Say Hello to the SOFTEST Sweatsuit Ever From Softwear
I mainly write about beauty and fashion, and over the course of the last year, I've been sent about 15 different sweatsuit sets.
From tie-dye to solid colors to joggers to hoodies to pullovers, I have them all. But it wasn't until I put a set on from Softwear that I truly understood luxury. I can't even begin to tell you how soft the material is. It feels like smooth butter is being rubbed against you in the best way. I've never in my life felt a material as splendid as this, and I think everyone, both men and women, need to get their hands on some products from Softwear. I'm not even exaggerating when I say it will change your life. Personally, I'm ready to throw out every other sweatsuit set and invest in some more from Softwear.
But enough about me. Since I was so entranced with the set Softwear sent me (their pullover ($78) and joggers ($78)), I thought interviewing the founder, Sabrina Zohar, would be a great idea—and it was! She told me all about her inspirational journey, the brand and Softwear's signature fabric. Keep reading for my full interview with her.
Sweety High: Tell us about Softwear! What's your story?
Sabrina Zohar: For my entire professional career, I worked wholesale for high-end and contemporary brands. While doing so, I noticed how brands were both overpricing their customers and providing them with low-quality materials, using offshore and unethical manufacturing plants, and damaging the environment with inefficient and wasteful manufacturing processes. I was miserable. My mental health and physical health were on the decline. Then my mom was diagnosed with six brain aneurysms and was given a 3 to 5% chance of survival. Without a second thought, I packed my bags and headed to Florida to be by my mother's side. I spent the next three months with her, and I watched how she persevered and took this time of adversity as a moment to find gratitude. My mom inspired me to get back on my feet and pushed me to follow my dreams. After failed surgery after failed surgery, the doctor had some good news. My mom was going to be okay, and I started Softwear the next day.
I immediately hit the drawing board. I searched for quality material that was comfortable yet affordable but not at the expense of the environment or fundamental rights. It was a tall order, and when I realized that it didn't exist, I knew I had to create it myself.
SH: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
SZ: My biggest inspirations are my mom and my siblings. Each one of them has unique aspects that inspire me every single day. My mom is an incredibly positive woman and refuses to allow negativity to impact her life. My brother and sister are both very honest and rational, which keeps me grounded and out of emotion. Without these people, I honestly don't know where I'd be.
SH: How important is sustainability to you?
SZ: Sustainability is everything to me and is Softwear's number one priority. We have chosen to keep all production down to our hangtags within 10 miles to reduce our carbon footprint and support small local businesses. We are constantly evolving our brand as the market catches up with sustainable initiatives. We plan to keep that ball rolling as we grow!
SH: Tell us about your signature fabric!
SZ: The fabric is like a dream! It all started when I felt a modal hoodie that I bought for my mom in the hospital. It was the only thing she could wear, and it sparked something inside me. From that moment, I knew I needed to solve a problem and create ethical, sustainable, soft, and affordable loungewear that won't pull, pill, fade or shed and will last a lot longer than traditional loungewear. Fast forward nine months, we figured it out! I can't give too much away, but I will say the secret sauce is the weave and the exact modal yarn we're using from Lenzing. It feels like a cloud.
SH: What are your best sellers?
SZ: Softwear's women's pants, men's hoodies and women's tanks sell like hotcakes—we can't keep them in stock! We have made our men's hoodies unisex to reduce waste and streamline what the customer wants. So far, it's been very well received. There's nothing like slipping into your new pullover, pant and tank under for max comfort.
SH: What pieces does every girl need from your collection?
SZ: Honestly, every piece is a must-have. We've made a very conscious choice to keep the collection tight. I worked in wholesale for years, and I saw the amount of clothing that went to waste because buyers would go for the same core styles. We created a collection with our customers in mind. We make staple closet items that fit like a glove, last forever and feel like a hug.
SH: How has it been running a business during COVID?
SZ: It's been tough, to say the least. I run the ship solo, and as of last month, we made our first part-time hire! Being a solo entrepreneur can be exhausting and overwhelming at times, especially during times like this. I currently store everything in my apartment in Brooklyn, so I can fulfill orders, handle customer service, social, marketing, imagery, you name it. COVID was and still is a time of adversity for a lot of us. It has taught me how to pivot when necessary, make difficult decisions and manage myself appropriately. I have learned so much and built a thicker skin. I will be forever grateful for that.
SH: Anything else you'd like our audience to know?
SZ: Please, never stop, and don't ever let go of your dreams. Take the leap of faith and try no matter what anyone says. In high school, I was always respected but never the popular girl, which ate away at my self-esteem. You are so much stronger than you think you are and if you have a passion, then go for it. If you fail, it's okay; you'll learn from it, but if you succeed, then man, what a win.
Love loungewear as much as we do? Look HERE for the best accessories to up your loungewear game.