Minimalist Cycling Short in Merino Wool with Delicate Pleating
Source:Cycling Short /
Time:2026-09-30
Minimalist Cycling Short in Merino Wool with Delicate Pleating
A National Retail Chain approached us to develop a minimalist cycling short around a single idea: delicate pleating, executed in merino wool. The capsule was destined for Ireland and needed minimalist finishing that reads designer on the rail while staying repeatable in bulk. This case study records the brief, the specification and the delivery.
The challenge
- Decoration durability failed after two washes
- The previous factory could not hold consistency across sizes
- Unit costs were too high for a boutique price point
What we specified
| Product | Minimalist Cycling Short |
|---|---|
| Client type | A National Retail Chain |
| Market | Ireland |
| Order volume | 1,500 pieces across 3 colourways |
| Base material | Merino Wool |
| Signature detail | Delicate Pleating |
| Size range | 0-14 |
| Sampling rounds | 3 |
| Delivery window | 12 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
| Compliance | GOTS |
How it was built
- Reference garments and moodboards were translated into a measurement spec, not just photos.
- Merino Wool was confirmed with lab dips and a hand-feel approval before grading.
- The cycling short was prototyped on the fit model, then revised twice before pre-production.
- Delicate Pleating was applied in a controlled process to keep every piece consistent.
- Bulk ran with in-line inspection; a photo report was shared before shipment.
Result
- 1,500 pieces delivered inside the 12-week window.
- Unit cost held within 1.5% of the approved quotation.
- The a National Retail Chain launched on schedule and reordered the same specification next season.
What we would repeat
Keep one process owner on both sides. Most delays come from hand-offs, not machines.
Planning a similar capsule?
Tell us the quantity, target price and delivery window, and we will build a customisation programme around those three numbers.
