Through wearer trials in real-life environments, we ensure fit, comfort and durability – for collections that deliver on their promises. Each garment is tested by those who will actually use it, in their everyday lives and working environments. This gives us invaluable feedback that enables us to fine-tune details, improve features and create workwear that both feels right and works in the long term.
Designed to Perform – Tested for Real Life
At Ted Bernhardtz, we develop workwear that not only looks good,but also works in everyday life.
Part of everyday life
Workwear is more than something you wear at work – it is part of everyday life and should facilitate all work tasks. That is why we at Ted Bernhardtz strongly believe that clothing should not only have a stylish design, but also be tested in real life to ensure that it really works as it is intended. – Our collections must be durable in everyday use. Fit, durability and comfort are just as important as design and appearance. That's why wearer trials are a central part of our development process, says Lotta Lindgren, Key Account Manager at Ted Bernhardtz.
An investment that pays off
For us, including wearer trials in the schedule is a valuable investment that improves the quality of the end result. – If we can identify details that can be developed before the garments go into full production, we avoid both dissatisfaction and unnecessary costs later on. And for the wearers, it gives them a sense of involvement – that their experiences are important for the end result, says Lotta. The tests also make the clothes more durable. By identifying wear points, choosing the right materials and refining details, the lifespan is extended. This is not only a win for the user and the employer – but also for the environment.
How wearer trials work in practice
The wearer trials always begin with us defining the purpose, which usually covers the areas of comfort, durability and specific functional details. We then select test subjects who reflect different body types and work tasks.
– The garments are sewn in relevant sizes, distributed and used during a trial period of a few weeks to a couple of months. When we hand over the clothes, we always try to be there in person, as this gives us the opportunity to explain why the test is so important and at the same time listen to the wearers' first impressions, Lotta explains.
The feedback can be about anything from small details to major improvements: a pocket that is too small, a fabric that feels too warm or an area that wears out unexpectedly quickly.
– These types of comments are invaluable to us. Small changes can make the garments more comfortable, last longer and become more sustainable, says Lotta.
Customer involvement and challenges
Our customers are always an active part of the process. They help select test subjects, receive feedback on the results and participate in decisions about any adjustments. – We always try to be clear about what the test subjects can actually influence. Design and colour schemes are often already decided centrally, while fit, comfort and function are things that can be developed based on the wearers' experience, Lotta explains. One challenge in this work is collecting feedback in a structured way. Digital tools can help, but we find that face-to-face meetings with wearers almost always provide the most valuable insights.
Results that make an impact in everyday life
When feedback is incorporated into the design, the difference is clear. For the wearer, this means greater comfort and pride in clothing that works in everyday life. For the employer, it means longer service life, happier employees and a stronger brand. – We can clearly see how wearer tests contribute to improving both quality and experience. It's an investment that always pays off, says Lotta. Going forward, we want to develop wearer testing further, including with digital tools that make it easier to collect and analyse feedback. But the core will always remain the same: that workwear is tested where it belongs – in real life.
3 key aspects we always consider in wearer trials
Fit & movement
The garments should be comfortable and functional in all work situations – from sedentary to heavy lifting.
Durability & longevity
The materials are tested in real-life environments, both at work and in laundry, to ensure longevity.
Details & function
From pockets and zips to reflectors and reinforcements – everything should work in everyday use. Small adjustments can make a big difference.