From the outdoors to the start line.
Layer didn’t begin as a sportswear brand.
Not even close.
Back in March 2023, Layer was simply a side project; a way to support our outdoor adventure business. We wanted some solid gear people could wear on hikes, wild weekends, and whatever challenges they threw themselves into.
No big plans. No huge strategy. Just a simple idea:
'Make clothing that feels good, lasts well, and actually means something.'
But the funny thing about good ideas?
They grow legs.
In the early days, Layer was all about the outdoors.
We made small batches of tees, hoodies and simple prints; the kind of stuff you’d throw on for an adventure and not think twice about.
We sketched logos at kitchen tables.
We tested prints in small workshops.
We played around with the name and the look, tweaking it until it felt right.
The first Layer logo had a softer, more outdoorsy vibe. It suited who we were then; a brand dipping its toes into the water, figuring out where it belonged.
Somewhere along the way, people stopped treating Layer as just “adventure merch” and started treating it as their go-to everyday gear.
And we noticed something.
People weren’t responding to the outdoors part; they were responding to the feeling behind the brand.
The honesty. The simplicity. The desire to move.
So the idea started to shift.
What if Layer wasn’t tied to one type of activity?
What if it stood for movement, progress, community?
We refined the logo, sharpened the lines, and laid the groundwork for something bigger.
This was the turning point.
By mid 2024, Layer officially stepped into the sportswear space. Not because we planned to, but because the community pulled us there.
We started developing technical tees.
Then leggings, shorts, running vests, and high-performance gear.
We tested fabrics, fits, and features.
We made mistakes, fixed them, and kept improving.
This was the moment Layer found its lane:
'Purpose-built sportswear for everyday athletes.'
Here’s where everything clicked.
We launched our first Layer Run Club, unsure if anyone would show up. They did. And then they brought friends.
Pretty soon, we had a real community on our hands. Not a fitness cult. Not a competitive pack. Just people who wanted to move, belong, and challenge themselves — together.
We realised Layer was no longer just clothing. It was becoming a movement.
That message spread fast.
People connected with it.
It became the heart of who we are.
As the run clubs grew, so did the product range.
We expanded into:
We refined our suppliers, tightened up our quality standards, and doubled down on performance.
The Layer logo evolved into its strongest version yet; sharp, modern and built for movement.
The brand wasn't "becoming" anymore.
It was something.
If the last few years were about building the foundations, 2026 is where everything comes together.
Layer isn’t just a sportswear brand anymore. It’s becoming a whole ecosystem for people who want to move, train, grow, and feel part of something bigger. And 2026 is shaping up to be our most ambitious year yet.
Layer HQ | More Than a Space
Layer HQ will become the heart of the brand; a place where coaching, community and product all meet under one roof.
It’s where we’ll train, recover, learn, hang out, and build the next chapter of the Layer community.
Layer Training Camps | Taking Community Abroad
We’re bringing people together beyond the UK too. In 2026 we’ll launch Layer Training Camps, offering runners a chance to train in incredible locations, push their limits, and build friendships along the way. Think warm weather training, proper coaching support, and a big dose of adventure; the perfect mix of performance and enjoyment.
Back 2 Running | Supporting Beginners & Returners
Layer has always stood for accessibility, and 2026 expands that in a big way.
Our Back 2 Running beginners group will help people start (or restart) their running journey with zero judgement and a whole lot of encouragement.
We want people who’ve never seen themselves as “athletes” to realise they absolutely are.
Layer-Branded Running Events | Movement at Scale
We’re also laying the groundwork for Layer events; real, organised runs that bring the community together. From friendly 5Ks to bigger race-day experiences, we want to create days that feel energetic, inclusive and unforgettable..
