Girl Power And Homegrown Brands
I thought I’d write something about this after encountering homegrown sportswear brands when I was looking for an affordable choice of sportswear.
I was actually looking for a long-sleeved shirt that I can wear during my long runs. Not just any long-sleeved shirt, mind you. I want something that I can stand wearing under the heat and able to wick away my sweats plus won't smell bad as I sweat. I had earlier looked at international brands for them; Lafuma, North Face, Columbia, Salomon… but the price put me off. Way off.
For somebody who just wears the free tees that she got entering running events to train in; buying a RM300 a piece shirt is not something she wants to do (let’s not talk about shoes, that’s different).
Imagine my delight when I stumbled across a few brands, homegrown at that; offering something for me at a more affordable price.
One caters for the general sporting crowd. Breather Apparel; the brainchild of a couple - Inderjit Singh Khalae and his wife Kiranjit Kaur.
Am probably getting myself that red compression top I shared in the post for myself soon.
By the way, don’t forget the Breathe giveaway that I’m having and still ongoing! It’ll end on Mar 28! Check the post out here.
Another, called Raqtive offers sports hijab and sleeves for active Muslim women and is the brand by Dr Nurul Shahnaz Ahmad Mahdzan. OK, so far Raqtive isn’t for me yet (I don’t wear hijab/tudung, you see) but hopefully they have more products like tops and bottoms to offer to women soon other than what they are offering now.
My Krazirunners sisters are a big fan of Raqtive, by the way.
I was actually looking for a long-sleeved shirt that I can wear during my long runs. Not just any long-sleeved shirt, mind you. I want something that I can stand wearing under the heat and able to wick away my sweats plus won't smell bad as I sweat. I had earlier looked at international brands for them; Lafuma, North Face, Columbia, Salomon… but the price put me off. Way off.
For somebody who just wears the free tees that she got entering running events to train in; buying a RM300 a piece shirt is not something she wants to do (let’s not talk about shoes, that’s different).
Imagine my delight when I stumbled across a few brands, homegrown at that; offering something for me at a more affordable price.
One caters for the general sporting crowd. Breather Apparel; the brainchild of a couple - Inderjit Singh Khalae and his wife Kiranjit Kaur.
Am probably getting myself that red compression top I shared in the post for myself soon.
By the way, don’t forget the Breathe giveaway that I’m having and still ongoing! It’ll end on Mar 28! Check the post out here.
Another, called Raqtive offers sports hijab and sleeves for active Muslim women and is the brand by Dr Nurul Shahnaz Ahmad Mahdzan. OK, so far Raqtive isn’t for me yet (I don’t wear hijab/tudung, you see) but hopefully they have more products like tops and bottoms to offer to women soon other than what they are offering now.
My Krazirunners sisters are a big fan of Raqtive, by the way.
I bought that long-sleeved shirt that I was looking for from a booth at the MWM Expo last week from a brand called Nashata.
It’s similar to Raqtive in that it caters for Muslimah modest wear. The brand, which is founded by Dr Eliza Nordin not only sell sports hijabs and sleeves; it also has sports bra ( I almost bought one but didn’t… kicking myself now. HAHAHA), tops and bottoms. Actually, those looking for non-tight fitting tops and bottoms probably would find this brand suitable for them.
I almost bought a similar one at another booth at RM150 before I saw Nashata’s products and I thought to myself, why not give our own homegrown brand a chance. Right?
Bought it in preparation for an event I’ve registered for in June. One of the crazier events I'll do this year. Hah Hah
And lastly, am proud to be acquainted with Ms Jolene Hong; business manager and one of Athlete’s Circle founding team. Athlete Circle is concept store and a “playground” for sports enthusiasts;I like their catchy slogan “There’s an athlete in everyone”. Indeed. Just waiting for us to unleash them. ^^
I don’t know where else to find Inov-8 shoes if I need to replace my current one but at Athlete Circle. :-)
Girl power!
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| Don't mind and ignore the unsightly bulge. I have fat, I know. Huhuhu |
I almost bought a similar one at another booth at RM150 before I saw Nashata’s products and I thought to myself, why not give our own homegrown brand a chance. Right?
Bought it in preparation for an event I’ve registered for in June. One of the crazier events I'll do this year. Hah Hah
And lastly, am proud to be acquainted with Ms Jolene Hong; business manager and one of Athlete’s Circle founding team. Athlete Circle is concept store and a “playground” for sports enthusiasts;I like their catchy slogan “There’s an athlete in everyone”. Indeed. Just waiting for us to unleash them. ^^
I don’t know where else to find Inov-8 shoes if I need to replace my current one but at Athlete Circle. :-)
Girl power!
Sports attire definitely is not cheap. But being a runner like you should invest more on sports bra... Why you didn't buy leh?
ReplyDeleteThat grey long sleeved shirt - I found something special. It covers up the arms and hands. I like the idea and design too. Good pick Lina.
DeleteBecause I have enough bras already ;-)
DeleteCan't wait to see your glamourous look in June event.
ReplyDeleteGlamorous?
DeleteI doubt running for 12 hours will make me look glamorous! Bwahaha
The great challenge come June? Back to Endurance 12 hours roasting/running? Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI will stick to my marathin for another few years.
Yeah... marathon training is so "stressful" I thought I'd mix it up a bit this year. :-D
DeleteThe sub4 quest is for this year, right?
Don't worry about how other people run and train. Running is very personal quest and just take you own sweet time to do it. It's all about enjoying the process, right?
DeleteOn other hand, I want to see where is my limi and enjoyed training towards it. So, sub 4 for this year and BQ for 2015.... fingers crossed :p
All the best for your target Neoh! BQ in 2015! (Or sooner?)
DeleteMe too want to enjoy the process ;)
DeletePushed too hard will spoil the fun. Anyway the BQ target most likely just an aspiration... but never try never know. I just need to find out myself.
Look forward to your writeup about the event in events when the time comes... :)
ReplyDeleteWait for it! ;-)
DeleteChop...baju dalam gambar ni breathe ke nashata? I baru je beli satu dari another seller masa kat expo tu...nak kena kumpul duit tabung beli kasut kasut kinvara (discounted, of course) hehe
ReplyDeleteSkirt Sports ke?
DeleteYg ni je kat Nashata yg pendek tho. Yg lain betul Muslimah :-)
Kinvara sale? How many pairs nak beli ni? Hihi
One more home grown brand. Good. Its good that you highlights these home grown brand leh. Similar quality and price much lower..must support
ReplyDeleteSupport made in Malaysia :-)
DeleteA lot of brand out there but not all cater for Muslim woman active wear. This is timely for Dr Nurul to think of this. Healthy bidy and healthy mind and yet following the religious guidelines
ReplyDelete*body
DeleteTwo brands for Muslim women. The one from Dr Nurul n another by Dr Eliza.
DeleteThere's another brand in the market but I haven't personally seen them yet
June what event? Ultra run? Muhshaha....
ReplyDeleteJia yoh!!!
Definitely not red carpet one! LOL
Deletedarn...red carpet making me think of those reality show where the contestants standing on red carpet then the car pulled the carpet away.... LOL....just imagine red carpet being rolled all along the road for runners to run......betul glamourous loh....LOL
DeleteAda... red finishing line for runners to run to finish. But not exactly Hollywood glamour la. Lol
Deleteyalah, nowadays clothes are really so expensive, or shall i say more precisely, overpriced!! and not even that, pay so much to get one home, but they don't really last long, such a bleeding of the wallet dei!!
ReplyDeleteBleeding to pay for the brand as much as for the quality. :-(
Deleteso rather go for more affordable ones lah, homegrown brands also okay what, as long as the quality is good, we are not parading with brands like those fashionista diva who loves to wear a huge logo on them!! i even bought two plain tees from AEON Big for my workout, guess how much?? RM6.50 each and ditched in heaps inside a basket in the center of the aisle, haha!! but they are indeed good quality, cutting fits my body, comfortable and still in shape after numerous wash.. Uncle is always very thrifty :D
ReplyDeleteUncle not thrifty but savvy. :-)
DeleteYeah, we are not fashionista or diva to need to flaunt expensive baju, right? :-D
so happy for you, finally you found the right gear at the right price, and probably the right SIZE also?? hehehe.. what you call happiness is none other than this, wearing something you find cheap and yet looks like you are wearing a Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture and most importantly, you look gorgeous in them!! :p
ReplyDeleteAmboi... manis macam gula! But I likey. Hihihi
Deleteoopsss, i forgotten to mention it's precisely SSSSSSSSSize~~ :D
DeleteHAHAHA
DeleteYeah La Yeah La Yeah La..... Every time I see SK here, mesti ada semut & gula combo!!! Muahahahahaha I like this Thambee Ah Boy.
DeleteWhat a mouthful word Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture !!! SK you wear this pajamas brand to sleep kah?
Deletelol!!!!!!!
DeleteGirl power...it reminds me few weeks ago a lot of youtuber was being tag to talk about this topic, and now you're the first one who brings up in blogger world!!! =]
ReplyDeleteNo la... sure got already.
DeleteAfter all, the term was coined quite a while dy. Spice Girls used it also. Haha
Thumbs Up Mak Glam!!! I like your thinking and great minds think alike! If you recall that I used to blog about encouraging people to buy from top local designers too. I have been a fan of William Liew, Edmund Ser and Key Ng. Now I will seriously look into Nashata wears too since I am into sports and exercises occasionally. We really need to dress correctly and suitably for any events these days with so many issues to consider.
ReplyDeleteAnay,
DeleteI hope you won't wear Nashata unlesd you want to show you're a diva! It's female punya range lar. Wakaka
Good for Anay for supporting local brands :-)
I have just looked into the website of Athlete's Circle! Goodness, everything is nice there esp the long pants!! How come they don't sell helmets yet? I need one!
ReplyDeleteLater I go tell them ah. :-D
DeleteOh...RM300 ! My eyes nearly pop out. haha.... Good that you found a local brand which suits your pocket and style.
ReplyDeleteTechnical sportswear sure don't come cheap but you also pay for the added benefit.
DeleteYeah, good I found a local alternative. :)
Is this the same top that horrified me on Twitter because it's not pink??? :D
ReplyDeleteThe same one! hehehe
DeleteAiyah don't worry, everyone has fats!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha
DeleteI'm not worried.
I just told you all to ignore my fat. :P