Vitalis Sport Portugal: Hooded Training Jackets Built on Nylon/Spandex
Vitalis Sport is a growing Portugal-based activewear label whose hooded training jackets range now anchors its seasonal offer. When the design team planned a wider range with tighter launch dates, it needed a fabric partner able to guarantee construction consistency, documented performance and shade continuity across every production lot.
Vitalis Sport: reviewing the fabric swatch set for the hooded training jackets programme
The challenge
The main risk in the project was pilling on brushed surfaces after the fifth wash. The previous supply chain ran through a trading intermediary, so there was little visibility of the mill, no construction sheet and no test evidence behind the performance claims. Without that documentation the brand could not brief its retail partners with confidence.
The solution
We proposed a dedicated nylon/spandex programme built around an anti-pilling finish combined with tighter stitch density. Development started with A4 lab dips and a full construction sheet covering fibre content, GSM, width, stretch and recovery, and colour fastness. Only after the brand approved hand feel and performance targets did the project move to a pre-production lot for fit sampling.
Sample and fit approval for the nylon/spandex construction
Implementation
- Development: lab dips and physical samples in 5 working days.
- Approval: colour, hand feel and stretch signed off in two rounds.
- Bulk: consolidated dye lots to hold shade continuity.
- QC: inline inspection plus final random inspection before packing.
- Testing: ISO 13934 tensile strength on every bulk lot.
Specification delivered
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | nylon/spandex |
| Weight | 220 GSM |
| Width | 160–170 cm |
| Stretch | 4-way, recovery above 92% |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
| Colour fastness | Grade 4 or above |
Results
The new nylon/spandex programme helped Vitalis Sport cut customer returns by 32% in the following season. The hooded training jackets line launched on schedule, and wash durability, opacity and fit consistency all held up through the first retail season. The brand has since extended the programme into additional colours and styles.
“The development process was transparent from the first sample. We finally had the data we needed to brief our retail partners with confidence.” — Vitalis Sport Product Team
Inline inspection and packing before the hooded training jackets shipment
Key takeaway
Moving from a trading model to mill-direct development removed the hidden risks in the supply chain. With documented construction, controlled shade management and inline quality control, Vitalis Sport could concentrate on design and marketing instead of firefighting production issues.
