Sweaty Betty Turns 20: The Story Behind The Union Jack Print

Sweaty Betty Turns 20: The Story Behind The Union Jack Print

2018 marks 20 years of Sweaty Betty, so what better excuse to celebrate with #sbturns20. To kick off a year of partying, we're bringing back exclusive limited edition pieces based on classics from our archives. 'It's important to celebrate big occasions', shares our Founder & Creative Director Tamara, 'and to have spent 20 years empowering women through fitness and beyond is just amazing'. For April, we've reinvented some particularly patriotic Power Leggings. Here, Tamara talks us through the inspiration:

The original design

2012 was an amazing year for London. There was the Diamond Jubilee and of course the Olympics took over the city. I was so obsessed, I even named our dog Ennis! There was such an amazing feeling in the city and as a British brand we absolutely had to celebrate. Our aptly named 'God Save The Queen' collection launched in June and was a huge success - the Winner Cape even featured in Vogue. I have found a catalogue from the time where we said, 'Showcasing the best in modern British sportswear design with a retro athletic focus, 'God Save the Queen' takes podium place this summer'.

As you can imagine the colour scheme was red, white and blue and the collection was filled with Union Jacks (though with a painterly splash to add edge). This was one collection I knew we had to look to when we brought back classic pieces for our birthday. Despite loving everything, I wore the Track Capri to run a triathlon that year so decided these would be what we'd bring back from the archives. Plus, we are always getting customers asking if they can buy them!

The Power Leggings

When we looked to this design again, I wanted to make sure these leggings were really wearable. We took our bum-sculpting Power fabric and added the Union Jack print to the bottom instead of all-over, so they're really flattering. Plus, the fabric has the perfect mix of stretch and recovery. I call the Power Leggings our 'I can do anything leggings', as I can wear them for any workout.

We love a matching set at Sweaty Betty, so the design team then created the Infinity Bra in the same Union Jack print, just in case you want to stand out in the studio. I'll be layering a lightweight vest over mine.

Keep your eyes peeled for the rest of 2018 for more limited edition launches based on classics from our archives and shop the Power Leggings today #sbturns20. In the meantime shop our new arrivals.