The Shorts Are Great. The Bonded Hems Are Apparently Life-Changing

You see the product on the site. You like the look of it. The reviews are good. You order it, you train in it. Ohhh, you get it. These shorts are GOOD. But how did we get them so right?

Unfortunately for the design team, great products don’t happen by accident. The items you see on WIT have been conceptualised, designed, tested and redesigned over the course of at least 12 months before they land on your doorstep. It’s a whole process.

Even I didn’t realise how long it took, and I spend all day every day surrounded by this… until I tested a recent product and asked when it was being launched. The answer was next year.
So, I sat down with our Head of Product, Andi, and I quizzed her for you. Here’s what she had to say...

Est: First off, we have two main men’s short designs. What is one big difference between the Evolve Short, and the Move Short?

Andi: Our Evolve Short is built for functional training, heavy days, and in-gym training. A more durable short built to withstand a barbell, dumbbell, sandbag, or whatever you throw at it.

Our Move Short was built for lighter faster days, when you want a more weightless stream lined feel, angled more at runners and our HYROX crew.

Est: Let’s focus on Evolve short, since we’re launching new colours soon. What makes the Evolve Short different from other men’s training shorts already on the market?

Andi: The Evolve Short is an evolution (shock) of the old style WIT shorts… just better. We knew the OG shorts were loved, so we wanted to give the people what they wanted whilst upholding our standards and our ethos of ever-improving. The new shorts are versatile, they look and feel good, and they’re functional and durable. The only reason you’d ever need a second pair is because you’re behind on washing.

Est: Was there a specific athlete or training style you designed the Evolve Short around?
Andi: These were designed around the classic crossfit/functional fitness athlete. People that train like this need a kit that reflects their efforts. So, we featured technical updates, like bonded hems, a stretch-woven fabric and a secure zip stash pocket. We originally launched with no zip, and quickly learned after feedback from the community that the option of a zip pocket is preferred, even for in-gym shorts.
Est’s NB: I don’t know what a bonded hem is… help

Andi: with bonded hems, we don’t use traditional stitching in these shorts, but a more modern sealing technique that uses heat, which gives a more durable, sleeker and less irritating finish

Est: What was the product development process like when creating the Evolve Short?

Andi: The Evolve Short went through rigorous testing with some seriously high level athletes, as well as leaning on a team with decades of experience creating apparel for training. We start with shorts that work well, and then we make them better, going through multiple rounds of sampling, fitting and wear testing to ensure the product is up to our standards. We also use community insights and feedback to constantly improve our products.

Est: Let’s talk about fit. What can customers expect when they put them on?

Andi: The Evolve short is roomy, to give you space to squat, hinge, flex and move with ease. The fabric is strong but stretch woven, meaning it moves with you during your session, with no tight hems or restriction. We’ve featured an elastic waistband, but also have a drawcord for extra security!

Est: Were there any small details the team became unexpectedly obsessed with?

Andi: The bonded hems are an overlooked detail that most people won't even notice. We love the bonded hem… Other hems can get in the way and cause irritation, but the bonded hems make the Evolve Short more streamlined so you can just get on with your training in confidence. They’re the reason the shorts last so well!

Est: If you had to describe the Men’s Evolve Training Short in three words, what would they be?

Andi: Tough. Simple. Effective.

Thanks Andi!

If nothing else, we hope you’re now clued up on what a bonded hem is…

We have a couple of initiatives coming up that will give the WIT Fam a chance to give their views on products and influence the future of WIT. Make sure you’re in the WIT Insiders Chat, which is where I give all insights, plus exclusive access to events… it’s where the community vibes live for WIT! Catch you there.