INNOVATION IN ATHLETIC APPAREL 

     I just finished “Shoe Dog"- the memoir penned by the founder of Nike, Phil Knight. Rather a mysterious character, Mr. Knight candidly unveils a private glimpse into the  founding of NIKE, which was anything but simple and straightforward. As a runner, resident of the Pacific Northwest, and a former corporate marketer, I am in awe of the fortitude necessary to create a brand in an unconventional region that eventually revolutionized athletic apparel and accessories. Additionally, because the founders' remained committed to retaining and building their headquarters and eventual campus in Oregon, they established Western Oregon as an epicenter athletic wear research and development, which influenced other disciplines including equestrian sports.

     What does this have to do with my daily wardrobe, i.e.."uniform" ? For the last three years, I have almost exclusively worn FITS RIDING breeches to both school and show in. Originally founded in Oregon, the brand is an innovator in the field of technical equestrian wear. Due to my conservative hunter influenced style, I was very skeptical when I was convinced to try the brand's breeches on at HITS Thermal by a FITS representative. Once I put on my first pair, I was sold. The fabric and style attributes reminded me more of my high quality running and yoga tights than the breeches that were on the market at the time. The fabric was neither too heavy or too shear and my favorite benefits included a built in ab panel similar to Spanx for core support, a gusseted crotch for a flexible and comfortable fit (much like my best yoga leggings) and effective deerskin knee patches that firmly grip the saddle. Additionally, I am totally comfortable going from Street to Stable wearing this brand and I often receive compliments from non-horse riders that think I am just wearing a fashion forward style.

     As an athlete, I am impressed with the the technology and aesthetics of the breech.  You can therefore imagine my alarm when I discovered that two entrepreneurs from South Carolina, Lida Bard and Brian Allenby, were not only purchasing the company but they were also moving the headquarters to South Carolina. As a consumer, my concern was unnecessary  Since their purchase, I have continued to weed out my older breeches and grow my collection of the FITS knee patch breeches (10 and counting!) since I wear them daily, regardless of the external temperature.  I can wholeheartedly attest that FITS lives up to its mission:

“We strive to be innovators and stay on the cutting edge of technological apparel. We bring you only the best fabrics to wick, provide sun protection, and support your body. Just like when you ride, the most important quality you need in your riding apparel is performance. You work hard and so does your FITS apparel. “