Behind every garment is an idea - a vision of how design, function and brand identity can work together. But turning a sketch into finished workwear requires more than just creativity. It's a close collaboration between the design, production and customer teams, with each part of the process playing a crucial role. At Ted Bernhardtz, Daniel Ivarsson, Head of Design, is one of our people dedicated to developing this.
From sketch to reality
When design meets functionDesign that communicates a feeling
Workwear is more than just a garment - it's part of how a company expresses itself. Colour, fit and choice of materials affect how the brand is perceived, while the clothes need to work in the daily work environment. – I want to know what impression the customer wants to make, what demands are placed on the garments in everyday life and what specific functions are needed. By asking the right questions early on, we can create a collection that not only fulfils a function - but reinforces the company's identity, says Daniel. Creating a coherent design that feels natural in the customer's business is about listening and understanding - both the visual expression of the brand and the practical needs of everyday work.
A part of the working day
Workwear is used daily, often in demanding environments, which places high demands on fit, freedom of movement and durability. At the same time, they should give the wearer a sense of pride and professionalism. – Function is always the starting point - garments must be comfortable, durable and practical. But at the same time they should look good and reflect the brand. I work a lot with fit, material selection and colouring to find the perfect balance, says Daniel. By working with tone-on-tone colours, subtle contrasts and graphic details, the garments become a natural part of the brand's expression. Small adjustments in cut and material can make a big difference to the wearer's experience of the garment, both visually and functionally.
Collaboration from the first idea to the last stitch
Going from idea to finished product is a process that involves several areas of expertise. The interaction between the different competences within Ted Bernhardtz helps to ensure that each garment is of high quality, meets the customer's requirements and works in production.
– The collaboration between design, production and account managers is crucial. We work according to a design methodology where we ensure that materials, fit and functions meet the customer's wishes and requirements, Daniel explains.
Using 3D tools such as Clo3D, the design can be visualised early in the process, making it possible to test fit and materials without physical samples. This makes the work faster and more sustainable, while giving customers a clearer picture of the end result at an early stage.
– Being able to visualise the collections in 3D allows us to quickly adapt the design to the customer's feedback, making the whole process more efficient, Daniel continues.
The close dialogue between the teams means that adjustments can be made quickly and that the end result is both thoughtful, durable and ready to be tested in real-life wearer trials sooner.
Durable with style and quality
Workwear is meant to withstand both wear and tear and the passage of time. Thoughtful design is not about following trends, but about creating garments that work over time. Understanding both the wearer's needs and the brand's identity creates garments that feel as relevant today as they will in the future. When we combine a modern silhouette with functional details, the garments become both durable and visually relevant for a longer time. – Durability and smart material choices are key. We're also seeing a trend where the line between workwear and everyday wear is starting to blur - where fit, material and feel are becoming more important than ever, says Daniel.
When design comes to life
The biggest confirmation that a collection is successful is when it is used for its final purpose. Seeing the clothes out in working environments and knowing that the details are what drives the design process forward, says Daniel: – It's a great feeling to see our clothes used in real working environments. Knowing that we've created something that makes a difference - both in comfort and brand experience - makes my job incredibly rewarding. That's where design really matters - when it works as it was intended and becomes a natural part of everyday life.