Shweta Poddar and Rishabh Poddar’s Candid Men redefining men’s fashion rentals in India

Rajshree Upadhyaya |  Business Remedies | Candid Men grew from a simple but powerful insight that men needed a smarter, more affordable way to dress for life’s biggest occasions. When founder Shweta Poddar and cofounder and CTO Rishabh Poddar first built the brand from its earlier identity, CandidKnots, in the mid-2010s, they were responding to a problem they had observed repeatedly. Premium menswear was expensive, buying for one-time events felt wasteful, and there were hardly any services that could offer high-quality outfits without the commitment of purchase. Their solution slowly took shape as a rental-first menswear platform that blended style, sustainability, and accessibility.

While various industry profiles place the brand’s establishment between 2015 and 2017, all accounts agree that this was the phase when the Poddars began refining their rental model and shifting exclusively towards menswear. What they built became a polished service where customers could choose from a curated inventory of suits, tuxedos, blazers, sherwanis, Indo-Western outfits, kurta pyjamas, ethnic jackets, and accessories, all maintained through meticulous dry cleaning and hygiene care before each booking. The idea was not just to rent clothing but to create a premium experience that matched the confidence customers felt when they stepped out in well-designed outfits.

As the inventory expanded, the founders realized that trust mattered just as much as convenience. They built physical showrooms-first in Bengaluru, then in other major cities such as Delhi-where customers could walk in, try on outfits, get styling help, and finalize bookings in person. More than half of their business began coming from these stores, proving that men welcomed the personal touch of an in-store fitting even when digital booking remained an option. The website, meanwhile, streamlined the browsing and booking experience for customers who preferred planning their looks online.

The founders balanced in-house design with curated sourcing, ensuring that every garment delivered both durability and modern aesthetics. This approach helped Candid Men stand apart in a segment that was still developing in India. Instead of overwhelming customers with seasonal collections, they focused on timeless pieces that photographed well, fit comfortably, and could be styled across multiple occasions. Over time, repeat customers became a defining part of the business-professionals renting tuxedos for award nights, groomsmen coordinating wedding looks, and young customers experimenting with premium fashion at a fraction of the cost.

The brand’s turning point came with its appearance on Shark Tank India, where Shweta and Rishabh pitched their vision for affordable yet premium menswear rentals. Their clarity, operational experience, and steady growth caught the attention of investors Vineeta Singh and Amit Jain, who together offered a deal of Rs. 60 lakh for 5 percent equity. The agreement came with a performance-linked clause, but more importantly, it amplified national visibility for the brand. The episode validated the Poddars’ belief that menswear rentals had the potential to become mainstream in India.

Today, Candid Men continues to operate with active showrooms, an updated website, and ongoing customer engagement, signaling a business that is not only alive but steadily evolving. Its model stands at the intersection of affordability, sustainability, and style, offering men the freedom to look their best without the pressure of ownership. What began as a bootstrapped experiment has grown into a credible fashion service that reshaped how Indian men approach occasion wear.

Candid Men’s journey illustrates how a carefully executed idea can rewrite old habits. By transforming the concept of renting premium menswear into a seamless, respectable, and stylish experience, the Poddars built more than a brand-they built a new mindset for modern dressing.

Written & Edited By:

Rajshree Upadhyaya