# Runner-Founded Apparel Brands EDRA Sportswear Was Founded by Nathan Edmondson By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-06-30 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edra-sportswear References: [retailtimes](https://retailtimes.co.uk/new-british-running-brand-launches-with-kit-designed-to-remove-every-distraction/) & [edrasports](https://edrasports.com/)  EDRA sportswear has been launched in the UK as a new [running apparel brand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-x-dover-street-market) that targets the specific needs of runners and cyclists after several years of development. The brand was founded by Nathan Edmondson who is a former professional cyclist and [competitive runner](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aim-leon-dore-x-new-balance-1) based in Leeds, and focuses on performance capabilities with its various offerings. The brand has announced the DROP 1 as a full system of gear that is optimized for [summer running needs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandit-summer-2026-collection) to help runners make it through their training all the way to race day. The introductory range includes the FLOATLITE Race-Ready Singlet, CHANNEL Running Tee and more. Edmondson spoke on the EDRA sportswear brand saying, "Most of the design choices came from things that have annoyed me over the years: kit that rides up, rubs, traps heat or gives you one more thing to think about when you’re already working hard. I wanted to fix that for runners here before anyone else.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Athlete-founded Performancewear:** Former competitors are translating lived race-day frustrations into specialized apparel systems that challenge legacy sportswear brands with credibility-led product design. - **Climate-optimized Running Kits:** Summer-specific gear built around heat release, low-friction construction, and training-to-race versatility signals room for apparel engineered around seasonal performance conditions. - **Problem-led Apparel Design:** Anti-ride-up fits, reduced chafing, and breathable fabrics reflect a shift toward eliminating micro-irritations that can meaningfully differentiate endurance clothing. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sportswear:** Technical apparel brands have an opening to compete through narrowly focused performance systems that serve dedicated runners and cyclists more precisely than broad activewear lines. - **Endurance Sports:** The growing overlap between running and cycling communities creates demand for cross-discipline gear ecosystems rooted in shared training, comfort, and race preparation needs. - **Textile Manufacturing:** Advanced lightweight fabrics, moisture-channeling structures, and friction-reducing finishes represent material innovation pathways for next-generation athletic clothing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spring Trail Running Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-trail-running-collection.md) - [Refined Active Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ted-baker-sport.md) - [Science-Backed Sleepwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technical-sleep-apparel.md) - [Fitness Competitor-Approved Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crossfit-competitor.md) - [Inaugural Apparel Brand Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gymshark-x-rad-sneakers.md) - [Architect-Honoring Running Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandit-running-summer-2026-collection.md) - [Seasonal Footwear Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/factory-racing.md) - [High-Performance Strength Training Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rep-fitness2.md) - [Innovative Lightweight Activewear Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elite-elevens.md)