Contemporary Cycling Short in Crochet with Delicate Pleating
Source:Cycling Short /
Time:2026-09-30
Contemporary Cycling Short in Crochet with Delicate Pleating
An Independent Boutique Brand approached us to develop a contemporary cycling short around a single idea: delicate pleating, executed in crochet. The capsule was destined for Mexico and needed contemporary 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
- Delivery missed the collection launch window
- The sample did not match the runway reference
- Fabric hand feel changed between production runs
What we specified
| Product | Contemporary Cycling Short |
|---|---|
| Client type | An Independent Boutique Brand |
| Market | Mexico |
| Order volume | 240 pieces across 5 colourways |
| Base material | Crochet |
| Signature detail | Delicate Pleating |
| Size range | 0-14 |
| Sampling rounds | 2 |
| Delivery window | 12 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
| Compliance | BSCI |
How it was built
- Reference garments and moodboards were translated into a measurement spec, not just photos.
- Crochet 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
- 240 pieces delivered inside the 12-week window.
- Unit cost held within 2.0% of the approved quotation.
- The an Independent Boutique Brand 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?
Send us your tech pack or even a rough sketch — we will come back with fabric options, a costed sample plan and a realistic production calendar.
