Header: Courtesy of Stoko
Stoko Design has turned heads in the sports world with its innovative Supportive Tight, a piece of clothing that’s also a sophisticated support system. This clever design is ideal for people dealing with knee pain and unsteadiness, whether they’re top athletes or just enjoying a weekend hike.
How it really works
So, what makes these tights special? Imagine 30 meters of super-strong Dyneema® cable, the same material used in ropes and body armor, carefully built into the fabric. This isn’t just any fabric; it’s an engineered compression knit designed to act like your body’s muscles and ligaments. The magic happens when you turn two small dials located in the waistband. These dials let you control the amount of support for each leg separately. This means you can tighten things up for a run or a ski session and then ease off the support for comfortable everyday wear. It’s medical-grade bracing, but you’d hardly know it was there.
Innovative construction from top to bottom
Stoko uses advanced flatbed knitting machines in new ways to create these tights. This method allows them to build channels for the support cables, create structured areas that hold the wires in the right places around your body, and vary the thickness of the knit. This means some parts offer more compression, while others allow for better airflow, all working together as one complete system. There’s even a specially knit strap around the knee area designed to give extra support and awareness to your kneecap tendon.
Built for action and everyday life
The main fabric of the Supportive Tight is a lightweight yet rigid mix of Nylon and Spandex. It’s designed to pull moisture away from your skin and let air circulate, making it great for various activities like skiing, snowboarding, running, hiking, tennis, golf, hockey, or just a regular workout. Because the support is so low-profile, you can wear the tights all day without them feeling bulky or drawing attention. Stoko even shares the story of a now-retired Canada Post mail carrier who wore his Stoko product daily on his delivery route in Vancouver. For those cooler days or for people who love wool, there’s also a version made with Merino wool, offering the same great support with Merino’s added temperature and moisture benefits.
Getting the right fit and look
Currently, the Supportive Tights come in sizes from small to extra large for men, and extra small to extra large for women. Stoko is already working on adding a 2XL size for both men and women. As for colors, you can get them in Black and Teal right now, with more core and seasonal colors planned for the future. The idea is to provide a comfortable, durable tight that keeps you feeling supported and sure of yourself, whatever your day holds.
The design recently snagged the prestigious Sport Apparel Design of the Year award at the FIT Sport Design Awards. The team responsible for this groundbreaking product includes Lead Designer Joel Maerz, alongside Ryan Bakker, Sam Stretch, Joey Ardell, and Kirsten Geyer. Their work, in collaboration with manufacturer MAS – Matrix, has resulted in a product now available for purchase.
