Ochre Athletica, launched in October last year, has a similar story. Co-founded by athletes Radhika Shanker and Aditi Kakkar, the idea for the brand took shape following their dead ends to find activewear that could keep up with their rigorous training demands. “We have tried almost all prominent brands in the past decade of our high-impact training. Most wear out within 6 months, are not squat-proof and lack conscious materials in their composition,” says Kakkar who is a national-level weightlifter and CrossFit athlete. They identified waistbands that roll down clumsily, thin fabrics, and a dearth of fresh colours and styles as the common issues faced by women like them. “One big focus is standardised sizing for India. Comfort is another big factor for us. We make soft and comfortable clothes that you aren’t itching to tear off right after the workout,” adds Shanker, who is a professional footballer.
