It all began with a pair of shorts.
Oiselle founder Sally Bergesen wasn’t happy with the world of women’s running shorts and decided to do the obvious – start her own women’s running apparel company. This happened in 2007 and in the 7 years following, she has taken Oiselle from a dream to a successful and thriving reality. As with all companies, there have been growing pains and bumps along the road but for every setback there have been many, many steps forward.
Although I’ve been wearing Oiselle for a couple years now and have been a member of the wonderful Oiselle Volee team for over a year, I actually had not yet pulled on a pair of Rogas shorts, the shorts that started it all, until this summer. Let me just leave it at this –the soft and flexible material, perfect length and fashionable design have won me over. They will certainly be my short of choice going forward.
But of course, Oiselle is much more than shorts. As I experienced first hand at Bird Camp this summer, Oiselle is not only a company but a community with empowers female runners (and all athletes) to strive for goals of all kinds and never give up. After hearing Sally speak from the heart at Bird Camp about her journey from runner to CEO and founder of Oiselle, I was even more convinced that being a part of the Oiselle family will not only help me get more admiring stares during my runs down the coast or in my Pilates classes, but is a company that I completely believe in and support with pride. Sally’s intentions for everything she has done for Oiselle has been in the name of making women feel better about themselves, inside and out.
The motto, “Run Fast, Take Chances” embodies the company in more ways than one. Not only does Oiselle encourage runners to push further, it does the same with its business practices as well as its design. Oiselle is a small company but is already very well known in the running community, largely because of its commanding presence on social media and recently added influential teammate Kara Groucher. But advertising only works if the product backs it up and in Oiselle’s case, it does. Oiselle’s running clothing is functional, yet constantly evolving to keep up with fashion trends.
Case in point, today 10 Oiselle athletes, running shorts tan lines and all, rocked brand new looks down the runway at the Nolcha Fashion Week in New York City for the second year in a row. There is no need to hire models to show off Oiselle gear because the point is to show the clothing on the people it’s designed for – runners. Among others, Oiselle unveiled the new elite racing kit (see Kara Groucher wear it at the NY Marathon this year!), amazing new tights with flattering and curve-popping lines, an adorable new patterned sports bra and a spring jacket. I’ve already put myself on a spending freeze after my recent shopping spree after the recent Fall line launch, but I’m going to be saving up for Spring 2015 NOW!
What do you look for in your running clothes? Have you tried Oiselle?
I agree, the Rogas are a fabulous style of short – I love the wide waistband and high-quality fabric. Also, they provide a bit more coverage, which is nice if short shorts aren’t your thing.
I, too, am saving all my run cash for buying up the spring items – I wish the cute asymmetrical jacket could be available for purchase now! Just the thing for fall and winter running 🙂
I don’t wear shorts normally to run. I like to wear capris. The Lesley Knickers are my fave. I love the lux layer shirts too! Oiselle is expensive and I am cheap so I “usually” only buy when there is a sale! 🙂
If I ever decide to start wearing shorts I will definitely try the rogas. I have only ever heard good things!
Oiselle is really all I wear to run. Besides the fact that the clothes fit me well, look good, and feel good, I feel empowered when I wear them. And I can not wait for those orange pants that FastK8 rocked on the runway.