If you’ve ever wondered what went in to creating the award-winning G‑Vest, read what OMORPHO Head of Product Design, Natalie Candrian has to say in this short Q&A.
1. How long did it take to design and develop the first G‑Vest?
The first G‑Vest took about three years to design, engineer, and develop, all with a very small founding team, and right through Covid. I’m especially proud that we developed a women’s-specific vest in parallel, so both launched together. Seeing them finally reach so many excited customers was an incredible moment.
2. Where did your inspiration for the design come from?
As a team, we often talk about “informed intuition.” Our combined years in the sports industry, learning from, observing, and working with the best athletes in the world, have shaped instincts we’ve learned to trust. But intuition is only the starting point. Every design is grounded in a deep understanding of the market, the products that already exist, and above all the performance needs, athlete benefits, and the comfort and fit we set out to achieve. The visual language grows out of all of these. Take the spherical weight elements: evenly distributed, rounded forms conform best to the human body in motion, so the shape comes directly from function.
3. What goals did you set yourself for the design?
As a designer, my goal is twofold. First, the product has to perform exceptionally well at what it’s designed to do. That’s what makes someone fall in love with it and reach for it again and again as a trusted part of their daily life. Second, it has to be visually compelling, something you instinctively want to touch and try on. Ultimately, we all want to feel and look great, and that confidence naturally carries into your performance. It’s the energy boost that gets your workout or training to a great start.
4. How many prototypes did you have to make before getting it right?
Honestly, we lost count. And we’re never really done. While you’re out wearing your G‑Vest, we’re already prototyping new versions, updates, and refinements. Some are small tweaks that we roll into production as we go. Others are bigger evolutions that we’re proud to add to the collection, giving everyone more choices and options.
5. Did you always plan on making men’s and women’s versions?
Yes! Our product team is predominantly women. We started with a men’s prototype, but quickly realized there were no weighted vests on the market designed for women. Strength training is so important for women, and we got really excited about building the first weighted vest for women, by women. We launched both vests from day one, because we wanted Omorpho to be a brand for her and for him.
6. What aspect of the G‑Vest are you most proud of?
The fit! One of the biggest challenges in designing for sport is that the product has to become one with the body, often through intense movement, extreme twisting, or heavy impact. The goal is for it to fit and move with you so well that you forget you’re wearing it, so your focus stays entirely on your performance. We call it “feel and forget”: feel how great it is when you put it on, then forget it’s there once you’re moving.
7. What part of the design was the hardest to get right?
Getting the weight distribution right. The ultimate goal is to add weight to the body while letting you keep training in your sport without compromising your form in any way. That’s what lets you get faster, jump higher, and build strength within the exact movement patterns of your sport. Our vests distribute the weight evenly, so you stay perfectly balanced as you get stronger.
8. What has been your favorite G‑Vest color so far?
It’s hard to pick just one! I’m nostalgic about the olive green, our launch color. The Olympic limited edition was so much fun to create, and I treasure the one I have. My current go-to is last winter’s earth tone, and I’m really excited about the beautiful colors coming this holiday season.
9. Can you say anything about future plans for the G‑Vest design?
Our team is constantly working to perfect the product you know and love. We also have new versions in development, designed to support specific activities in even more detail. We take every review and piece of feedback seriously. We hear you, and there are lots of exciting, fun things on the way.
