Each week, we open the kimono and share what’s happening “behind the scenes” here at Olympia Gloves. Today, we need your help.  Would you share your expertise with us? We’d like to hear from apparel and accessories buyers, and product executives.  If you are responsible for sourcing or buying decisions for a retail organization or a manufacturing company — we’d like to hear about your priorities and buying processes. Our goal is to learn how suppliers succeed (or miss the mark), from your vantage point. more Have you looked for a new apparel or accessories manufacturer recently? If so … What...

We hear the same two questions from a lot of riders: Why do my winter riding gloves feel bulky? AND Are there gloves that keep hands warm, and provide a better feel for the controls? Gloves without bulky padding would obviously be a lot better. So the question is, if we can put a man on the moon, why do glove manufacturers still make gloves this way?  What gives!? Here’s why it’s a difficult problem to solve … and some options to consider: Winter Riding Gloves: The Quest for More Warmth, Less Bulk! “Warm, but bulky …” — It’s a common complaint among experienced...

People ask us two basic questions all the time .. What will glove samples cost? And, how long will it take? Last time, we outlined process of creating a glove, from initial concept to first sample: How Glove Companies Bring Ideas to Life: From Design to Sample Today, we explain what samples cost, and offer 5 suggestions to manage the sample process better, to save expense and time.  What Do Glove Samples Cost?   In a perfect world, samples would be free!  But the reality can be time consuming and costly — so, we’ve developed a process of sharing the cost, to be fair to...

Here’s a subject we’re always asked about:  How does a new glove get made? Creating a one-of-a-kind glove prototype, and producing a first sample, isn’t like getting a sample in your local ice cream scoop shop. No offense to Ben and Jerry’s, but there’s a lot more involved. Let’s look at the process, from concept to first sample. Glove Design: From Idea, to Reality To kickoff a new glove project, we start by learning about your goals. Most buyers have some idea of the features they want, but glove design options are numerous. Once we understand your vision, expressed in a design...

Snowmobiling is a great recreational sport, but it can get very cold on those trails. In fact, hands get colder while snowmobiling than other outdoor sports, like cross-country skiing … because you don’t generate as much internal heat. Heated grips help … but even with heated handles your palms can stay warm and the backs of your hands and fingers can get cold. Today, we explain the options — snowmobile mittens, gloves, or hybrids — to keep hands warm while snowmobiling. What’s the best solution for warm hands? The answer … as with most things … is it depends.   Snowmobile...

There’s lots of innovation happening at PrimaLoft®, one of the outdoor industry’s leading suppliers.  Their team is working hard to make consumers a lot more comfortable, across a wide range of activities. We recently had the opportunity to ask what’s new for 2014-5, and beyond. Get ready to learn what’s ahead — we think you’ll be inspired by their consumer-centric innovations. (Image credit: Albany Business Review)     What’s Ahead? Warmth, Comfort and Style Last week, we wrote about the importance of product differentiation.  PrimaLoft® is such a great example of this. From their new down blends, to new naming architecture on hangtags, to smart new...

This week, a story from the food retailing world got our attention. While reading about why Trader Joe’s thrives compared to competitors, a statistic jumped of the page for us. Eighty percent (80% !!!) of Trader Joe’s products are private label!!! Their store brand acts like a magnet, pulling people into their stores. It must be a pretty special brand. Are there lessons for your apparel, accessories, or glove business?  Hmmm … Keep reading. Actually, there’s an important lesson for all of us, regardless of apparel category. moreGreat Merchandising Makes the Difference Trader Joe’s has a smart strategy for beating the...

It’s about to start getting cold out there.  The only thing between you and hands that are chilled to the bone, is a good winter riding glove. You might like good touchscreen winter gloves — built with plenty of weather protection. Why touchscreen? Because when it freezing outside, it really sucks to take your gloves off to check messages, make a call or swipe the GPS. Winter touchscreen motorcycle gloves are designed to keep warmth in, and keep cold, wind and wet out. Here are tips for cold weather riding, and 2 new gloves that’ll do the trick. more Experienced Rider Strategies For Staying Warm and...

We woke up to cold stinging rain this morning. And just this week, a rider wrote us, “wishing” his gloves would do a better job of keeping his hands dry. He described his daily commute, and having to wear soggy gloves (or wait for them to dry out) after a heavy rain. Sound familiar? If so, the solution for warm, dry hands is literally at your fingertips. To travel in comfort no matter what the weather, invest in good waterproof, breathable gloves and gear. Cold, Wet Hands? Quit Blaming Your Gloves! We’ve written about waterproof gloves and gear before … but today,...

The introduction of the new Apple iphone 6 got us thinking about great design. Great design … creates demand days or weeks in advance commands a premium price creates waiting lists once the item sells out, even when substitutes are available. Here’s a quote that sums it up for us: “Consumer loyalty always follows great design”. Well, gloves aren’t phones or computers, and they aren’t software … But customers aren’t shy about telling you what they like … and don’t like. So, we turned to 5-star glove reviews, to hear what design elements lead to the happiest customers. The qualities...

Let’s face it … riding a motorcycle in the rain isn’t much fun, but sometimes it’s a necessary evil. We’d all prefer riding under clear blue skies.  Before you brave the next storm on a bike, make sure you’ve got the proper motorcycle rain gear ready and you know how to ride safely when the heavens open up. Here are 21 suggestions to keep in mind when you find yourself riding in wet weather. 21 Tips for Riding In The Rain Check your tires. Underinflated tires increase the chances of hydroplaning or losing control. Never ride in the rain with slick. Reduce your...

What makes a great new glove design? Recently we worked on a new ski glove project, and the development process took a surprising turn. We thought we’d share the story … All great designs … and brands … start with knowing your customer. And in this case, the merchant REALLY knew his. Glove expertise, technical factors or leather knowledge are important … But for this design, “intangibles” made all the difference. more The Surprising Story of a New Snow Sport Glove After working out the technical and construction details for warmth, weatherproofing, and other needed performance factors for a high-end ski glove, we...