Mammal Performance Wear
As a former athlete, I shifted my design focus from streetwear to performance gear, blending functionality with style. Drawing on my experience in sports, I created this athletic set for athletes of all levels—whether aiming for 10k steps or a championship title. Each piece prioritizes comfort, durability, and a modern aesthetic, featuring a loose exterior with a sleek fit, paired with a second compression layer to enhance performance and comfort.
Inspiration
This project draws inspiration from mammals and their two layers of skin. Both the shorts and top feature two fabric layers that work cross-functionally, much like the skin’s layers:
Epidermis: The outer layer, acting as a barrier against infection and water loss, inspired the garment’s durable outer shell.
Dermis: The inner layer, supporting and regulating the epidermis, inspired the moisture-wicking, cooling inner layer.
By reflecting this natural system, the design blends functionality and innovation seamlessly.
Inspired by Michael Jordan and the iconic 90s Bulls cut-off muscle tee, this design captures the distinctive silhouette while modernizing the fit and functionality. MJ popularized this look for me, though it was a favorite among many athletes of that era.
Michael Jordan Practice Uniform
Inspired by another athlete, Jaylen Brown, whose style blends a futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic with athletic functionality, I initially thought, "What would Jaylen Brown train in?" This idea guided the design process. When he later launched his own brand, 741, it further validated my vision, as I believe the Mammal Collection would integrate seamlessly into his lineup.
Jaylen Brown 741
Double Layer Shorts
My design focus was primarily on the top piece of the athletic set, while the shorts follow a proven design style widely embraced by many brands. This complementary approach ensures the shorts pair seamlessly with the top, maintaining consistent functionality and cohesive aesthetics.
Process
Already envisioning the fit and style, my process focused on researching the perfect fabrics to enhance the athlete’s experience and potentially boost performance. The next step was crafting a detailed CAD to bring the concept to life.
When designing athletic gear, my process began with researching cutting-edge fabrics that could seamlessly integrate for both the exterior and interior layers. These materials needed to work together to provide breathability despite the dual-layer design, along with stretchiness, durability to endure intense training, moisture-wicking properties, and eco-friendliness.
Exterior Layer: Lightweight Nylon (Ripstop) – Durable and slightly structured, offering a relaxed look while being breathable and moisture-resistant.
Interior Layer: Micro Modal – Soft and friction-reducing, environmentally friendly, and designed for compression and effective moisture management.
This combination ensures both layers complement each other for optimal performance and comfort.
Fabric
Ripstop Nylon: Exterior
Micro Modal: Interior
CAD
In the final CAD, the influence of MJ’s muscle shirts is evident in the cut and silhouette. Paired with extensive research into fabrics and athletic technology, this foundation has allowed me to take the first steps toward production. The current challenge lies in sourcing a vendor that can supply these materials and produce the garments. I've learned the importance of either utilizing materials a manufacturer already has on hand or sourcing fabric from another supplier, then coordinating with the factory responsible for construction. These factors introduce potential delays and increased production costs, making planning and execution critical.
