Bronte Simm, the founder and designer of sustainable activewear brand SOS Activewear talks to Strong in Style about her desire to offer a sustainable alternative to activewear, her fitness regime and what is next for the eco-friendly brand.
What made you start SOS Activewear?
My inspiration came from my continued interest in nature and protecting our environment alongside my passion for health and fitness. Starting a brand that enables people to be more conscious with their activewear investments is really amazing and my goal is to encourage people to step away from fast fashion and invest sustainably. Since launching last year we have really been amazed with how many women are looking for more ways to be sustainable and environmentally friendly and love how well received our products have been so far. People are usually very shocked with just how soft and functional fishing nets can be and feedback like this is so encouraging “Quite simply, the best, and most comfortable leggings I have ever owned” – Camilla M
Tell us a little about SOS Activewear and your brand ethos?
SOS Activewear is a London based, sustainable activewear brand on a mission to save our seas by helping nature fight back from our ever mounting ocean plastic pollution. Our products have been designed to provide functionality, comfort, support and style to every workout no matter what intensity and created with the planet at the heart of every decision. We are working towards being a full 360° reliable & sustainable business with no corners cut or little things overlooked, the small things make a big difference and SOS is dedicated to making a positive impact.
Where do you get inspiration from for the collection?
For me it’s really all been about offering consumers with a sustainable alternative to fast fashion activewear brands without compromising on quality. Our first collection has been created to offer you with a complete sustainable essentials set that is functional, stylish and supportive. Each of our products have been named after marine species that are most at risk of entanglement in fishing nets in an attempt to increase awareness of our plastic pollution problem and promote the sustainable fabrics used to create each item.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
A very hard question because they are all so comfy and lovely however if I HAD to choose I would say the Vaquita Leggings named after vaquita porpoise dolphins. They are so flexible and so soft and the nice supportive high waist is just perfect not to mention they are squat proof to avoid any awkward see thru moments in the gym which is a complete must for me!
How would you describe the SOS Activewear girl?
The SOS Activewear girl is someone who cares about the environment and her health. She trains regularly, loves going for brunch on the weekends and ultimately loves workout gear that compliments her training and her body whilst offering enough style to feel confident without overdoing it.
What is your favourite workout?
I am absolutely useless at going to the gym and motivating myself so I although I train 6 days a week, it is in a studio with both personal training and classes. I love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) especially the rowing machine and always very happy when my personal training is deadlift day!
What motivates you to workout?
I am incredibly lucky to have a fantastic studio near me called Evolve353 who have created a community of like minded people who can all train in a focused, fun and no frills way. I love the feeling after a workout and the endorphins you get from it, this is my main motivation as it seriously keeps me mentally happy and positive. Of course getting stronger and lifting heavier is a real boost especially when you feel more comfortable in your body but overall for me it’s the mental uptick that gets me there 6 days a week!
What is on your workout playlist?
As I typically train in the studio I listen to their music but I can’t lie that a good hip hop playlist gets me in the right mindset for weights and I need a good consistent beat for cardio.
If you hadn’t started your brand what would you be doing now?
I actually work on SOS Activewear alongside my full time job at the moment as a saleswomen and it is my dream and focus to be able to work on SOS as a full time job. It’s my absolute passion and without it I don’t know what I would do!
What can we expect next from SOS Activewear?
I am working on more colourways to represent the ocean so blues and greens. I would also in the future love to bring out a menswear range! Please follow our journey and spread the word about our amazing sustainable products!
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