/
06 November 2024
The bodywear fashion industry thrives on innovation, functionality, performance, and aesthetic finesse, particularly with on-skin products like lingerie, activewear, swimwear, shapewear, and underwear. As consumer expectations evolve, so does the demand for bodywear that not only meets style and comfort standards but also embodies values like sustainability and ethical production. Central to this transformative landscape is us, Bodywear Lab, an industry pioneer in merging the artistry of traditional UK craftsmanship with the technological precision of overseas collaboration. Â
Through a fusion of local production expertise and international perspectives, Bodywear Lab sets a new benchmark in bodywear—one that champions quality, eco-consciousness, and versatile design solutions, all crafted to meet the demands of today’s discerning consumer. From seamless transitions in textiles to innovative performance features, Bodywear Lab’s approach exemplifies the next chapter in bodywear, where comfort and sophistication intertwine to offer a uniquely elevated experience. Join us, as we explore how combining UK production with overseas suppliers and manufacturers can truly innovate the bodywear industry.
Â
The UK is recognised for its history of excellence in garment construction, particularly in lingerie and intimate wear. British craftsmanship is synonymous with meticulous attention to detail, quality fabrics, and structured design—elements crucial to creating bodywear that delivers both comfort and durability. By grounding its production in the UK and partnering with UKFT and Innovate UK, Bodywear Lab can tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ensuring that each product—from supportive sports bras to sculpting shapewear—embodies the high standards, innovation, and quality synonymous with British manufacturing. In addition, local production offers Bodywear Lab greater control over quality and consistency, allowing our team and clients to experiment with new designs and fabrics on a small scale before committing to larger runs. This agility is vital for an industry where trends shift rapidly, and brands must stay responsive to consumers’ evolving preferences.
Want to start your own bodywear brand with a British touch? Head to our design services to learn how we can get you started!
While local production forms the backbone of our production offerings, collaborating with overseas partners adds a vital layer of innovation and industry-leading technology. By engaging with international suppliers and manufacturers, Bodywear Lab can leverage specialised skills and access unique materials and production techniques that might be less prevalent in the UK.
For instance, high-performance materials like LYCRA®, moisture-wicking fabrics, TEFRON’s circular-knitted seamless textiles, and 3D-knitting techniques—staples in activewear and technical swimwear—are often refined by international suppliers with long-standing expertise in these specialised areas. Collaborating with innovative partners like LUNO TEKS and Luno Tekstil enables us to seamlessly incorporate advanced fabrics into our product lines, from eco-friendly swimwear to flexible, high-performance activewear. Luno Teks’s Lactive FM-1586 swimwear fabric, crafted with 77% recycled polyamide (PA) and 23% elastane (EA), combines the durability of PA with EA’s comfort, ensuring a resilient, UV-resistant fit that’s perfect for active swimmers and beachgoers. For our activewear, Luno Tekstil’s LN Scuba YF-0326 fabric—57% PA and 43% EA—delivers exceptional comfort and elasticity, adapting effortlessly to movements and offering support for both yoga and high-intensity workouts, all while maintaining a low environmental impact through sustainable production.
This approach ensures that our bodywear is not only on-trend but also performs exceptionally well, addressing both functional and aesthetic needs.
Working for a brand and want to broaden your supply chain and develop with a more local approach then contact us for more information.
A significant advantage of balancing UK production with global collaboration is the ability to embrace sustainable practices. By producing locally, we can work towards reducing our carbon footprint, cutting down on the transportation emissions associated with long-distance shipping. UK manufacturing also allows for shorter production cycles, minimising waste by reducing the need for overproduction and cost of transportation.
On a global scale, Bodywear Lab actively seeks partnerships with suppliers who share its commitment to ethical practices. The brand works with overseas factories that maintain fair working conditions, use sustainable materials, and support environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In this way, our company aligns its global collaborations with its brand values, ensuring that international partnerships enhance rather than detract from its sustainability goals.
Want to know how our production services can boost your bodywear brand? Head to our website where you can learn more about our manufacturing options, from local to international plus consultancy at your fingertips!
MEETING THE DEMANDS OF A GLOBALISED MARKET
Today’s consumers are highly discerning, valuing brands that are both local and international in scope. By combining UK craftsmanship with global expertise, Bodywear Lab positions itself as a brand that can deliver on this dual expectation. Products that boast local quality and international innovation stand out in an industry where customers seek the best of both worlds—whether it’s for lingerie with a perfect fit, activewear that performs under pressure, or swimwear that marries fashion with function.
At Bodywear Lab, we’re proving that UK production doesn’t have to mean high costs and limited perspectives; by fostering strong partnerships with global manufacturers, we create an opportunity for brands and retailers to reduce costs long-term by minimising over-sampling and avoiding excess stock, all while bringing refined, functional bodywear concepts to market faster.
FUTURE-FORWARD: A COMMITMENT TO HYBRID PRODUCTION MODELS
Our hybrid approach to production represents a commitment to growth and innovation. As Bodywear Lab continues to expand its services, exploring new innovation in technology and materials, we remain dedicated to a model that integrates the best of UK craftsmanship with the transformative potential of global partnerships. In doing so, Bodywear Lab is paving the way for a new era of bodywear that is as inclusive and sustainable as it is innovative and fashion-forward. In a competitive and fast-evolving industry, Bodywear Lab’s balanced production model is a powerful reminder that fashion can be a harmonious blend of local and global influences—creating products that make wearers feel as good as they look.
INTRODUCING OUR LONDON MICROFACTORY: THE HEART OF BODYWEAR INNOVATION
At Bodywear Lab, innovation is embedded into every seam, made possible through our strategic partnership with Style3D. Our new London Microfactory showcases this synergy by blending cutting-edge technology with traditional British craftsmanship. In this dedicated space, our design and production teams collaborate closely, harnessing advanced 3D design tools from Style3D / ASSYST to streamline the prototyping process and unlock fresh avenues for creativity and experimentation.
The Microfactory enables us to respond dynamically to market trends by testing ideas on a smaller scale before scaling up. This means faster turnaround times, greater control over quality, and the flexibility to customise products that resonate with today’s consumers. We’re embracing technology without sacrificing the craftsmanship that defines UK bodywear, creating a workspace where 3D and AI innovation meets artistry.
Want to see the Microfactory in action? From fabric testing to custom fittings, our streamlined operations are reshaping the future of bodywear design. Catch a glimpse of this exciting journey in our video tour, now live on our website as well as YouTube!Â
Our new Microfactory is more than just a production space; it’s where innovation, quality, and creativity intersect, setting a new standard for what British bodywear can achieve.
Melbray House,
Melbray Mews,
158 Hurlingham Road,
Fulham,
London
SW6 3NS
Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive access to behind-the-scenes fashion design content, tips, tricks and the inside scoop on all industry happenings.Â
Brands of Tomorrow is a curated program, designed to support the growth of an exclusive group of creative entrepreneurs embarking on the journey to develop their businesses in the bodywear sector.
Interested? Find out more on our sister company,
London Contour Experts website.
Brands of Tomorrow is a curated program, designed to support the growth of an exclusive group of creative entrepreneurs embarking on the journey to develop their businesses in the bodywear sector.
Interested? Find out more on our sister company,
London Contour Experts website.