2015: That’s A Wrap

Actually, this is a wrap:

Our Wrap Hoodie is a new piece in our growing line of lifestyle apparel. Because let’s face it, as much as we thrive on exercise, not every moment is spent running, riding or downward dogging. We aim to provide women with same unparalleled design and comfort in everyday wear that that we offer in our training and racing gear – and we’re just getting started down this fun, fashionable path. Watch for more style-savvy SOAS lifestyle pieces in the year ahead.

But first, back to 2015. It was a busy (and we mean BUSY) year for us, with lots of happenings in-house at SOAS’ San Diego HQ and at events around the world and among our ambassador team.

One of the biggest moves for us this year was a literal one – our move to a brand new building. The hard labor of lugging boxes, office equipment and sewing and sublimation machines is done, while settling in and decorating properly is an ongoing (and fun) project. It's the perfect space to fit our rapidly growing business. We promise proper pics soon, but here’s a teaser of the move in progress:

The ink was barely dry on our new building deal when it was time to pack for a week in Kona at the Ironman World Championship. In addition to glowing tans, Kona gives us a chance to meet up with a number of our ambassadors from around the globe, to cheer our hearts out for those racing and to make many new friends. This year, Kona was also a launchpad for our first kit for men. We introduced the premier design under the HANSYM label, SOAS’ brother brand. We were thrilled to see this guy race in his brand new kit, a mobile showcase up and down the lava fields:

Another highlight of 2015 was our ambassador team. This group of ladies – over 100 strong, from all corners of the globe – are impressive ambassadors in the public eye, proudly sporting SOAS and spreading their passion for and knowledge of the brand wherever they swim, bike, run and play. But something many of you are not privy to is the way in which they also share the love behind the scenes. The encouragement between our teammates is nothing short of inspirational. Many of these women have yet to meet in person, but they’ve formed bonds of friendship and sisterhood that transcend the miles, advising and counseling one another on training, nutrition, gear, body image issues, relationships – you name it! It’s an honor for us to provide a foundation for this team and to witness these friendships grow.

An adventurous team of SOAS Racing ambassadors and staff tackled a Ragnar Relay together in the fall. Oh, the things you learn about your friends and teammates after 24 hours together in a van! We all survived to tell about it, and plans are already in the works for another relay this year.

We spent the final month of 2015 culling through thousands of applications for our ambassador team. Now, with a mix of exuberant veterans and excited newbies in place, we’re hard at work on the many items that make up their team package. Here’s a sneak peek at the 2016 racing kit:

Stay tuned for more from both SOAS and HANSYM in the months to come. We're ready to rock out plenty of stylin’ surprises, and we can’t wait to hear what you think about all our latest and greatest gear. Happy New Year everyone!

- the SOAS crew