Insight speaks to Tina Lindley, Brand Manager at Banner, about the importance of quality sportswear.
Over recent years, school sportswear has undergone something of a revolution in manufacture and design. New fabrics, modern colourways and multi-functional garments have transformed the old image of unflattering and inappropriate kit which made PE and Games so unpopular to many students. But as the options increase it’s vital that schools and suppliers get the balance right between fashion and function.
Tina Lindley, Brand Manager of Orion and Beau Brummel, explains...
‘We aim to design sportswear which boosts confidence and that young people truly want to wear, but it must also perform well, be durable and retain a collective identity that’s vital for pride and belonging.’
Indeed, these intangible benefits are just as important for the sports fields as they are for classrooms, adds Tina.
‘Whenever I’m asked why our brands matters, the cry of the three musketeer’s rings in my ears! Quality sportswear creates an all for one and a one for all spirit, allowing everyone to feel part of the team, whether they’re participating or cheering their friends from the side lines. It’s no different to the reason that cycle clubs have distinctive jerseys and football supporters wear replica shirts.’
So if identity matters, what about quality and function?
‘The good news is that with modern fabrics there’s no compromise between performance and wearability. Orion sports leggings are a great example, so too are stretch fabric tops that look good but improve freedom of movement and breathability.’
In her role as brand manager, Tina has to consider issues such as cost and consistency, ensuring schools can choose a combination of options that work for their parents and catchment.
‘At Orion we aim to offer great products at an affordable price point, giving retailers and schools the option to create a unique look without it amounting to a small fortune. This is why we create collections, ensuring every product in the range delivers equally on its promise.’
After a difficult two years for school sports in the pandemic, what role does Tina see sportswear playing in the return to wider participation?
‘Team kit plays a critical role in boosting confidence and encouraging youngsters to give of their best. This has never been more important, and as the teams start to get back on the pitch, we expect to see more schools looking to refresh their look.’
What’s more, Tina expects more schools to embrace exciting new designs, with greater personalisation of their team and general sportswear.
‘We’re already seeing a shift to what we call sublimation,’ she explains. ‘It’s a breakthrough manufacturing process that offers virtually unlimited options in styles, colours and logos. While the designs can be as bold as you like, the colours will never fade the garments are very hardwearing. Many customers come to us with some rough ideas and we add a wild card suggestion just to show what’s possible – and in most of the cases it’s the one they choose!’
As these options become more mainstream, we asked Tina what other trends we might expect to see?
‘We know that people are wearing more sportswear on a daily basis for its comfort and practicality around the home. As well as bolder designs we expect there to be more demand for soft technical fabrics— especially those with sustainable eco-yarns.’
And finally, what about Banner’s brands? Can we expect new developments there too?
‘We are always innovating,’ says Tina. ‘But whatever collections and brands we create, there is one thing that won’t change, and that is our focus on great products, great service and great design—all delivered at an affordable price point. It’s easy to get distracted during periods of change, but we are determined never to forget these core brand values.’
It seems that the future of sportswear is in good hands and that the balance between the old and the new is something we can all look forward toward to.
