In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we sit down with Charles Ross, Performance Sportswear Design Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, to explore what durability and sustainability looks like in the fashion and sportswear industries. Charles has spent over two decades at the intersection of functional design and environmental responsibility, championing the idea of sustainability through longevity — creating durable, meaningful clothing that stands the test of time.

Together, we unpack the idea of emotional durability: how designers can foster deeper connections between people and their garments, making us value what we wear more and waste less. Charles shares insights from his extensive experience working with brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Adidas as well as from his teaching, research, and outdoor pursuits that inform his hands-on approach to design.

It's an episode where you will laugh and learn from one of the legends of outdoor and performance wear.

Key Takeaways

• Designing for both physical and emotional longevity is one of fashion’s most sustainable acts.
• Storytelling, authenticity, and personal connection drive emotional durability.
• Consumers are more likely to repair, care for, and retain garments they’re emotionally attached to.
• The sportswear sector can lead in circular thinking by blending innovation with human-centered design.
• Longevity is not just about how long clothes last, but how long they matter.

Resources:

DO Lectures

A Climate of Truth by Mike Bernes-Lee

There is No Planet B by Mike Bernes-Lee

Performance Days

Connect with Charles Ross: LinkedIn

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Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash

Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman