Ken Bone's Debate Fame Has Been Good Business For Red Sweater Maker

Before Oct. 9, Amazon reviews for Izod's men's cable knit sweater were your mundane, run-of-the-mill stuff.

"Its a good sweater," Nick Painter wrote on Nov. 23, 2015 with a 5-star rating. "I am wearing it currently. It is a little bit more blue than I expected. The picture made it look a little more gray than blue. I still like it a lot. I would just say to expect more of a sky blue color."

"The sweater is lovely overall, but I have noticed fraying around the 'cables' which I have not noticed on any other IZOD sweater in this design," said user Nathan, giving it a mere two stars. "I don't know if all reds are affected in this way, but my own is."

Those reviews shifted tone after Sunday, Oct. 9, when Ken Bone sported it proudly during the presidential town hall debate. Bone won over the internet's adoration after asking the candidates a question about energy policy in the middle of a bitter and attack-filled debate.

"If it's good enough for Ken Bone, it's good enough for me," billygumdrop said. "Power to the people!!!"

"This cable knit sweater paired with a white oxford is the perfect combo when staring down fascism," Christopher C. Curtis wrote. "The only thing you'll be grabbing while wearing this sweater is the hearts of all Americans. Runs a little small."

On Monday, the sweater sold out in red on Amazon as Bone's popularity soared while Americans rushed to emulate their new hero — or just dress up as him for Halloween. By Tuesday, the sweater was only available in other colors through Amazon.

IZOD didn't respond to an email from Patch seeking specific sales numbers. It did pass along this statement, via spokeswoman Karen Manez:

"Amid the rancor of Sunday night's debate, one American — and his sweater — stood out: Ken Bone and his red IZOD cable knit," the statement said. "We commend Ken on his cool demeanor and earnest question and his wife for choosing his sweater.”

For his part, Bone said he bought the sweater at a Kohl's in Wisconsin. He said he hasn't been contacted by the store or IZOD for any marketing.

"I'm not expecting too much, but if a local store wanted to use me, I'd be willing to do it," he told ABC News.

IZOD has, though, dropped some Ken Bone-themed references on its social media:

Bone, apparently a savvy personal brand expert, has been flaunting the sweater in many of his television interviews and photo ops.

And for anyone worried about his hygiene, he reassured people Tuesday that, yes, he sometimes takes it off in between appearances:

Image via YouTube