Jun 1, 20232 min read

Design Thinking: Sheertex

(Image courtesy of Sheertex.)

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is “Design Thinking.” Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations applied Design Thinking and spoke to Natalie Catania to learn more about Sheertex.

(Image courtesy of Sheertex.)

1. What makes Sheertex different from other hosiery companies?

Founded by serial entrepreneur Katherine Homuth, who was frustrated with traditional hosiery’s lack of durability, We set out to develop rip-resistant tights. There is nothing like Sheertex tights on the market! The Sheertex knit technology uses the same polymers found in ballistic materials and climbing equipment. Most ordinary tights on the market are made exclusively using conventional materials like spandex and nylon. These materials, when made fine enough for tights, simply don’t hold up as well to everyday wear. Over 2 billion pairs of tights fill landfills globally every year, and we want to change that. Now SHEER can be a longer-lasting staple in your wardrobe.

(Image courtesy of Sheertex.)

2. Where does Sheertex find inspiration during its design process?

Our constant source of inspiration lies in the vibrant world of runway trends, colors, and cutting-edge designs. But our creative journey extends far beyond superficial aesthetics. We passionately explore the realm of textures and push the boundaries of knitting and dyeing techniques, constantly seeking innovation because of the challenging nature of our knit.

(Video courtesy of Sheertex.)

The unique characteristics of our knit technology demand us to be pioneers of adaptation. We thrive on the challenge of finding inventive approaches to make these designs work for our tights. Collaborating, our team of skilled artisans and engineers devote themselves to ensuring that every intricate pattern and motif seamlessly comes to life in our meticulously crafted tights.

3. How does Sheertex incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

Our mission is to drive durability and sustainability of apparel products by building new materials and software to enable better, more sustainable textiles. We leverage smart, domestic manufacturing to support the sustainable economic development of our communities by placing an emphasis on hiring locally.

(Image courtesy of Sheertex.)

The apparel industry’s contribution to climate change currently accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of water waste. Not to mention, the average person buys and discards 60% more clothing each year than they did in 2002. By introducing Sheertex® knit technology to the apparel industry, we are actively helping make fast fashion a thing of the past.

4. What is the future of the company?

The outlook for the future is that we are a company with advanced material science, software, and manufacturing automation that brings to market longer-lasting products with a rapidly falling cost curve. Our Sheertex® knit technology will disrupt the $1.5 trillion apparel industry and accelerate fashion’s transition to a zero-waste future.