DudeRobe Update | Shark Tank Season 9

Traditional robes are bulky and unappealing to men, prompting Howie Busch to seek a more comfortable and versatile solution. This led to the creation of the DudeRobe, a stylish, absorbent robe that combines the comfort of a sweatshirt with the functionality of a towel. In our DudeRobe update and pitch recap, let’s see if Howie was able to secure a deal for his company.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to DudeRobe after Shark Tank.

Howie Busch entered Shark Tank Season 9 seeking $150,000 for 18% equity in his men’s luxury bathrobe product, DudeRobe. Despite his compelling pitch, he left the show without securing an investment.

In terms of a  DudeRobe update, the company continues to thrive and is still operational. Howie successfully partnered with the National Basketball Association, now generating an estimated $2 million in annual revenue.

Shark	Result
Robert Herjavec	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Mark Cuban	No offer
Daymond John	No offer

Shark Tank DudeRobe Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Howie Busch
• Business: Robes for Men
• Ask: $150,000 for 18% equity
• Result: No deal
• Sharks: None

Howie Busch started his pitch to the sharks by introducing DudeRobe, a stylish, absorbent robe that combines the comfort of a sweatshirt with the functionality of a towel.

He sought $150,000 for 18% equity. Howie aimed to expand his innovative product line and solve the problem of bulky, unappealing robes for men.

The DudeRobe is designed specifically for men’s loungewear needs. It combines the comfort of loungewear with the drying functionality of a towel. 

It features a dual-layer design: the outer layer is made of sweatshirt material for a soft, comfortable feel, while the inner layer has a towel lining that absorbs water from the body, eliminating the need for a separate towel after showering or swimming. 

This innovative design addresses common pain points for men who might not traditionally wear robes.

The DudeRobe replaces traditional robes’ bulky and unstylish look with a modern hoodie design, making it more aesthetically pleasing. 

Additionally, the towel lining removes the extra step of drying off with a separate towel, offering a more convenient lounging experience. 

Howie emphasized its versatility, noting it could be used at home, at the beach, or even at the gym after working out.

Howie shared his successful Kickstarter campaign, which aimed to raise $25,000 but ended up raising approximately $65,000. 

The full robe set was the most popular item during the campaign. However, the sharks were concerned about the price point. It’s listed at $219, which they found quite expensive.

Mark Cuban was unhappy with the price point and was the first to go out. 

Kevin O’Leary echoed Mark’s concern and also opted out. 

Lori Greiner didn’t believe men would wear a robe like this and decided not to invest. 

Robert Herjavec didn’t understand the product and chose to step out as well. 

Daymond John was Howie’s last hope, and after consideration, he dropped out without making an offer.

Now that we have learned about Howie’s time on Shark Tank, let’s get a DudeRobe update to see whether he has managed to steer his company in the right direction without a deal.

Shark Tank DudeRobe Update

Despite not securing a deal on the show, DudeRobe found a solid customer base and experienced a significant sales bump after the episode aired. 

Since Shark Tank, Howie’s towel-lined lounge apparel company has been thriving and promotes itself as “the world’s #1 men’s luxury bathrobe.”

DudeRobe has garnered positive reviews on its website despite its high price tag, which ranges from $148 to $314 for robes and combos. 

Customers appreciate the quality and design, keeping demand high. 

Additionally, our DudeRobe update found that the company struck a deal with the NBA, creating a limited-edition loungewear line featuring logos from teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks.

Since Shark Tank, DudeRobe has grown to around $2 million in annual revenue.

The company’s continued growth and positive reception suggest that our next DudeRobe update will be even better.

You can find the other company updates from Season 9 Episode 16 here:

• G.O.A.T Pet Products Update
• Duderobe Update
• The Longhairs Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our Shark Tank Season 9 page for more updates!