Postcards from China

Over 8 days, our founder, Vic and product team visited China to tour our factories, check on production, explore exciting new fabrics, and see first hand how our ideas go from concept to reality. 

With some of these factory partners having been with us since the very beginning, the importance of building strong relationships with the people who bring our designs to life is at the heart of what we do - and it’s how we connect the world through the heartbeat of fitness. 

Vic, shared: “In Chinese culture there is a term guānxi (关系), meaning ‘to build’. Building and maintaining these relationships is key to continually improving our business partnerships.” 

We asked Vic, What was the importance in having the whole Product Team join the trip this year? 

“We have been manufacturing in China since 2016. Our suppliers are partners in our business. We communicate with them every day to ensure we can provide the highest quality products possible for our community. Having the product team meet face to face with the suppliers and understand first hand every part of the process, from sampling, fabrics, cutting, printing, sewing, trims, packaging and freight delivery was so beneficial to improve our timelines and systems to offer a better service and product for our customers.”

Vic shared how the trip not only strengthened our relationship with our factory partners, but was a great team bonding experience for the Product Team. 

Supplier Visits & Highlights

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what the Product Team worked on each day, the key focus areas, and a few sneak peeks on exciting new products to come! 

Men’s Shorts & Motion 360 Supplier

With a strong focus on new Mens shorts for 2026, the team visited the factory to develop a comprehensive range of short styles for every type of activity - running, functional training, gym weightlifting, and leisure. “We sourced fabrics, discussed trims and finishes, and are excited to launch 12 new short styles between Jan–Mar 2026.”
— Kat, Design & Production Manager.

Luxe Supplier

The product team couldn’t wait to visit the Luxe factory and see our best-selling collections come to life. Alicia, spoke about the pleasure in seeing our next Luxe Berry drop first hand on the production line. “Including the silicone printing process for the logo and final quality control check, completed by hand!”
— Alicia, Senior Designer.

Sweats Supplier

A highlight of the trip was visiting our Sweats supplier where the team were able to review AW25/26 samples in real time. The team had an exciting day trying on samples in different fabrics, whilst collaborating over lunch on our key new fleece styles, fabrics and colours.

Athleisure & Strides Supplier  

Visiting our very first supplier in China from 2016 - a full-circle moment. (Pictured below is Muscle Republic founder Vic on his first trip to China in 2016.)

Whilst visiting this supplier the team were able to review our original styles in their sample room, seeing how far we have grown as a brand - a real nostalgic archive of styles, back where it all started! 

This trip was about more than just products - it was about people, partnerships, and progress. The team came home inspired, energized, and ready to deliver even better products and experiences for our community.

Stay tuned - 2026 is going to be full of exciting launches, new styles, and fresh innovations we can’t wait to share with you!