CWB gets the latest on Juco, the brand-new sportswear offering from schoolwear supplier, David Luke.
A new movement of sportswear to encourage “every body to get moving” is launching into the schoolwear market this summer: meet Juco.
Juco has been developed by David Luke Schoolwear, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of made-to-order and Eco-uniform, and will see an initial collection of 13 pieces launch into its network of independent retailers from July 2019.
David Luke Schoolwear has become known for its advances in the development of Eco-uniform and will dispatch over 500,000 pieces this year in the course of the Back to School season.
Within the Juco range, 70% of the products are classified as Eco-uniform. The Ecotech fabric used in hero styles such as the skort, unisex polo shirt, base layers and T-shirts features recycled polyester derived from post-consumer plastic waste.
Commenting on the range and its eco-properties is Juco’s product development manager, Jenifer Nairne. “When looking at base layers and fabrics, our aim was to find something that would feel soft against the skin while also making the wearer feel comfortable in the garment.
“The chosen fabric uses a recycled polyester yarn with a brushed surface. This makes it softer to touch and more comparable to cotton. The knit of the fabric also allows a high stretch without compromising on opacity.
“When researching fabrics for the T-shirts and polos we took inspiration from some of the major sportswear brands, with which I had direct experience. Polyester-based and lightweight with wicking properties were some of the key elements we were going after.
“The fabric is made from a recycled polyester yarn with a finished weight of 180gsm. There is also the addition of mesh panels on the garment to aid breathability, wicking, fast-drying and overall reduced weight. We feel we have crafted a product which exceeds our expectations.
“Finally, for the showerproof jacket, we engineered the panels to aid with water resistance and breathability. For instance, the jacket features panels across the shoulders rather than the seams to keep driving rain out. It also has a back vent to allow airflow inside the garment. Plus, there’s a mesh lining with access for embroidery.”
A sportswear range that champions inclusivity and sustainability
Juco products work for all sports in order to prioritise a spirit of inclusivity. Considered design details and high-quality materials usually associated with aspirational sports brands feature across the range; thus elevating the finish and defying the norms of typical school sportswear. As well as advocating inclusivity, Juco also better represents David Luke Schoolwear’s stance on sustainability.
Commenting is Kathryn Shuttleworth, managing director at David Luke Schoolwear. “Our previous sportswear offering was not reflective of our passion for innovation. Nor the advances we have made as a business in terms of sustainability.”
“Juco represents a considered and holistic collection; high-quality garments that meet the needs of pupils no matter what level of sporting activity they are participating in. Raising kids with a positive body image, high self-esteem and the confidence to participate in sports – even if they’re not going to be the best – have inspired this collection.”
In terms of product, the Juco range includes a multi-sport short, polo shirt and ladies’ polo shirt. Also, a skort, base layer under legging, 2 in 1 short (female fit), T-shirt and ladies’ T-shirt. There’s also a showerproof training jacket and a reversible multi-sport jersey.
This is in addition to a ¼ zip mid-layer jacket and mid-layer track pant; both featuring Duratech, a durable, water-repellent (DWR) fabric coating that provides water-resistant protection. Duratech ensures any water that comes into contact with the garment forms into beads and rolls off. The result is that the wearer stays dry for longer.
Sportswear relevant to today’s market
Research undertaken by Sport England as part of its Active Lives Children and Young People Survey revealed that physical literacy decreases with age. As children grow older, they report lower levels of enjoyment, confidence, competence and understanding. Previous research from Sport England also shows that activity levels drop when children reach their teenage years.
“We could see a real opportunity in the market when it came to school sports kit,” continues Shuttleworth. “At one end of the scale, a basic PE kit that was dated and no longer fit for purpose; wearing it made children feel exposed and vulnerable, especially if sport wasn’t their first passion.
“Then there were instances where schools chose very aspirational brands because they wanted their teams to portray elitism; often resulting in pupils feeling alienated. We want to provide a quality range that champions inclusivity.”
Understanding today’s teens are at risk of withdrawing from physical activity because they don’t feel confident when taking part is one of the founding principles of Juco and its approach.
“From the outset, we worked from the guiding principle that young people shouldn’t be prevented from enjoying the simple pleasures of PE and school sports because their kit made them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed,” concludes Nairne.
“We tracked the movements of young people when designing Juco to see where the pressure points are during instances of physical exertion. Basing our designs on the realistic movements of teens and taking into consideration any hang-ups they might be experiencing at their stage of life has enabled us to design sportswear with a fit that is relevant to today’s market.”
