Discover how to create a clothing line for padel and tennis: Create your new sports fashion line with us
In the universe of tennis and padel, clothing represents more than just a technical necessity; it is a symbol of identity, belonging and personal style.
As an expert in the fashion industry and creator of the BAD method (Be A Designer), I have always believed in the power of design as storytelling:
where each garment becomes the protagonist of a unique story, yours and your customers'.
They are Corrado Manenti and in this article I will guide you through the discovery of this world.
If this is the first article you read I welcome you to Be A Designer the home of up-and-coming designers and anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur in fashion.
We are a creative team specialising in the creation of new product lines and what will effectively become your fashion brand!
Over the years, we have created brands and collections in a variety of product types, aware that each market segment has unique peculiarities that influence the creation of the product, the production chain and the operational dynamics of the business.
Over the last few months, we have been following a lot of sportswear projects, I talked about them in a recent article dedicated to activewear
Tennis and Padel Two different sports that combine Passion and Style
Tennis and padel, with their unique dynamics and rich cultural background, offer a great opportunity for emerging designers who want to try their hand at this type of clothing.
My first piece of advice for those approaching the creation of a line dedicated to these sports is to fully immerse themselves in their world.
It is not just a matter of analysing existing garments, but of forecasting the evolution of clothing in line with current needs and trends, without ever neglecting performance and comfort.
If you are a sportsman in this case you will have an advantage! You will be your own best (and most critical) potential customer!
Padel and Tennis: Market Data 2024 /24 and Projections for the Future:
The 2023/24 marks a period of extraordinary growth for the tennis and padel marketsreflecting a growing global enthusiasm for these sports.
Recent analyses show that the number of active players of tennis and padel is rising rapidlywith padel in particular experiencing an explosion in popularity.
The popularity of padel has increased exponentially, with a significant impact on the industry.
According to the Global Padel Report 2023, published by Playtomic e Deloittethe global padel club market is estimated to triple in value by 2026 to EUR 4.015 billion.
This prediction is based on the sporting growth in new regionssuch as the UK, Germany, the USA, the Middle East and Australia. Furthermore, the expansion of padel courts has been remarkable, with approximately 31,401 courts in Europe in 2023 and a forecast to reach 66,908 courts by 2025.
This is certainly very interesting for anyone considering creating a brand after all, where there is a field there are our future customers!
This reflects a rate of robust annual growth of 26%. The number of padel players has grown significantly, with over 18 million players globally.
Source: https://eliteracket.com/padel/padel-stats/
And how does tennis fare? At the same time, tennis maintains its solid fan base, with over 87 million players globally. This number has remained relatively stable, testifying to the loyalty and dedication of the tennis community.Establishing itself to all intents and purposes as a 'Traditional' sport
What is noteworthy is thedemographic expansion of participants, with a significant increase in female and youth participationdriven by inclusion programmes and increased visibility of professional athletes in the global media.
According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the number of global tennis players has reached 87 million in 2023demonstrating a solid base of enthusiasts
(Source: ITF, 2023)
The sportswear industry has responded to this growth with increased production and innovation, aiming to meet the specific needs of players in both sports.
A Statista report estimates that the market for tennis and padel apparel and equipment will reach 5.5 billion by the end of 2024highlighting the significant economic impact of these sports.
(Source: Statista, 2023).
Companies are investing in research and development to produce technologically advanced garments that improve players' performance and comfort, bringing to light innovative materials, ergonomic designs and sustainable solutions responding to the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Furthermore, the adoption of targeted digital marketing strategies has amplified the reach and appeal of tennis and padel, engaging a broader and more diverse consumer base.
This approach facilitated the emergence of new brands and the growth of existing ones, creating a dynamic and competitive market that promises further developments in the near future.
This does not mean that it is easybut it means there is still room for new brands!
The BAD Method: An Innovative Approach to Building Your Brand
My method, BAD, is based on the belief that a good design product should always tell a story.
This philosophy is perfectly suited to the sportswear sector, where every garment can and must express passion for sport, the quest for perfection and the desire to express one's individuality.
Through the BAD method, I encourage designers to think beyond the product, to building a brand that speaks to the hearts of its customers.
Over the past few years, I have been working with different types of products and have seen at first hand how each market sector has unique peculiarities that partly determine both the type of product to be produced and the shape and timing of our business.
How does the creation and development of a brand of activewear differ from that of a classical fashion line?
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- Why is it important to think in terms of performance and design?
- How should we organise our business to sell and distribute our product?
- What is the difference between customising a product and making one from scratch
These are just some of the questions that will be answered in this article where:
We will explore peculiarities in the creation of sportswear lines and how we can create an iconic brand for Padel and/or Tennis
We will use (as usual) our tool Fashion Business Designer?created by Be A Designer to make the whole creative process simple and understandable.
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From the Idea to the Realisation of a New Tennis / Padel Line
The journey of creating a clothing line for tennis and padel starts with a deep understanding of one's audience.
- Who are the players today?
- What do they look for in sportswear?
The answer to these questions guides the conception phase, where the focus is on innovative materials and designs that reflect the personality and needs of the athletes.
What are the challenges of creating a new Padel / Tennis brand in 2024 in Italy?
The creation of a new Padel/Tennis brand in 2024 in Italy comes with several challengesfirst and foremost to position oneself in a premium market segment in an industry where competition is fierce.
This choice implies the adoption of a short supply chain but more expensivewhich ensures products of high qualityeven with the possibility of negotiating smaller quantities.
A decision not without risk, given the presence on the market of very strong market players at low costwhich can offer products at competitive prices, attracting a large proportion of consumers.
Despite these difficulties:
focus on the pursuit of excellence in such a competitive market gives the right to create something new and innovativepotentially opening the door to a niche market willing to pay more for higher quality products.
It should be noted that, in Italy we have some of the largest manufacturers of technical fabrics in the world such as Carvico and Eurojersey,
A not inconsiderable competitive advantage for those who wish to create a brand that promotes Italian style and quality materials.
Using these high-profile manufacturers helps to achieve a position in the premium segment, even if it entails higher production costs.
The premium segment in sportswear has different rules than other types of goods where a 'fancy' price can be applied, we should always take into account the average market price.
The choice of fabrics and materials is crucial precisely because we have to take into account both the technical and performance side, aesthetics and, last but not least, how much they affect the price.
In Be A Designer this research phase is always oriented towards solutions that guarantee maximum performance, without ever neglecting aesthetics. Colours, patterns and design lines are not details but central elements that define the character of each garment and above all coherence with the entire collection and the customer's brand identity.
And this is where our ability to innovate comes into play, always maintaining a link with the tradition of sport and make the customer the protagonist of their own story through their products.
The core of the BAD method is storytelling. I firmly believe that every collection must embody a story in which the customer recognises himself as the protagonist.
In tennis and padel, this means evoking the values of overcoming, elegance and dynamism. Our goal is to make every player, by wearing our garments, feel part of something bigger, a story of passion and commitment to the sport they love.
Why customise sportswear for padel and tennis? Or create it from scratch?
So, let's talk about the difference between customisation and creation of sportswear for padel and tennis. If we want to oversimplify customisation, it is a bit like deciding to put your name on the back of a T-shirt you just bought, whereas creating from scratch is more like taking on the role of Michelangelo in the act of sculpting David... with the small difference that instead of a block of marble, you are dealing with fabric and yarn. Well, who wouldn't want to be a bit of a designer?
Entering the world of private label is like entering a secret society where you can commission exclusive creations, making you unique on the padel and tennis courts.
With the help of thestyle office as Be A Designer , you have the opportunity to translate your wildest dreams into reality by creating clothing that not only sets you apart from your opponents in terms of style but could also, in theory, distract them enough to allow you to win a few more points. Who would have thought that a bit of modelling could have had this effect?
The creative process is crucial in this journey of transformation from consumer to creator. Arm yourself with patience, imagination and maybe a good Italian wine, because becoming a 'Be A Designer' requires dedication.
However, the end result is so rewarding that you feel a bit like you have just won Wimbledon, even if you are actually just squinting in the mirror admiring your new outfit.
It's all in the creative process, guys. Be bold, create, and maybe, who knows, the next trend in sport might start with you.
Differentiating your line with unique logos and designs
Differentiating one's own product or service line through a unique logo and design is crucial for create a unique brand identity. In an increasingly competitive market, where the business challenge tightening day by day, it is essential to be able to emerge.
This means not only offer something innovative from the point of view of the product itself, but also knowing how to dress this innovation with a coherent and distinctive image.
Logo design and the choice of colours, shapes and typefaces play a key role in this process, conveying your brand values and philosophy at first glance.
For working on brand positioningIt is therefore essential to invest time and resources in developing a visual identity that is both representative and memorable.
A well-designed logo and attractive design not only help to establish an emotional connection with consumers, but are also critical tools for knowing how to communicate with potential customers. Remember a fundamental concept:
Through the strategic use of visual elements, companies are able to effectively communicate their mission, values and what sets them apart from the competition, thus facilitating theidentification and the loyalty by the public.
What are the most popular items of clothing to customise/create in padel and tennis?
In the padel and tennis worlds, customisation of clothing is an increasingly popular practice.
That said, the composition of a customised sportswear line requires precise attention to how we then plan to develop our business model.
We must have in mind how we are going to sell our products before we define the structure of the collection a priori.
How a collection is made up? As a rule, to ensure an exclusive and effective offer, the structure of a collection ideally start with no more than 12 pieces to begin with.
This number makes it possible to maintain a focused offerwhich is essential to stand out in the market and precisely meet the needs of sportsmen and women.
Among the most popular items of clothing to customise in padel and tennis are technical T-shirts, shorts, skirts for women and caps.
These items are the base from which to start, as they combine style and practicality, which are essential in these sports.
Despite the differences between padel and tennis are present, such as the different duration of matches and the different physical commitment, the basis of the clothing remains similar, with specific modifications to best suit the needs of each sport.
For both sports, in addition to the above-mentioned garments, accessories such as cuffs and headbands are also in demand for customisation.
L'importance of having a focused offer is therefore essential, allowing athletes to have clothing that reflects not only their technical needs but also their personal style.
When it comes to fabric search for sportswear, particularly padel wear, two of the most debated materials are undoubtedly microfibre and polyester.
Choosing the right fabric is crucial to ensure maximum comfort during play, especially when considering the technical performance in terms of breathability.
- La breathability is an indispensable quality in a fabric designed for sportas it allows sweat to evaporate, thus keeping the skin dry and the body at a constant temperature.
- La microfibre, a fabric composed of ultra-fine fibres that can be polyester or nylon, is known to be appreciated for its lightness and softness.
Due to its fibre structure, microfibre offers good performance in terms of breathability and moisture absorption, making it a popular choice for thepadel wear.
Its ability to wick sweat away from the skin makes it a comfortable fabric to wear during intense physical activity.
On the other hand, polyester, another synthetic fabric widely used in the sportswear industry, is renowned for its durability and strength.
Although polyester was once considered less breathable than other fabrics, recent advances in the fabric search have led to the development of high technical performancewhich offers better air circulation and breathability.
These innovations have made polyester a much more competitive choice for high-quality sportswear.
Embroider or print? Personalisation techniques compared
In the vast universe of customisation of thepadel wear, two major techniques vie with each other: embroidery or printing? Each method has its own school of thought and, depending on the situation, may be more or less suitable.
Embroidery, for example, is often associated with greater durability and a more refined appearance, ideal for those seeking a customised padel that exudes an aura of exclusivity.
Printing, on the other hand, thanks to its versatility and low cost, allows greater creative freedom and fast production times, which are essential for those who want to experiment with bold designs or need large quantities.
In conclusion, choosing between embroidery and printing depends on many factors, including the type of sport practised, personal needs in terms of fit and durability, as well as the budget available.
The benefits (and challenges) of using eco-friendly fabrics in customising sportswear
The sportswear industry is witnessing a growing interest in the use of environmentally sustainable fabricsa trend that does not even spare the world of thetennis clothing and thepadel wear.
These materials, often derived from renewable or recycled sources, such as polyester e polyamide obtained in a sustainable manner, offer a viable alternative to traditional technical fabrics.
Not only are they breathable e sustainablebut they also promise a durability superior that meets the needs of the most demanding sportsmen and women.
Of course, whether or not to adopt this type of material depends on the value of your brand and your customer community.
It is not a choice to be made lightly, also because should you choose an environmentally sustainable approach will require consistency over time and you should actively communicate your commitment to better sustainability in your positioning.
And it is not only an aspect relegated to the choice of fabrics but also, for example, to the choice of carbon footprint free server where to host your e-commerce site, packaging and so on!
Creating a customised kit by tennis clothing or a padel racket for man padelwhich includes links to short sleeve and accessories customisablehas never been so topical. Thanks to the endless possibility of creating that these fabrics offer, designers and manufacturers can indulge with graphics innovative and seams that improve athletic performance.
By implementing these materials in their lines, companies can not only getting the best results in terms of functionality and aesthetics but also building customer loyalty increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their consumption choices.
The creation of a customised kitranging from the choice of fabric and graphics to the customisation of the stitching and the addition of a closure adjustable with Velcrooffers a unique consumer experience.
In addition, the customisation options are virtually endless, allowing each team or individual athlete to stand out on the field.
Define the target and style of the garments to be customised
In the initial planning phase of a customised clothing business, defining the target audience of potential buyers and the style of garments to be offered is crucial to the success of your future venture.
This process begins with an in-depth market analysisin order to understand needs, trends and gaps.
This is a phase that in our projects we do in the Brand Design and allows us to find unique angles on which to build the brand even in sectors with very high competition!
Being precise in defining the target audience means being able to structure offers that respond in a targeted manner to the needs and desires of that market segment.
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At this stage, the inclusion of this information in the business plan of the activity becomes crucial for planning the investment initial and subsequent stages of development.
Knowledge of the market makes it possible to identify not only who will buy products, but also how they prefer to make purchases, a detail not to be overlooked in the age of thee-commerce.
Therefore, the choice of sales channel, ranging from online sales to presence in physical shops, must be taken into account in order to understand how reasonable it is to produce (or not) on first releases.
It is important to establish an effective strategy for the distribution and sale of garmentsthat harmoniously integrates with the style of the products and the preferences of our target audience.
In conclusion, a thorough understanding of one's target group and an accurate definition of product style are key steps for the market positioning of a clothing line.
So do not neglect the Brand Design phase! Building the brand architecture is a fundamental step to consciously build the products.
Where to start: creating a customised sportswear brand
The adventure into the world of customised sportswear begins with a clear vision and an intimate understanding of one's brand.
Creating a brand in this area requires more than just a passion for sport: needs a holistic approach including design, functionality and emotional connection with the audience.
Here are the basic steps to turn your vision into reality.
Define the Brand Vision: The first step is to crystallise your brand vision. Ask yourself: what is the mission of my brand? What kind of story do I want to tell? This process requires digging deep into your aspirations and values, identifying what makes your approach to sportswear unique. Whether you want to promote sustainability, inclusivity or high performance, your brand vision will be the compass that guides any future decisions.
Know Your Audience: A deep understanding of your target audience is crucial. Not all athletes have the same needs or desires. Research the market to identify specific niches or unmet needs. Conduct surveys, interviews and analyse data to understand not only what your audience buys but why they buy it. This will help you create products that truly resonate with the people you want to reach.
Developing a Strong Visual Identity: The visual identity of your brand is what distinguishes you from your competitors. This includes the logo, colour palette, typeface and other design elements. The goal is to create a consistent and recognisable image that communicates your brand's values and essence. Make sure that each visual element reflects your vision and speaks directly to the heart of your audience.
Product Creation and Selection: The core of your customised sportswear brand will obviously be the products. The selection of garments to be included in your initial offer should reflect your brand vision and the needs of your audience. Consider not only current trends but also innovation in terms of materials and technologies. Quality is key: your products must not only look good but also stand up to the challenges of the sports they were created for.
Building an Engaging Marketing StrategyWith your brand and products defined, it's time to get attention. Develop a multi-channel marketing strategy that uses social media, email marketing, content marketing and PR to build awareness and engagement. The key is to be authentic and consistent in your communication, sharing stories that resonate emotionally with your audience and showing how your products fit into their lives.
7 Tips for Building a Tennis and Padel Brand
Creating a tennis and padel brand is an exciting adventure mixing passion for the sport and creativity in design.
If you are thinking of embarking on this journey, here are 7 light-hearted (but serious!) tips to get you on the right track:
1) Become an Expert (or almost): Before you even think about fabrics, learn everything there is to know about tennis and padel. Become a frequent visitor to courts, if only to offer water to players. The more you know about your sport, the better you will be able to serve your future customers.
2) Fabrics that repel sweat like Superman repels bullets: Choose materials that not only say 'goodbye sweat' but practically launch it into orbit. Comfort is king and queen in the realm of sportswear.
3) Designs that scream "Look at me!" (in the right way)You want your designs to stand out, but for the right reasons. Make sure each piece tells a story, even if it's just 'I won my first match wearing this'.
4) Team up with Players: Collaborate with tennis and padel players of all levels. They will be your best critics and fans. Organise practice sessions, collect feedback and, above all, listen.
5) Play with Colours, but Don't Forget White: Tennis has a love affair with white, but that does not mean your brand has to adhere to tradition. Explore colours and patterns, but always keep a classic option in your collection.
6) Be Your Biggest Fan (but Maintain Humility)Believe in your brand and wear your products with pride. However, remember that all feedback is gold, even when it is difficult to accept.
7) Create a Community, Not Just a Customer: Finally, your brand should be a family, a team, a tribe. Give your customers more than just products: offer them a belonging, a sharing of values and passions.
Organise events, friendly matches and social gatherings to build and nurture this community.
Practical tips for customising padel and tennis clothing
In conclusion, developing a clothing line for tennis and padel requires a holistic view that goes beyond the individual product.
Through my method and experience, I aim to create garments that are not only technically advanced but also speak to the heart and soul of sportsmen and women.
It is a journey that combines passion, research and continuous dialogue with the community, where each collection becomes an opportunity to celebrate sport, fashion and, above all, the people who live them.
Remember, Creating a successful brand in the world of tennis and padel is a bit like winning a tournament: it requires preparation, dedication, and the ability to bounce back from every defeat.
And, of course, a good dose of fun along the way.
Good luck
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WARNING!
If you have read this article it is because you are certainly a fashion enthusiast, but the real reason why you read these topics on my site and not in a fashion magazine
is because you have most likely had in your drawer for some time
the idea of creating your own fashion brand.
I am Corrado Manenti and now for more than 10 years I founded the first independent style office specialising in supporting emerging designers in the development of their collections and their path to self-entrepreneurship.
If you are a designer or simply a creative person and have always dreamed of building your own fashion collection and selling it, you are in the right place!
Will 2024 be the right year to bring your project to life?
Schedule a free consultation with me and let's evaluate the future of your project together.
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