Brand · Tribeca, since 2003

Nili Lotan

The military jacket, the off-duty wardrobe, made in downtown New York.

Nili Lotan
Re-checked daily
Nili Lotan is an Israeli-American designer whose eponymous label, founded in 2003, is known for its trademark military-style jackets and an easy, lived-in wardrobe.

Born Nili Shapira in Netanya, Israel, she served two years in the Israeli Air Force before studying at the Shenkar Fashion Institute in Tel Aviv. Her career began in New York in 1980, working up to head designer at Nautica and Ralph Lauren, with senior roles at Adrienne Vittadini and Liz Claiborne along the way.

In 2003 she stepped out from corporate design to launch her own collection; military jackets quickly became her signature, and the line has grown into a full range of women's clothing sold in over 150 stores worldwide. In 2006 she opened her first store in Tribeca, combining design studio and retail. Her clothes are worn by Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Gal Gadot.

Nili Lotan shopping FAQ

Are Nili Lotan pants and jeans worth the splurge?+

For fans of quiet, elevated everyday dressing, most reviewers say yes. Nili Lotan's clothing is praised for excellent fabric, durability and a classic-but-cool feel that earns it "holy grail" status in many wardrobes, so the cost-per-wear adds up favourably over years. If you live in tailored trousers and well-cut denim, it is the kind of investment piece you reach for constantly.

How does Nili Lotan sizing run?+

Be cautious here: shoppers widely report that Nili Lotan sizing can be unpredictable and varies between styles, with advice ranging from taking your usual size to sizing up or even down. Because of that inconsistency, trying pieces on in person, or ordering with easy returns, is strongly recommended. When the fit lands right, the pieces are described as exceptionally comfortable.

What is Nili Lotan best known for?+

The label made its name on military-style jackets, which quickly became Nili Lotan's trademark after she launched her own collection. From there the brand evolved into a full range of women's clothing for every season, anchored by elevated everyday staples. That blend of utilitarian edge and refined ease is the brand's signature.

Who is Nili Lotan the designer?+

Nili Lotan is an Israeli-American fashion designer, born Nili Shapira in Netanya, Israel, who founded the Nili Lotan Design Studio. She served two years in the Israeli Air Force before studying at the Shenkar Fashion Institute in Tel Aviv, and she has said her European upbringing and military service shaped her design approach. She lives in the Tribeca neighbourhood of New York City.

When was the Nili Lotan label founded?+

Lotan launched her own collection under the Nili Lotan label in 2003, after years inside major fashion houses. In 2006 she opened her first store in Tribeca, New York, where she combined her design studio with a retail space. The brand now sells in over 150 stores worldwide.

What did Nili Lotan do before her own brand?+

Her career began in 1980 after she relocated to New York City, and she worked her way up to head designer at Nautica and Ralph Lauren. Before that she honed her craft as a senior designer at Adrienne Vittadini and Liz Claiborne. That decade inside established American labels informs the polished, wearable sensibility of her own line.

Where can I buy Nili Lotan?+

You can shop the brand at its original Tribeca store in New York, where the design studio shares space with retail, and through its official online store. Beyond that, Nili Lotan is stocked in over 150 stores worldwide. Buying through the brand or an authorised stockist is the surest way to get the genuine fit and fabric.

Why is Nili Lotan so expensive?+

The pricing reflects considered design, quality materials and a make-to-last philosophy rather than fast-fashion churn. Reviewers consistently point to excellent fabric and durability as justification for the spend, framing the pieces as long-term wardrobe anchors. For shoppers who value a refined, understated aesthetic worn for years, many find the value holds up.

Do celebrities wear Nili Lotan?+

Yes, the label has a notably wide celebrity following. Wikipedia lists fans including Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bündchen, Gal Gadot, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian, among others. That off-duty, effortlessly cool roster mirrors exactly the kind of elevated everyday dressing the brand is built around.

How should I style Nili Lotan pieces?+

Lean into the brand's elevated-everyday DNA: pair the signature military jacket with simple denim, or build outfits around a clean trouser and a fine knit. The pieces are designed to mix easily across seasons, so they reward a pared-back, tonal approach rather than fussy styling. Let the cut and fabric do the talking.