Decathlon Teams Up with Rheon Labs for Innovative Sportswear Solutions

## Decathlon Partners with Rheon Labs for Innovative Sports Apparel

Global sporting goods retailer Decathlon has teamed up with British materials technology firm Rheon Labs to advance material science in apparel designed for “everyday sport.” This partnership aims to create cutting-edge sports clothing that enhances performance, comfort, and control for physical activities.

The collaboration provides Decathlon with access to Rheon Labs’ innovative technology platform. This includes existing and forthcoming advancements in strain-rate sensitive materials, paving the way for a new era in sports apparel tailored for both athletes and casual users.

## Focus on Accessibility and Innovation

According to Decathlon, the goal is to develop performance-oriented apparel that meets athletes’ needs while remaining accessible to everyone. Aurelien Corbier, who leads textile innovation at Decathlon, stated, “Innovation truly matters when it empowers everyone. By partnering with Rheon Labs, we’re taking materials designed for athletes and making them accessible to all.”

“This aligns perfectly with our focus on providing excellent products for everyone, leading to better comfort, control, and performance,” he added.

### Upcoming Product Launches

The first product from this collaboration will be the ‘Kiprun’ running tights, set to launch in the autumn/winter of 2025. These tights will be engineered to focus energy and minimize muscle movement during runs. Decathlon also aims to roll out innovations across various categories, including those with its fitness sports brand Domyos, with the first new technologies expected by 2026.

## The Technology Behind Rheon Labs

Rheon Labs, based in London, is composed of a team of scientists, engineers, and designers dedicated to creating groundbreaking products that were once deemed impossible with traditional materials. At the core of their offerings is their proprietary energy-absorbing super polymer, Rheon. This material remains soft and flexible during everyday movements but becomes rigid in response to impact or swift motion. This adaptability enhances comfort, control, and performance without compromising mobility.

Stephen Bates, the CEO of Rheon Labs, remarked, “Decathlon’s belief that innovation should serve everyone aligns perfectly with our own. Rheon started in elite sport—now, this partnership will unlock that same level of performance for millions more.”

With this exciting venture, how do you think these innovations will impact the world of sports apparel?