T-Squared Clothing, founded by Thabiso Mokomele, is more than just a local streetwear brand; it embodies hard work, cultural roots, and a clear vision. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
When Thabiso Mokomele started selling printed T-shirts to his classmates in high school, he didn’t know he was laying the foundation for one of Cape Town’s most compelling urban fashion stories.
Today, nearly two decades later, T-Squared Clothing is not just a homegrown streetwear brand, it’s a testament to hustle, heritage, and vision.
Now, T-Squared is partnering with international beverage brand Aperol Spritz for a bold new collaboration, proving once again that style and substance are a powerful mix.
“If poverty is a struggle, then hustling is a cure.” That mindset fuelled Mokomele in the early 2000s, when he started printing and selling T-shirts out of sheer passion.
Raised in Gugulethu and born in Nyanga East, the young creative saw fashion as a tool for self-expression and opportunity.
“I’ve always been fuelled by passion,” he said in an interview with IOL. “When I started, I had a vision to create a leading urban streetwear brand from Gugulethu, and there weren’t any at the time.”
DJ Zinhle at the launch of the limited-edition gear in Johannesburg at the Aperol Spritz Padel event. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
It wasn’t long before his hobby took over the family garage, which he transformed into a manufacturing space and pop-up store. That bold move, he said, was only possible through hard work and his family’s support.
With 17 years in the game, Mokomele has earned a string of accolades, including LeadSA and KFM Entrepreneur of the Year and YouthStartCT winner in 2018.
These moments, he says, were major turning points. “They reminded me that this is my journey and that I need to be patient despite the hurdles.”
What truly sets T-Squared Clothing apart is its deep local roots and global outlook. Each garment is crafted locally, with an eye on international trends but an unwavering sense of homegrown identity.
“People in Gugulethu understand the importance of dressing for the occasion. There's grand street style, sass, and culture here and it inspires everything I do.
The latest collab between T-Squared Clothing and Campari Group South Africa’s Aperol Spritz marks a creative crossover between fashion and lifestyle. The limited-edition range was designed for influencers taking part in the Aperol Spritz Padel Tournament a sport that’s fast becoming a local favorite.
“The whole direction of the campaign was centred around Padel and Tennis,” says Mokomele.
“The colours were inspired by Aperol itself.” And while a fashion and beverage collab might seem unlikely, for T-Squared, the synergy was natural.
“This partnership worked perfectly. It aligned beautifully with our 2023 summer collection.”
Aperol’s Brand Manager, Xola Mbadamana, echoes this: “Aperol believes in the joy of connection.
“We partnered with T-Squared because their story, from school hustle to streetwear brand, reflects the entrepreneurial spirit we support. Every garment is handcrafted in-store, empowering youth and connecting communities through fashion.”
Mokomele attributes the continued flow of ideas after almost two decades in the industry to their control over production. This, he states, provides the freedom to be creative and innovate without constraints.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, his advice is clear and heartfelt: “This journey is spiritual. You have to be mentally strong, it’s not for the faint-hearted. You need patience and self-belief.”
As T-Squared Clothing steps into the national spotlight once again with this Aperol collaboration, Thabiso Mokomele’s story is a reminder that some of the best brands aren’t born in boardrooms, they start in garages, fuelled by grit, purpose, and the style of the streets.
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