Designed in collaboration with a four-time Winter Olympian downhill skier Chemmy Alcott, Imbrace’s new leggings are the world’s first and only protective compression base layer leggings designed specifically for Snow Sports.
Its design incorporates unique features aimed to protect and enhance skier’s and snowboarder’s performance and experience on the slopes. The high waist enhances user performance and prevents injuries, while pockets for heat pads in the lining keep the muscles in the lower back and spine warm. Additionally, the female design has a pocket in the front of the waistband to help soothe period discomfort.
Innovative Details
The waist can be tightened using adjustable ‘Core Boost’ straps. It helps to switch on the transverse abdominal muscles that provide thoracic and pelvic stability.
The IT Band panel covers the outer thighs and hips by keeping muscles warm, while also helping with the knee alignment and reducing fatigue.
The design of the neoprene panels around the knees gives the confidence and support of mid-level compression braces without bulky material behind the knee for maximum comfort and bend.
The leggings’ ‘boot cut’ length with no material inside the boot to interfere with the feel of the ski boot’s tongue helps make skiing even more enjoyable.
Testers reported reduced fatigue, aches, and pains, as well as enhanced overnight recovery combined with lessened muscle soreness the next morning.
Designed by the lead designer and co-founder Geoffrey Hanson, Imbrace’s new innovative leggings were awarded Sport Apparel Design of the Year at the FIT Sport Design Awards proving to be a groundbreaking innovation in the world of sportswear design.
The Story of Imbrace
An idea to start their own business came to brothers Geoffrey and Eric Hanson during the pandemic. A discussion on the lack of leggings with knee braces leads to the beginning of Imbrace.
As active sports enthusiasts, Brothers Hanson had their own fair share of dealing with injuries. The idea to launch Imbrace was born after realizing that a combination of knee braces with compression leggings actually works and needs to be shared with others.
The name of the brand Imbrace, an old spelling of the word ‘embrace’, was chosen for its purpose of “holding you, hugging you, literally wrapping you tightly in its ‘IMBRACE’.”
Product Features
Base legging fabric is composed of 77% recycled nylon and 23% spandex with a light-flocked finish. It incorporates HEIQ Smart Temp thermo regulation technology that responds to body heat, treated with HEIQ Anti Bacterial to keep the product fresh during use and to reduce washing cycles.
The compression panels are produced from 2mm perforated neoprene and bonded with an outer polyester mesh layer to help retain panel shape and increase panel durability and compressive properties.
The waist incorporates a combination of the base fabric, neoprene panelling that covers the base of the spine, velcro, and elasticated adjustment straps. The ends of the straps are finished with a moulded velcro-backed closer tab.
The knee brace design incorporates shaped panels giving the support of a mid-level knee brace to the front and sides of the knee without the need for bulky panels behind.
