Sculptural Cycling Sock in Merino Wool with Padded Shoulder
Source:Cycling Sock /
Time:2026-09-30
Sculptural Cycling Sock in Merino Wool with Padded Shoulder
A Cruise Line approached us to develop a sculptural cycling sock around a single idea: padded shoulder, executed in merino wool. The capsule was destined for Poland and needed sculptural 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
- The previous factory could not hold consistency across sizes
- Fabric hand feel changed between production runs
- Decoration durability failed after two washes
What we specified
| Product | Sculptural Cycling Sock |
|---|---|
| Client type | A Cruise Line |
| Market | Poland |
| Order volume | 240 pieces across 4 colourways |
| Base material | Merino Wool |
| Signature detail | Padded Shoulder |
| Size range | XS-XL |
| Sampling rounds | 4 |
| 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 sock was prototyped on the fit model, then revised twice before pre-production.
- Padded Shoulder 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 a Cruise Line launched on schedule and reordered the same specification next season.
What we would repeat
Approve the hand feel on the actual bulk fabric — proto cloth always behaves differently.
Planning a similar capsule?
Book a 20-minute call with our merchandising team and get a written quotation within 48 hours.
