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Suggestions for a grassroots snowboarding apparel company

9K views 53 replies 23 participants last post by  david_z 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

My name is Mark Mueller. I started Mue, LLC this past August. Mue is a snowboarding apparel company out of Milwaukee, WI. But Mue is not just another snowboarding apparel company. From a blank piece of paper, I designed the High Performance Hoodie. For technical purposes, it is made of soft-shell (5000mm and 3000g). In addition, all of our products are in some way, shape, or form influenced by Milwaukee. Whether it is the sewing, embroidery, screen printing, or more, we work with local businesses.

Other than our signature HPH we sell other basic apparel including the Low Performance Hoodie. This past season was a success despite the weak winter by Milwaukee. However, we are always looking for suggestions on how to better market our product.

If you have time, take a look at our current website (Muesports.com) and our mission and let me know what your thoughts. Please feel free to be critical.

Thank you!

Mark
 
#2 ·
First, props on your company philosophy and identifying yourself rather than being just a faceless entity. Coming here just to plug your own product generally isn't looked upon kindly, but I think you gave enough of a personal exposure that everything is legit.

Anyway, I like the idea I could get a semi-tech softshell hoodie customized. I would suggest expanding the current color catalog. Some of the designs you show on the custom page I would definitely buy, like the 45 degree plaid green.

Another idea, and one I think you could probably use to sell a hoodie to every single person on this site (at least that are active members) is to take a look at this thread: http://www.snowboardingforum.com/news-updates-suggestions/38900-sbforum-vinyl.html

They designed what is essentially an SBF.com logo to make a vinyl diecut. If you asked those guys who designed it if they might be interested in collaborating with you to make custom hoodies with that logo on it, I bet they would sell like meth behind a strip club.
 
#3 ·
What are the advantages of a hoodie compared to a regular shell? Os r is it just a fashion preference? What material do you use? GoreTex?
 
#4 ·
Hey everyone,

My name is Mark Mueller. ***SNIP*** Please feel free to be critical.

Thank you!

Mark
You asked for it! lol... Yeah thanks for introducing yourself, I've seen a lot of spam on here lately but somebody asking for thoughts is a nice change.

I like the idea of a performance hoodie for spring riding. Right now I wear a microfiber base layer, my upper body armour, and then a jacket and I'm sweating balls when the temps are around freezing and I'm playing in the glades. I was planning on just wearing the armour without the jacket for spring riding, but it'd be nice to have an inbetween setup.

As for the hoodies, I prefer a full zipper, or no zipper at all. Also I'm not crazy about the colour combos and designs. I would rather the sweaters come in single colours, almost any will do these days.

I didn't see if they have a pass pocket, but that would be very smart to have sewn into the inside of the lower portion. My GF loves the pass pocket on her jacket. Also if there was a built in pocket with a microfiber cloth on a string that'd be cool (for wiping goggles on those warm wet spring days).

Hope this helps!
 
#5 ·
I think they are a pretty cool idea and I also think its awesome that you are doing this. I would prefer to see a full zip option without the slanted front pouch pocket. I understand the style behind these and believe they fit more into the park rider. My personal taste would be a little more plain with a stylized touch to it. All and all though I think there is a market and I hope to see more options in the future!
 
#6 ·
I'd buy the HPH. LPH doesn't do anything for me. As a general statement, some things I wish I had when I'm into spring riding wearing a hoodie:

- zippered pockets
- clip for pass
- Inside pocket for ipod
- longer hoodie so it doesn't ride up (your HPH's are fine there)
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the quick feedback!

Cheeseforsteeze ...
Thanks for the connection! I am definitely take a closer look as we have done custom orders this past season (e.g. MU ski team)

Kirkrider ...
The advantages are the design and the soft shell material. The easy arm movement, the kangaroo pouch with the mp3, the hand warming side pockets, the lower back double layer to reduce freezing, and the hoodie structure to keep in heat are a few of the advantages. In addition, we have played with many different fashions as you can see through what we currently sell and our custom designs. The material is comparable to goretex within a specific level. Goretex is the brand and within it are different layering and weather resistant systems. The specs for the hoodies are on the site.

Poutenen and atr3yu...
(Poutenen)The pass pocket is a great idea. I'm sure my team and I will be able to find a creative way to integrate it into our design. Also we are working on a full zip for next season. The main concept behind it is to infuse an urban jacket with a flannel shirt. I attached pics of a prototype.

Thanks again!
 

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#10 ·
I attached pics of a prototype.

Thanks again!
Yeah now this I like. To be honest I'd probably like it more if it were exactly the same cut, but without the chest pockets and plaid. Like just a solid cut single colour.

Actually the jacket I continue to use year after year is black with white stitching, and I really like it. More interesting than a plain black jacket but not too crazy. Just tried to find a pic but doesn't look like there's anything out there like it at the moment. I'll snap a pic tomorrow if you're interested...
 
#12 ·
Fantastic hoodie / jacket idea. I've started looking to some warmer spring clothes, and this looks right on. Although, I too, am not into may of your color styles, and would also prefer a full zip to a half zip. But that prototype looks great. You might have me sold on that with a few more color options. I dig that your keeping it local sourced too. Best of luck keeping it going, and keep us updated on that prototype.
 
#13 ·
Another question

poutanen - if you have time to snap a pic, I'd take a look.

I will keep you all updated with the prototype. I am stoked for the design as it has started to really take form. The color ways will be different than what you see on the picture. We just used the fabric on hand ...

... this leads me to another question, what are some colorways that you like? I have noticed some comments on the colors and want to get a feel for what you all personally like and what you think would sell too (especially in regards to plaids for the prototype).

Great feedback by the way. This has made my day.
 
#15 ·
poutanen - if you have time to snap a pic, I'd take a look.
Here's the white stitching I was talking about. Sorry for the crappy pics, this is in my office at work. The flash made the white more pronounced, it actually is much more subtle out on the hills. I'd like to see the prototype with the same material cuts, but in all black with white stitching like this. Would look great methinks!

I've been using this jacket for probably about 10 years now. I actually paid $250 to buy a replacement for it last year, but I'm still using the old one instead. I love this thing!

Clickable thumbnails as always...

 
#14 ·
Really like the proto. That's something I could see my self getting.

As far as colorways, obviously black is always a winner. Lately, I've really liked the royal blues (think the color from the Nixon 51-30 Rubber watch). Add that color with black or a lime green and I think it is very current. I also have always liked red with a silver or grey.
 
#16 ·
As far as colorways, obviously black is always a winner. Lately, I've really liked the royal blues (think the color from the Nixon 51-30 Rubber watch). Add that color with black or a lime green and I think it is very current. I also have always liked red with a silver or grey.
Yeah, I like darker colours for snowboarding gear cause it doesn't get all marked up from trees, etc. Some kind of charcoal/gunmetal grey kinda thing would work well with a deep red too. I painted my old living room a deep red/red wine colour that would make a great colour for snowboarding gear.

 
#17 ·
You should look into starting a team program with some local riders. Find some groms at your local resorts hook them up with gear, stickers and some exposure on your site and they will spread the word throughout there schools. Make sure they are good best way is to recruit at comps. It takes a little investment in the beginning but the better they get the more people that will know about your gear. GL
 
#23 ·
Thanks for the feedback...

Thanks to all that responded. I really appreciate your suggestions and wish the best. To follow our designs, I post prototypes and products on our facebook page. You may see some of your suggestions being used in our new designs and if I have any more questions, I am coming back to this thread!

As for demos, send me your information and maybe we can work something out or at least I can send you some die cuts.

Here is one of my emails you can send me your info:
mmueller@muesports.com

Peace,

Mark
 
#24 ·
props & critiques

Hi Mark,

Like others mentioned cool that you present yourself in this way. I noted down some comments while reading this thread & browsing your site.

- Mission, i like your openness and transparency keep that up, it's a trend for companies to become more human. It's not a big deal if not everyone likes you or you make an mistake, just keep being honest about it.
- Story & Contact, the way you've written this piece might need some adjusting. However i value your personal approach keep in mind that you alone are not the company, all your employees, distributors, and locals & riders who help design the brand are part of the company as well. Better to write in the "we" sense, start a movement, respect everyones talent and input, and you are that one that should state how proud you are of the collective result you and all your associates are creating.
- Style, i read this thread first and then took a look at your site, heard some negatives about the colorways and after i saw them i was like.. ehh where is all the Milwaulkee input? German & French Hipsterkids are flushing the slopes all over here in Europe in these neoncolours, might be hot&happening but has nothing to do with Grassroots in my opinion. The prototype zipper with the checkers was a lot more in the direction I was expecting. (but style is as always very personal)
- Colorways, very nice that you open up for opinions on this, but everyone shouting "i like black&blue i like this and that", doesn't really help you. I think the best thing to do, also for you as a designer because you have got your own vision, is to create colorways in different styles and then let people vote which style (combination of colour ways) they like best. For instance now you have used neon-like hard colours style, so design 3 colorways in this style and then take another style for instance more earthly colors dark red, brown, olive and another style lets say pastel blueish&yellow, green&pink, grey&ecru. If you let people vote for the style of the colour ways instead of the colour itself I think you receive more useful information of what the market is longing for.
- Custom designs - FFFFFUUU awesome!
- Logo, man that is a cool logo when i saw it first on your site, love the design & colours... But then the designs of products spoiled it for me, too big, too much, all the colours gone.. I personally don't like big logo's at all (opinion) but I hear a lot of starting companies saying: "yeah but people need to recognise the brand" yup that is true, but what do you want your the public to recognise, the big ass logo or the quality/style& fit of your products? If you keep producing kick-ass products people on the slopes are going to notice, and ask what brand jacket one is wearing, this is much more valuable than 10000 people noticing some logo they don't recognise and have forgotten the same second. I believe it's better to create 2/3 places on each design where you place a small logo, always on the same spot, always the same label - maybe you can use a sawn over piece of clothing label, (i added a photo)...
- Other logo-marketing idea.. In stead of logo, place a 2d barcode (QR-code) linking to your website on the shoulder of a design. I would make me interested to scan it and find out what company is behind it..
- Other design idea - I see can adjust the sleeve with, I think it's Velcro or something. Adjusting sleeves is neat, but those velcro pull over to tighten things are hard to get really snug, i always end up with the complete sleeve twisted. Also there are really hard to get right if you want roll up your sleeves. (when hiking up hill i like to have bare underarms..) maybe you should do some testing with an elastic band with velco which is between the layers of the garment and comes out at one place (hope youre following me here) or another option is the elastic band with a closing mechanism (see photo)

Man, sorry for the long post hope you appreciate it, I'm a consultant for all types of creative companies in the Netherlands so take it as free advice ;-) Keep up the goods and do what feels right, keep pushing but do not fear to fail & learn.. Rome wasn't build in a day

 
#25 ·
They need Vents in the back and under arm. I don't like to ride with the front zipper fully unzipped.
Pass pocket on forarm near elbow. MP3 pocket with clear cover near the left shoulder with hole for headphones on the inside with some elastic loops to route the wires to the back center of neck.
Vertical Pocket zippers should all go down to be closed.
Asymetric front zipper cover, I ride goofy and my zipper cover gets filled with snow on powder days. Needs to go from left to right for goofy and right to left for regular stance.
One inside pocket for phone that is placed low ,above the hip and to the front.
 
#26 ·
Mue feedback

Tjarco

Thank you for this constructive feedback. Your statement about the Story really hit home. The main reason for starting this company wasn’t for me but for those involved. We are all passionate about snowboarding so the main focus has been for my employees and riders to become involved with Mue through their personal talents and to build lifestyle around their passions. That being said we also worked hard and have come a long way since August of 2011.

The colorways have been a market test for this first season. The ideas we have received, as you noted, have been all across the board. Working towards building the feel of Milwaukee through the colorways is great input. It would no doubt complement the grassroots designs and correlate well with the mission.

The logo is cool! We have been trying different ways for logo placement through the rasta colorway and the LPH. Under the kangaroo pouch is a signature location for our HPH hoodies but the exact size and justification are topics of discussion.

I love QR codes, in fact some companies have been placing them all over the inside labels, (e.g. Coal). Placing the code on the outside is an interesting take on how to use the codes. Random comment you might find useful … my friend Mike Hallberg started creating QR business cards and cases, by scanning the card it places a new contact into your smart phone, pretty cool - QRcase

For the HPH we have been using an elastic strap and plastic strap adjuster. We are also working on combining Velcro with elastic (pictures of both attached). I could not see your photo unfortunately … It shows to be a broken image. However, I know exactly what you are talking about.

I’ll take free advice all day. Thanks for the awesome input and taking the time to write it out.

Vwbrian

Thanks for the direct features you prefer. The zipper cover for both stances is a great takeaway.
 

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#27 ·
Tjarco
We have been trying different ways for logo placement through the rasta colorway and the LPH. Under the kangaroo pouch is a signature location for our HPH hoodies but the exact size and justification are topics of discussion.
Maybe place the logo more to the neck/shoulder.. If your garments get to be worn in competitions, the startnumber might block your logo, and mugshots of winners will not always cover the entire body. If your the logo is near the head most people will notice, also when standing in line for crowded lifts, nobody can see a logo on ones belly when it's crowded.. Still my honest opinion, merchandise wear like t-shirts, caps, LPH should be used for branding & logo placement, high quality wear should all be about the quality, if this stands out people are going to want to find out what brand it is.. And use one & the same place for small logo/outside label placement on all garments. For some brands you know you can check any garment for a "green label placed on right shoulder and know it's brand X, if it's not there its another brand" this really aids visual recognition of all your clothing and lines to come, because it creates a solid visual identity..

No thanks for the input really like to see cool new companies grow in an sustainable way, if you got any other questions or need input feel free..
 
#28 · (Edited)
Maybe place the logo more to the neck/shoulder.. If your garments get to be worn in competitions, the startnumber might block your logo, and mugshots of winners will not always cover the entire body.
This is a good point, I'm thinking of Bench and to a lesser extent Lululemon. Both have very prominent logos mounted high up on the sweaters (Bench is right on the damn collar)... It makes it so that you can pick them out immediately.

Usually when I see a girl in either I look down to see what's happening with the caboose. :laugh:



You know you all looked down...
 
#37 ·
This is looking really good. I too like the direction you are taking with the new prototypes (colors, patterns and especially chest pockets) and I'm also a blue fan. Not sure if these have been mentioned, but some possible options:

-thumb holes
-closures for pockets
-pit vents since the breathability isn't crazy high (but these could be full time vents without zippers initially to cut down on the cost). It's a warm weather concept so it should work

Best wishes with the apparel!
 
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