Ever tried to find a pair of shorts you could wear for your hardest workouts in the gym but are still stylish enough to wear around town? They’re hard to find, and that’s one of the problems Spuds Apparel set out to solve. We had the chance to talk with the founder of Spuds Apparel to learn more.
These shorts have a lot going for them. They are sophisticated, stylish, and prepared for anything you throw at them. You can wear them for a tough workout, with a button up to go out, or just hanging around the house. Unlike most other active shorts, these have a pocket specially designed to keep your phone out of the way but close at hand. Their Friiz material is light, durable, smooth, and wrinkle-free. It is also water resistant, moisture wicking, and anti-bacterial to keep you cool, dry, and smelling fresh. Plus they are designed and manufactured right here in the United States, in California.
Fitness Gear for Guys: I love the idea of being able to wear these shorts to the gym and around town. How did the idea and inspiration for the shorts come about?
Paul / Spuds Apparel: We feel exactly the same way. The idea came to light while traveling and shopping. We asked ourselves why we should be paying for a single pair of short that may be great for working out, but not going out, but also why we should also pay for another pair of shorts thats great for going out, but you wouldn’t want to wear to the gym. I mean we are guys, so things are usually easy in the clothing departments! Our goal was to create a pair of shorts that had the performance you needed while working out while also combining the looks of a pair of shorts you can still look great with while wearing a button down. We found ourselves both buying too many pairs of shorts we didn’t always use, and packing too many pairs when going on trips. So to summarize, Spuds came from the idea of creating a pair of shorts that struck the perfect medium of performance and style and fit right in between athletic shorts and your everyday cotton twill shorts.
FGG: Spuds Apparel is a pretty unique name, how did you come up with it?
SA: Funny enough, the idea came while eating dinner! At the time we were in the need for a name change, and were bouncing hundreds of names and ideas around, but nothing stuck. I was making baked potatoes for dinner, and the conversation came up of how funny it is that there are so many uses for potatoes, just like the shorts. The idea stuck, everything checked out, and like they say…the rest is history! We love the new name as its a little bit quirky and fun to say, without being too childish.
FGG: I never keep my phone in my pocket with gym shorts because it either falls out or is uncomfortable. How does the Gravi pocket system work, and how many pockets total are on each pair?
SA: This is the main reason that we came up with the idea for the Gravi pocket. It wasn’t really an issue in the past with smaller screened phones, but now that everyone has large-screened phones, it was time to bring some innovation. The Gravi pocket fits your phone (even your large iPhone or Samsung Plus models) along your right hip. We found this location to be ideal during our testings, as it allows for minimal movement while utilizing the waistband to making it feel like you don’t even have anything in your pocket. The zipper is stitched to allow headphone passthrough without damage as well. We feel like this pocket will change the way people workout, as people won’t have to worry about their device while running, jumping, doing bench presses, leg raises, or even flips.
In total you have your standard thigh pockets, which are stitched together to allow for a stronger structure. These thigh pockets are deep enough to fit all of your daily essentials, and keeps bouncing and movement to a minimum. These front pockets and one right Gravi pocket are the total pockets in each pair of Spuds.
FGG: It’s no small task getting a company up and running. What has been the most challenging part of getting Spuds Apparel started?
SA: Absolutely, and I would say the hardest thing is trying to take a different approach on a product in a very saturated market. Instead of taking the approach of creating another pair of shorts with a logo slapped onto them, we wanted to bring real solutions and simplifications to peoples lives. It was difficult finding the right materials, convincing the right people about our message, and just every little detail that goes into launching a new product or startup. We are excited that everything is coming together, and look forward to seeing where people take their Spuds.
FGG: It seems you are committed to making best pair of shorts possible. What was the process like to perfect the shorts?
SA: We wanted to create a pair of shorts good enough to put on in the morning, do everything you needed, and still be perfect for a night out. This came with a few challenges. To overcome these challenges we sat down and chose which details would make the ultimate pair (odor resistant, anti static, water resistant, super comfortable, stylish) but also provide a solution to a problem we have everyday (where in the world do you put your phone/device while working out!). It took multiple prototypes while sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of material choices. We made samples, tried them on multiple people with different body types, made changes, tested again, and finally came up with a fit and material that we feel are the perfect pair. We are very grateful for the connections we have made with our suppliers and sewers to help in making a pair of shorts we would want to wear everyday.
FGG: Your Kickstarter campaign just launched and is already doing great. What are you most excited about as it really gets going?
SA: For me personally, the absolute most exciting thing is being able to create something that not only other people will love, but that I can also be proud of. It has been exciting every step of the way thus far seeing our idea come to life, and it actually working and getting great feedback from our community / fans. I am very active, working out everyday both for my mental and physical well being, and also live a very active lifestyle. It is awesome to be able to create something that solves a problem we face everyday, and then being able to share that with the world to hopefully help others.
FGG: Your Kickstarter campaign ends in August and the first round of shorts start shipping out in October and November of this year. What comes after that?
SA: We see Spuds as being more than just a pair of shorts you may buy, but as a company that keeps the philosophy of improving common issues we face and providing apparel that simplifies one’s life. After the success of our campaign, we will be opening up our store to everyone, all while expanding our line up of shorts, as well as other items that are already in the works. We look forward to spreading our message, our products, and helping to connect a community that is ready for everywhere they take life.
The Spuds Apparel campaign is now live on Kickstarter. Be sure to check them out and back them to be one of the first to get your hands on a pair of their shorts.
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