making sweats that fly under the radar—work-appropriate, perfectly fitted, and always comfortable. Since then, we’ve expanded to tees, joggers, and more, each designed with the same core philosophy: comfort above all. Find us in the clubhouse or the boardroom, but always rooted in quality.

Public Rec is for men who don’t want to spend their Saturday shopping or second-guessing what to wear. Men who are uncomplicated in style but never compromise on comfort. Busy living and always playing, these men appreciate the finer things—the ones you can’t buy, like a well-packed tailgate or a hole-in-one.

We’re All Grown Up

Born and bred in Chicago, we embody Midwest niceness with a blend of classic sophistication and urban edge—effortlessly cool, a little rebellious, but always grounded. We’re the grit of a Chicago winter, the cool of Bucktown, and the heart of Wrigleyville. Our style adapts to the city’s ever-changing seasons, balancing timeless classics with a streetwear influence that keeps us ready for anything.