A year, six rounds of samples and quite a few trips back to the pattern master… creating the Wild Legs catsuit has been quite the project!
We’re almost there, and I wanted to share a little of what’s been happening behind the scenes. Because getting a new product ready involves a lot more than choosing a lovely print.
It all started over a year ago when I was chatting with our Ambassador, Rachel Holmes. We were talking about adding a catsuit to the Wild Legs collection, and Rachel could immediately see a place for it in Fitness Pilates and Reformer classes.
If you’ve ever had your top creep up while you’re stretching, bending or moving through a class, you’ll understand why. A fitted all-in-one could be a comfortable, practical option without having to keep pulling your top back down.
And, of course, my mind went straight to all the other possibilities.
Pilates and Yoga? Absolutely. But what about a bright print for a festival or a rave? Or adding heels and a jacket and heading out for the evening?
That was what I wanted to create: something you could enjoy moving in, but also have fun dressing up.
From an idea to six sets of samples
With input from Wild Legs customer Donna Morton, we started talking about styles, zips and the details that would make it work.
Our first samples were plain black so we could concentrate on the cut and fit. They were a good starting point, but there were things I wanted to change.
And then a few more things.
We’re now on our sixth set of samples and have developed two styles. We’ve tried different fabrics and sizing options, added an insert to hold bra pads, improved the zip and opened up the underarm cut a little for comfort.
Each round has helped us get closer to what I had in mind.
The latest feedback from our testers? A little too much fabric around the crotch. So we’re making another adjustment through the body and heading back to the pattern master.
It’s a good job they’re patient with me!
Why I keep tweaking
I absolutely love developing new products, but goodness me, it takes time.
Something can look lovely in a photograph, but how does it feel when you bend, stretch, teach a class or wear it for a few hours? Those are the details I want us to get right.
That’s why the samples and feedback matter so much. Every adjustment has a purpose, even when it means waiting a little longer. We have had Rachel Holmes testing it for strength, Pilates, Step and Reformer, whilst Marie Tur has worn it for Zumba, Clubbercise, Stretch and Silent Disco. I have worn mine for Assassin Fitness, a combat and toning class with plyometrics and yes it stood up the burpee test! We still have more testing to do though to ensure we get it right.
It’s worth the effort when we eventually get a product you love wearing.
What will you get up to in your Wild Cat?
I’ve seen some beautiful catsuits on fitness professionals recently, and it’s making me even more excited to launch ours.
The Wild Cat has always been about possibilities. Reformer, Pilates, Yoga, Aerobics, Hooping, Combat or Step. Maybe aerial hoop. Maybe clubbing, raving or dancing your way around a festival.
I can already imagine some of you teaching a class in it, but also feeling you could add a jacket and heels for a night out too.
I think it could become a wardrobe staple for some of you, and I can’t wait to see what mischief you get up to in it.
But first, I’d love your input.
Would you choose a bold pattern, plain colour or a panelled version? And where would you wear yours?
Tell me what you’d like to see. Your feedback has helped shape Wild Legs from the beginning, and this is no different.
In the meantime, we’re waiting for our next set of samples, with everything crossed that we can launch before Christmas. We’re close, but that final fit still needs to be right.
Want to be first to hear when the Wild Cat is ready?
Join our dedicated catsuit mailing list for updates and launch news.
