Meet the Founders, Michelle & Stephanie
OLESSA began with two sisters and a simple belief: activewear should feel elevated, perform beautifully and feel incredible to wear - without relying so heavily on synthetic fabrics.
What started as a conversation between sisters became a mission to challenge the status quo of plastic-heavy activewear and redefine what activewear could be.
We didn't start OLESSA because natural fibre activewear didn't exist. We started it because we couldn't find natural fibre activewear that felt truly elevated, performed beautifully and fit seamlessly into everyday life.
After a personal health journey led us to rethink the products we used every day, we began looking more closely at the fabrics we wore. The deeper we looked, the more we found ourselves choosing between two extremes - high-performing activewear made predominantly from synthetic fibres, or natural fibre alternatives that often lacked the fit, feel and versatility we were looking for.
We wanted pieces that felt beautiful to wear, moved with the body and looked just as at home at brunch as they did in the studio.
OLESSA was created to bridge that gap - creating activewear that feels as good on your body as it does in your wardrobe.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Everything we create starts with the same four principles.
OUR VISION IS SIMPLE:
Redefine activewear. The cleaner way.
We create elevated activewear crafted from natural fibres and consciously chosen materials, designed to perform beautifully while reducing reliance on plastic-heavy fabrics.
OUR MISSION IS CLEAR:
Nature in. Plastic out.
We believe activewear can perform beautifully without relying so heavily on synthetic fibres. Every piece is a step towards a more natural future.
AND OUR PROMISE IS PERSONAL:
Soft on skin. Strong on performance.
From yoga flows to coastal runs, our pieces are thoughtfully designed to move with you through every part of your day. Combining elevated comfort, everyday performance and consciously chosen materials - without compromising on style.
Most activewear starts with plastic. Ours doesn't.
Many people don't realise that the polyester and nylon used in most activewear are petroleum-derived plastics. In fact, a typical pair of leggings or sports bra is made almost entirely from plastic fibres.
As we learnt more about the prevalence of plastics in clothing and the growing conversation around microplastics, we began asking a simple question: could activewear be made differently?
That's what led us down a completely different path.
Every OLESSA garment is made from over 85% plant-based or natural fibres, using only a small amount of elastane where it's needed to provide the stretch and recovery essential for activewear.
Learn more about our fabrics here
Every fibre has a purpose. These are the two at the heart of our collection.
