Mental health focus as Champion enters weighted wearables market
23/05/2024
Inspiration came from a survey of 19 to 35-year-olds that revealed that over 90% were interested in using a calming technique and were keen on seeing a weighted wearable product from Champion.
Vanessa LeFebvre, president at Champion, said: “We are committed to listening to what our consumers and communities want and creating solutions through our products.
“The Weighted Hoodie is a perfect example of that, as mental health concerns and daily life stress is a consistent throughline in our community listening. The inspiration for this came not only from our consumers, but from witnessing people in our own lives using weighted products for comfort.”
Weighing 8lbs, the machine-washable hoody is quilted with micro glass beads and was developed in collaboration with Thera, a small business founded by Jenny Rosenberg, who began manufacturing weighted wearable products during the pandemic. The prototype is also undergoing testing with mental health expert partners, including Dr Kerri McBee-Black, Head adaptive apparel researcher.
She said: “While the benefits of weighted products for neurodivergent populations and those affected by certain mental health conditions have been widely studied, we’re finding that this category of adaptive clothing can actually serve a far larger population.
“My team and I are eager to continue evolving the functionality of weighted wearables, and also explore new avenues of accessible and adaptive apparel that can have a massive impact on the community at large.”
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