Crowdfunding is the way of the future. Websites like Kickstarter.com have helped people to raise money for projects that either flop or become incredibly successful. The clothing industry, like personalised t-shirts, is no stranger to this new platform for raising money, and many entrepreneurial innovators take advantage of it on a daily basis.
Many of this month’s best crowdfunding ventures are products for the summer. A long and hot summer is looming ahead for many, (especially us here in Barcelona), and some of these products can help you to survive the warm weather.
Activewear: Redefined by Sukoon
Many women find it difficult to maintain their religious traditions and be active or exercise at the same time. Muslim women in particular have trouble wearing a traditional Hijab while working out, because Hijabs are often bulky and made of a fabric that is not helpful or comfortable to wear at the gym or for a run. Arshiya Khrani had this problem, and rather than accept it she decided to create a new product and now she wants to share it with others. As a lover of fitness and outdoor activity, Arshiya often struggled with keeping her hair covered comfortably and would even wear a bandana to work out. A friend suggested that she create a Hijab for exercising, and this is exactly what she did.
Arshiya’s creation is an athletic hijab that conforms to religious standards, but is also lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for exercising in. The final product is made with a miracle fabric called Merino Wool. Normally people would expect wool to be heavy and uncomfortable, but Merion Wool is light and helps to regulate your body temperature. It also will not slip off your hair, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off when running or doing an intense work out.
The wool is combined with a mesh layer to create the perfect breathable and lightweight garment. The hijab comes in a classic style and an “up-do” style, which allows for more adjustability and will stay in place no matter how hard you are working out. They are also offering a workout shirt made of the same material, and a drawstring bag that is perfect to bring to the gym, work, or wherever you are going.
The company is called Sukoon Active, and they have already surpassed their goal of $10,000 on Kickstarter. Arshiya also pledges to personally match five percent of the profits to donate to Za’atari Taekwondo academy, which is a non-profit that teaches Syrian refugee children martial arts. Her project is unique and innovative, and we at Printsome support everything Arshiya and her team are doing.
Ably Apparel
We all know how much of a pain it is to constantly do laundry. Especially for those who love going to the gym and living an active life, having smelly and dirty clothes is a struggle we all face. Luckily, Ably Apparel believes they have solved this issue. They have created a line of t-shirts and hoodies that are almost completely resistant to water, stains, and odor.
The clothing is activated with a technology called Fillium, which gives regular fabric the ability to “shrug” off any liquids and smells. With this amazing innovation, Ably claims that you can wear the garment for days at a time, even while exercising regularly, without having to wash it.
While many other companies have developed products that claim to have the same abilities, Ably’s shirts and hoodies are not treated with any toxic chemicals and nanoparticles that could be harmful to your skin. The clothing is also completely green. Not only is it produced in an environmentally friendly way, but it only needs to be washed a fraction as often as regular clothing. This saves tons of water and energy. The shirt will retail for $48, but by donating $40 to the Kickstarter campaign, you can save some money and secure yourself one of these magical t-shirts.
Also check out this video where the shirts are put to the test against all different kinds of liquids, and even chocolate syrup. Truly amazing stuff.
Sea2See Eyewear
Sea2See eyewear is fashion with a cause. Their stylish sunglasses will be made with recycled plastic from the countless “ghost” fishing nets that pollute our oceans. As their Kickstarter page informs us, experts say that by 2050 oceans will contain more plastics than actual fish. This is an extremely frightening idea, and without companies like this attempting to reduce some of the pollution, it may become a reality.
Although the glasses are made with recycled material, they do not skimp on quality at all. Their manufacturer is based in Belluno, Italy, and has been working with high quality eyewear companies for decades. The shades come in many different styles and colors, and can be pre-ordered from Kickstarter for 69 Euros.
They have reached just over half of their 39,500 Euro goal, and with 17 days left it seems like they will have no problem achieving that goal. If you are looking for some new shades for the summer, or you want to support a meaningful cause, I highly recommend checking Sea2See out.
For more information on the ghost fishing epidemic, check out this link.
Live Lite hot weather pants by DU/ER performance denim
It’s summer time guys, and we all know that there are many times where wearing shorts is just not a possibility. Whether going to work, school, or to a club or bar at night, often times we are forced to wear pants even in the intense heat. DU/ER Performance Denim wants to give the world a pair of pants that will not leave us sweaty, hot, and uncomfortable. Called LiveLite, the pants are made with a special performance fabric that is lightweight, cool, and ventilated. They come in three different styles, each of which has utility features like hidden credit card pockets, invisible thigh vents, moisture wicking pockets, and many others.
So far, their Kickstarter page has raised over $170,000, far exceeding their $50,000 goal. The company has had two previously successful crowdfunding ventures in the past, so they clearly are doing something right. You can find out more about their other products at their website.
Wool Fresh Socks by Darrius
Going along with the theme of heat-friendly clothing, Darrius brings us a sock that will stay fresh for thirty days. Their signature Wool Fresh material reduces odor, moisture, and bacteria unlike any other fabric. It is similar to the Merino Wool that other products use, but Darrius claims this material is much better for the smell resistance and breathability.
For people that work on their feet all day, or those who notice others cringe whenever they take their shoes off at the end of the day, this is the perfect product for you. They also have plans to adapt the material into business socks as well, so if you are not a fan of the athletic sock they may have something for you in the near future. Their Kickstarter campaign has already raised more than double their goal of $10,000, and with more than two weeks left in their campaign these magic socks look as if they will be very successful.
The summertime is great, but most of us can’t spend every day lounging at the beach or by a pool. Luckily, we live in a modern age where there is a solution to most problems, including the heat. Some of these crowdfunding campaigns could be that solution. If you, like many people, struggle with the annoyances that come with the summer warmth, you may want to check out these products.
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