thenext.run - Testing, Testing, One Two

For those that have been on a run with me in the past 3 months would be well aware of my Covid-19 diversion/side project to find yet another way to talk about running - bringing my ideas and designs into the real world on running shirts. No doubt you’ve seen or heard something if you're taking the time here to read about it on thenext.run blog.

In looking for options for ways to get what was in my head out I have learnt much about what is possible in the world of garment creation and printing on material. I started with a selection process with the lessons in my closet. Over the past 3 years I have collected many events shirts and also forked out large amounts of cash to big name brands like Nike, Compressport, North Face, and Salomon. Reviewing the materials used in my tried and tested and much loved shirts, it was clear that whilst my favourites were definitely 100% polyester not all polyesters were equal.

I have also learnt that best materials for running did not lend themselves to printing of complex or unique designs. Screen printing is possible but did not lend itself to one of a kind customisations or printing in any location on the shirt and could affect the breathability properties of the shirt.

Sublimation was the best option as it allowed ultimate flexibility for position and colour of graphics. Finding a shirt that I was happy with as a runner and as someone wanting a cool design in small batches did not match up.

Based on recommendations from a hiking friend in Queensland and some local suppliers in WA I found the Owayo running jersey.

I was very interested in their ability to do custom designs in small batches with individual customisations and the fact that they do all their manufacturing in Germany as opposed to Asia and India.

I ordered initially two shirts. I’ve been using them exclusively for all my runs in the past 2 months ( approx 600 kms on road and trails) and I love the shirt.

Prototype # 1

From this initial use it’s given me the confidence to start selling my designs printed on them and to the point where today am looking for testers to see if others will go on the record and agree with me.

We’re going to test the shirts for 365 days and get a real world look at how good the shirt really is across all seasons.

So….

Are your a road or a trail runner?

Do you like pushing just a little more, a little bit further?

Are you bored with event shirts?

Am I looking for you? If so reach out on our socials and we’d love to get you involved in thenext.run