878 co. sailing apparel brand launches globally offering sustainability + technology

hungarian brand 878 co. has just made its first appearance in the international market of sailing apparel, providing high-performance clothing based on visionary thinking, design and technology. the original garment pieces intend to address the many unresolved issues of sailing, and combine technological and material innovation to help increase the performance of both leisure sailors and professional athletes.

all images courtesy of 878 co.

when it comes to sailing, the protection of athletes, the use of flexible and abrasion-resistant materials, and the provision of navigation data are extremely important. with the intent to cater to the needs mentioned above, 878 co. combines sustainability, digital solutions, years of product development and manufacturing technology, with material innovation. the garments are made of graphene, a material that is ultra-lightweight yet flexible, stretchy, perfectly waterproof, stronger than steel, which, as a main feature, provides about the same feeling of heat at both five and twenty degrees celsius. moreover, the apparel can be perfectly made-to-measure/ tailor-made thanks to the 3D body scan, which can significantly contribute to the athletes’ performance.

with the aim to become a large-scale, world-class sportswear brand, 878 co. gives each product a distinctive significant role, by incorporating uniquely designed pockets, zippers and even packaging.‘in addition to premium quality, we have implemented a timeless design, and our precision and perfectionism are reflected in every small element such as the custom 3D printed zipper or the iconic hood,’ says lilla majer, partner and lead designer of 878 co.

the garments include a digital, foldable display built in the jacket, to which a little on-board unit transmits data from the boat instrument via bluetooth. the 5.4” display has a wide viewing angle and, thanks to its UV-protected, glare-free surface, it is clearly visible in strong sunlight. to set up the display system, a mobile app needs to be downloaded, allowing you to choose which data series you want to set on the screen. in case the sailing team members perform different tasks, different data can be set up by the coach or team captain, so that everyone has constant access to the information that is most relevant to them.

the sailing clothes are made in székesfehérvár, hungary, in the company’s own factory, equipped with europe’s most modern machines, where digital 3D design is also performed, as well as many special production technology solutions — besides all of this the company still strives for sustainability. when manufacturing the clothes, only chemical-free and environmentally friendly materials are used and developed, while water use is also minimized. as part of the brand’s social role, part of its profits will be spent on water and ocean clean-up initiatives.