98 Fahren: Clothing that Beats the Heat in Style
By nine in the morning, the sun has already begun to bite. A delivery rider waits at a traffic signal. A construction worker lifts steel under an unforgiving sky. A police constable stands at a junction directing traffic. For millions of Indians, extreme heat isn't an inconvenience. It's part of the job. In a world that loves to ride the trend, Vikkas Singh decided to create 98 Farhen, a brand that truly wants to make a difference.
The idea came from a simple observation. Millions of people, whether delivery riders, construction workers, police personnel, factory employees, or field engineers, among others, are expected to perform their duties in the extreme heat. However, the harsh environment and heat take a toll on their body, affecting their health, productivity and safety.
Working against the Weather:
Rather than another apparel brand, they focused on personal cooling technology. That passion has helped them design innovative cooling products designed to help people work, travel, and perform comfortably in extreme temperatures. Every product is developed through extensive research, testing, and continuous improvement before reaching the market.
At the core of 98 Fahren is their patent-pending evaporative cooling technology. The easiest way to understand this is to think of how the body naturally cools itself by sweating. Similarly, their cooling products contain a specially engineered membrane that absorbs and retains water.
After soaking the product in water, the stored water gradually evaporates. During this natural evaporation process, heat is drawn away from the body, creating a long-lasting cooling effect. They claim that the wearer remains 100% dry from inside, while the product provides cooling for up to five hours.
Convincing People and Overcoming Challenges:
Like many startups, Fahren 98 faced challenges regarding funding, manufacturing, supply chains and educating customers about a new product category. Heat stress is often underestimated and only given due diligence when health incidents occur or productivity takes a hit. So these challenges and the desire to help really pushed them.
The desire to create technology that has a direct impact on people's lives became their north star, and seeing delivery riders, construction workers, police officers, or factory employees get through an extremely hot day with their cooling vest is incredibly rewarding.
"We don't just manufacture cooling products—we're building a future where no one has to choose between earning a living and risking their health in extreme heat."
According to him, the Cool Nest VEO, which combines high cooling performance, lightweight comfort, reusability, and practicality, is something that truly represents their vision.
Advice for Businesses that Want to Make a Difference:
A common thread running through most of the founders interviewed is also echoed in Vikkas’ advice - a great product is essential, but persistence is pivotal. There will always be setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and people doubting your vision, but the key is to keep improving your product, listen to your customers, and remain patient.
Another extremely important piece of advice is to think about meaningful solutions before business ideas. Staying committed to continuous improvement will eventually lead to a flourishing business.
Some of the biggest opportunities come from industries where people believe nothing can change.