Modern Branded Teamwear and Sportswear
As a leading teamwear and sportswear provider nationally and internationally, the experts at the XCO Group remain at the cutting edge of modern design. Research and development of modern fabrics and textiles in the sporting industry have become a very specific science. That said, we strive to maintain only the highest quality activewear and source only the finest materials in their manufacture.
Comfortable teamwear and sportswear must be designed to trap body heat in cold conditions and allow for cooling down in hot conditions while managing moisture absorption and ventilation in both cold and warm environments. The materials and textiles used should provide comfort and support, regardless of the sporting activity, yet remain within the stringent rules and regulations of the sport in question.
Considerations Involved in Teamwear and Sportswear
At XCO Group, we have been supplying modern branded teamwear and sportswear to sporting professionals globally for decades. During this time, we have observed amateur teams and individual sporting enthusiasts graduate to the professional echelons of the sporting arena. We have evolved with them along with the evolution of professional sports, and our sporting apparel has adapted to the constantly changing rules and regulations governing the clothing that may be worn for each activity.
Professional sports have large amounts of money involved. There is the initial prize money for winners and runners-up. This is followed by endorsements and sponsorships to both individual and team sporting activities. To prevent any competitive advantage over oppositions, and to judge the winners by ability and prowess alone rather than equipment advantages, worn apparel needs to maximise performance and be durable and comfortable while meeting the specific sports governing body’s criterion.
Supporting internationally-renowned sporting heroes in professions from aquatics, athletics, cycling and racket sports to volleyball, rugby, cricket, hockey and more, our professional textile and fabric selectors and developers have remained competitive within the international teamwear and sportswear marketplaces. This competition has resulted in the XCO Group becoming the nation’s leader in this field.
Functional Fabrics and Textiles for Comfort, Durability and Strength in Active Wear
Modern activewear has become a fashion statement in many sporting professions, with sports idols actively selling their sponsored branded clothing on and off the field. Still, care must be taken in the selection of material used in the makeup of their kit. Priority must still be given to maximising the sports stars’ performance while remaining comfortable, durable and strong. Several materials are used for this purpose, such as polyester, cotton, spandex, nylon, polypropylene and wool, or a combination of these products to produce the best material for its desired function. However, the origin, quality and longevity of these materials differ widely, and the best products need a trained, experienced eye to find.
To maintain our reputation, our professional fabric selectors at XCO Group ensure only the best quality materials are fastidiously sourced and used in producing our sporting apparel. Therefore, precise measurements and advanced checks are done before purchase. The blends of these materials must meet our highest standards. Moisture management incorporation has to be taken into account and the thermo-physiological fibre content needs to be perfect.
The micro and macro porosity of fabric must be checked which determines the material’s ability to be printed on and governs water vapour permeability and thermal resistance. Additionally, after checking for air permeability and UV transmission, attention must be given to anti-microbial treatments to reduce the chances of microbial bacteria growth, which promotes skin infections and bad odours. And finally, thread counts are measured through the one-way transparency index (OWTI) and grams per square metre (GSM) processes.
A Stitch in Time and Dying on A Dime
With this same precision and attention to detail, our meticulous in-house quality control oversees the manufacture of our perfect products both at our factory and our state-of-the-art sublimation plant. These facilities are set up for customisation for both small and large quantities. These factors combined ensure the quality that has made us the leading teamwear and sportswear manufacturer nationally.
Leading Supplier Since 1987
Team, sports and activewear are fundamental elements in XCO Groups’ success since the beginning. For several decades, we have developed our standards of practice, from our first teamwear and sportswear store in Pretoria. Since then, our offerings have expanded to include extensive ranges of sportswear, corporate attire and equipment. We also specialise in corporate branding, rebranding and design. Today, our online catalogue proudly boasts more than 200,000 products and 130 brands. Consult with us to expand your brand and fulfil all your apparel and corporate communication needs.
