UNNA
More: Unna
With striking patterns, clean cuts, and playful design, Unna lives the mantra of counting smiles over miles.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Unna believes in inspiring movement at any level. Led by Founder/Designer John-Ruben, the SS26 collection we previewed contained the same amount of bubbly personality that emanated through him, leading to a great conversation that went beyond the garments.
As Unna strives to represent any runner and meet them where they are, this collection felt like an intersection of everyday wear and running wear.
Run-first tops and shorts pair with cotton sweatshirts you might put on post run. Casual, yet intentional, cuts and patterns lead to running pieces that look just as good in the coffee shop as they do out on the roads or trails. It’s not overtly flashy or techy.
Yet, with a focus on recycled polys, most of these pieces will run just as well as anything in your closet. Unna plays with graphics and slogans (see: The upside down podium, (S)miles Club, and Finish in a Good Place) as an expression of the brand’s ethos for runners who relate to the low-pressure and accepting approach.
Where traditional running gear might focus on muted designs, Unna provides pieces for runners looking to add some character with performance to their wardrobe.
The signature striped long sleeve running tee with Unna printed on back will return in SS26 with a few different color options. I love this item and it’s certainly one of the premier pieces from the brand. Simple, yet a statement, piece, that looks anything as much of an everyday piece as it does a running top.
And that’s the beauty.
With a looser and more street fit, but poly fabrics, this tee can be worn in any environment. As running and lifestyle continue to blend, pieces like this long sleeve are perfect approaches to blending the world.
It’s rooted in running and a run-first piece, but its use doesn’t stop there.
When we first walked in, John-Ruben was sporting some pants that looked casual. After a few minutes of chatting we noticed the pants he was wearing were hung up on the display racks.
Both Josh and I were slightly shocked as we though the pants were a pure lifestyle choice, but upon further inspection, they revealed features like gusseted crotch, adjustable leg openings and reflective detailing that translate as running.
Similarly, the shorts we saw contained strategic design aspects such as a high-waist pocket line to improve running comfort.
This is a metaphor for Unna as a brand, as most pieces appear to be lifestyle wear until you get up close and observe all the function built into it.
Unna crafts a utopian world where every piece of clothing we wear fits every use we’ll need for the day. Approachability and inspiration are woven into the brand delicately, while basing itself in function.
