Improvements Can Always Be Made

A Trip to Italy to Shape the Future of ABSOLUTE360

At ABSOLUTE360, we believe that no product is ever truly finished. Every conversation with a customer, every training session and every piece of feedback gives us another opportunity to improve.

That philosophy took us back to Italy just after Christmas, where we met with our manufacturing partners to refine existing products, evaluate new prototypes and discuss exciting developments planned for the year ahead.

Our passion for innovation and uncompromising quality continues to drive everything we do. We never take our products for granted, constantly challenging ourselves and our manufacturers to create sportswear that performs better, fits better and delivers an even greater experience for our customers.

One of the biggest reasons for this visit was to review a number of prototypes within our Body Support range, many of which had been inspired directly by the valuable feedback we had received during our first six months in business.

When we landed in Bologna, we were greeted by glorious winter sunshine — a welcome change from the gloomy UK weather — and an unexpected sight: a stunning yellow Lamborghini Diablo waiting outside the airport.

A memorable journey to Italy, where innovation and product development took centre stage.

The drive north towards Verona was equally memorable. Clear blue skies, crisp winter air and the snow-covered Alps in the distance made for an unforgettable journey and the perfect setting before several days of product development meetings.

So, apart from enjoying a little Italian sunshine, why did we travel all this way? More importantly, what did we achieve?

Turning Customer Feedback into Better Products

Although much of our time was spent discussing future product ideas, one of the main priorities was reviewing prototype samples and assessing whether the improvements we had carefully planned had translated into products that met the standards we expect from ABSOLUTE360.

Seeing, wearing and testing prototypes in person is something that simply can't be replicated over email or telephone. Small changes to the fit, construction or fabric can make a significant difference to comfort and performance, making face-to-face collaboration with our Italian manufacturers an essential part of the development process.

While we can't reveal every new product currently in development, we can share that we've been working hard to refine several products within our Body Support collection, including our Ankle Support, Knee Support, Elbow Support and Back Support.

Every improvement has been made with one goal in mind: to create products that perform even better for the people who wear them.

Some of the enhancements include:

• Increasing the percentage of infrared-responsive fibre throughout the range.
• Refining the compression knit pattern to improve moisture management and everyday comfort.
• Extending the ankle support to provide improved coverage around the foot and lower leg. 
  Reshaping both the knee and elbow supports to better follow the natural contours of the body.
• Improving garment construction to help each support remain securely in position during activity.

None of these changes are dramatic on their own, but together they represent the continual refinement that defines our approach to product development.

One of the biggest design challenges has always been ensuring that our supports remain comfortably in place throughout activity.

Despite the claims often made within the industry, we've yet to find a support that never moves during prolonged or vigorous exercise. Gravity, muscle movement, changes in body position and the natural motion of our limbs all influence how a support behaves over time.

Rather than pretending otherwise, we've focused on reducing movement as much as possible while improving comfort if repositioning is occasionally needed.

After all, improvements can always be made — and that's exactly what we're committed to doing.

Putting Our New Knee Support to the Test

As part of the development process, I've been personally trialling our latest Knee Support prototypes.

To better understand the fit, I've been wearing a size Medium on one leg and a size Large on the other, allowing me to compare both versions under exactly the same conditions.
Over the past week I've worn them almost continuously — day and night — only removing them to shower.

Although we're still very much in the prototype stage, the early results have been extremely encouraging.

The updated supports feel exceptionally comfortable, even during prolonged wear. There have been no noticeable issues with heat or moisture build-up, they remain in position for longer than previous versions and, even when minor adjustment is needed, the redesigned construction prevents uncomfortable pressure behind the knee.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give them is that, on several occasions, I completely forgot I was wearing them.

Of course, my experience is only one part of the testing process. Other testers are continuing to evaluate the prototypes, and we'll carefully review all of their feedback before finalising the new designs for production.

Knee Support prototypes undergoing real-world testing before the final design was approved.

Always Looking for Better

This visit to Italy reinforced something we've believed since the day ABSOLUTE360 began: listening to customers and continually refining our products is just as important as launching something new.

Every improvement — whether it's a small adjustment to the fit, a refinement to the construction or an enhancement to the fabric — helps us move closer to creating the products we originally set out to make.

We're excited by the progress we've seen so far and look forward to sharing more with you as these new developments move closer to launch.

Because at ABSOLUTE360, we'll never stop asking one simple question:

How can we make it even better?