RG Barry‘s slipper brand Dearfoams will have a bigger presence in lifestyle categories as new product launches begin this fall.

Dearfoams’ comfort-first philosophy will expand into hosiery and legwear, base layers, casual activewear, and more through three new licensing partnerships.

“Dearfoams has always stood for more than slippers. It represents the feeling of comfort at home and throughout everyday life,” Dearfoams’ president Justine Suh said. “These partnerships allow us to translate that trusted brand promise across new categories, occasions and seasons while reaching consumers in more areas of their lives. This is an important step in our evolution from America’s leading slipper brand into a true comfort lifestyle brand.”

Gina Group will introduce men’s, women’s and children’s hosiery and legwear, along with cold-weather and fashion accessories. Bluefish Apparel will develop men’s, women’s and children’s base layers, casual activewear and thermal apparel. The agreement with Bluefish also includes women’s underwear and bras. And Mad Engine will create a Family Bear Throwsie made exclusively for Walmart.com for Fall 2026.

Dearfoams said the new partnerships complement Dearfoams’ existing licensed products across sleepwear in partnership with Centric Brands, soft home with Idea Nuova, and pet products with Unique Petz.

Suh said the goal is “not” about placing the Dearfoams name on more products. “We are building a thoughtful assortment that delivers on the same promise in every category: making everyday life feel more comfortable,” Suh said. She explained that the strength of its licensing partners, combined with the Dearfoams’ brand recognition and retail partnerships, gives the business a “powerful foundation for long-term growth.”

Dearfoams was founded by Florence Melton in 1947, who transformed the footwear sector when she introduced foam-cushioned slippers. In June 2024, private equity firm Blackstone Group completely exited its 48 percent minority position in RG Barry. Fellow private equity firm Mill Road Capital retained a minority position when the two financial sponsors sold their stake to Marubeni Growth Capital U.S., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marubeni Corp. More recent acquisitions — with the financial backing of Marubeni — Jacobson Group and Green Market Services Co. Inc. The two, plus RG Barry, are part of the Marubeni lifestyle platform. The new deals gives RG Barry the global rights to Clarks slippers and the rights to Timberland’s slipper collection, as well as the global sneaker brand Gola.

Suh joined Dearfoams in January 2025. She has moved the brand direction from a slipper brand to a multi-category footwear brand, and is in the process of evolving it into a full lifestyle brand. Dearfoams also has a premium Fireside shearling collection.