Otule

The OTULE (polish “I will hug you”) yoga wear collection explores how garment construction can support the body's natural movement rather than restrict it. The project began with an analysis of contemporary activewear, which is often based on high compression and synthetic materials. The aim was to develop an alternative using natural fibres and construction techniques that provide stability without excessive pressure.

The entire collection is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton French Terry with a 5% elastane content. The material was selected to balance softness, breathability and elasticity while preserving the natural properties of cotton. Its structure allows the fabric to move with the body while maintaining dimensional stability and durability through repeated wear and washing.
Construction is the central element of the project. Every garment was developed based on previous design experience and refined through several design iterations. Individual solutions were evaluated during fittings and wear tests, then adjusted until the desired balance between stability, freedom of movement and comfort was achieved. Rather than relying on trial and error, the development process focused on the careful optimisation of proven construction principles.
Leggings feature a high V-shaped waistband designed to stabilise the garment without creating excessive pressure on the abdomen. Instead of using wide compression bands, a 24 mm elastic was incorporated into the waistband. Its width and tension were determined through testing to provide secure support while allowing unrestricted breathing and movement.
Another key construction decision was the elimination of the conventional centre crotch seam. It was replaced with a gusset taken directly from acrobatic costumes, increasing the range of motion while improving comfort and eliminating the camel toe effect. The diagonal seam lines follow the anatomy of the leg, responding to muscle placement and the natural bending of the knee. These panels help the leggings maintain their shape, improve the fit during movement and reduce fabric distortion over time. They also allow for a more efficient pattern layout, reducing fabric waste during production.
The same design philosophy guided the development of the top. Instead of relying on overall compression, support is achieved by carefully distributing stabilising elements throughout the construction. Narrow elastics positioned at the neckline, under the arms and beneath the bust are all sewn with different tension levels to stabilize the bust while preventing the straps from slipping off the shoulders. A deliberate decision was made not to place wide elastic at the lower edge of the top. Instead, a folded fabric band adapts naturally to the movement of the ribs and diaphragm, eliminating the pressure typically created by conventional sports bras. The construction was tested on a range of bust sizes, including fuller busts, to verify its performance.
Construction of Coulotte pants draws inspiration from the Japanese hakama, whose generous volume allows unrestricted movement without unnecessary structural complexity. Wide legs and the V-shaped waistband distribute the fabric evenly around the body, supporting comfort while maintaining a clean silhouette.

The reversible kimono completes the collection as an outer layer. It combines natural fabrics with upcycled textiles. Thin layer of 100% wool provides thermal insulation without adding bulk. Each garment is made to order in Poland, reducing overproduction and allowing offcuts from the cutting process to be incorporated into new pieces.
The OTULE mini collection demonstrates that innovation in clothing design does not necessarily depend on advanced synthetic materials. Instead, it can emerge from thoughtful construction, careful material selection and an iterative design process. Every construction detail serves a specific function, showing how garment engineering can improve comfort, durability and freedom of movement while allowing the clothing to adapt naturally to the body.