Ergo Grip Active: Redefining Glove Design

Every time I draw, I try to create something better while also respecting what we already have

says Petra Arnesson, responsible for design of sports gloves at Hestra. The design department at Hestra works with gradual development, known in technical terms as “Incremental Design.” A current example is the Ergo Grip Active model, which was launched in 2013 and has become one of Hestra’s top sellers.

Ergo Grip Active had a much better fit than many other models. The price was somewhat higher; I remember customers asking about it in the store, but it is also more complicated in construction and sewing

says Petra Arnesson. In the outdoors, the newcomer quickly became popular. The fit and features played their part, but a strong visual certainly contributed as well. A sister model launched at the same time, with a waterproof CZone membrane, never achieved the same impact. The basic glove provided sufficient weather protection with impregnated leather and a windproof, water-repellent upper fabric.

MORE SIBLINGS IN THE FAMILY

After a few seasons, Ergo Grip Active was joined by another sister model for riding. Ergo Grip Equestrian has the same construction and fit, but a more discreet design in black and brown to suit the equestrian world’s aesthetics. Fast forward a few more years, and Hestra released yet another sister model, now with a wool terry lining. A bit warmer anda bit cozier as Petra describes Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry.

THE BESTSELLER GETS A NEW RECIPE

Recently, a change in the actual “recipe” has been brewing in the design department. It concerns the material of the Ergo Grip Active glove’s upper, where Hestra is switching suppliers.

We have found a material with equivalent functional properties to Infinium but with a PU-based membrane. We want all our materials to be PFAS-free, and unfortunately, Infinium has a PTFE-based membrane says Petra, adding that the transition will happen gradually as existing stocks run out. The second adjustment refines the construction of the fingertips, providing a slightly more streamlined shape.

A customer reached out with a suggestion to improve the feel at the fingertip of his glove, proposing an adjustment that could enhance the design. I had noticed a similar detail myself, and his insight inspired us to refine the construction

Together with the factory in Vietnam, Petra came up with a solution where the fingertip gets two new, barely noticeable seams that provide a more rounded fit.

It’s a so-called silent improvement; an adjustment we don’t make a big deal out of. But it makes a big difference for the feel around the fingertip

says Petra Arnesson.