She built an activewear brand in Singapore from rescued fishing nets

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Stephanie Colhag Yeo always knew that she wanted to create something of her own. “It all started with something simple – a good set of activewear just makes me feel more motivated to move,” says the mom-to-be, currently in her second trimester at the time of this shoot. She discovered early on that it was challenging to find activewear pieces that were simple, minimal and stylish. “Everything felt either too flashy or too sporty, and there weren’t many options that looked good enough to wear beyond the gym,” she recalls.

Stephanie’s turning point came after she manufactured her very first collection through a middleman. She was shocked that the fabric dyes came off so easily, and everything arrived wrapped in plastic. She said: “That experience made me pause and ask myself: Is this how I want to build my brand? That was when I decided to take full control and make sustainability a core part of Outfyt – across our materials, production and packaging. 

From that point on, I made a commitment to do things differently. Her customers are still wearing their Outfyt pieces from six years ago, and Stephanie has been told that the fit and fabric still hold up beautifully. “That kind of long-lasting quality is exactly what I aim for,” she says with pride. At present, she is experimenting with natural fibres for hot and humid climates, as she believes strongly in balancing sustainability with comfort and performance.

What role does sustainability play in your design process?

Sustainability wasn’t where I started, but it’s become the heart of everything I do. Now, I’m involved in every step – from ideation and design to fabric sourcing and production – to make Outfyt as sustainable as possible. That means using recycled materials, reducing plastic, working with ethical partners, and designing pieces that are made to last.

Why is it important that we support local activewear brands?

For us, every item is created with care, from the fabrics we choose to how the garments are made. We work closely with small production teams, including women who sew from home while caring for their families.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an activewear designer?

Start by understanding your why. From there, focus on functionality just as much as aesthetics. Learn the technical side, test your products and get feedback from real people. Most importantly, stay true to your values. The industry is evolving, and customers care deeply about authenticity and purpose.

What are your go-to materials for creating activewear?

I mainly work with recycled nylon and recycled polyester. Recycled nylon often comes from things like rescued fishing nets, carpet fluff and industrial plastic waste, while recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles or fabric scraps. These materials not only reduce waste but also perform incredibly well – they’re soft, stretchy, breathable, and durable.

How do you incorporate performance enhancing fabrics or technology into your designs?

The fabrics I choose are built for movement. I look for four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and compression where needed, but beyond the fabric, performance also comes down to the design. I spend a lot of time perfecting fits that stay in place, support the body, and feel good throughout the day. Our fabrics are also UV protective and chlorine-resistant. Every detail is considered – from the sculpting seams to carefully placed waistbands – so each piece feels good in motion and gives you the confidence to move freely.

What challenges do you face in sourcing sustainable or high-performance materials?

Sourcing sustainable fabrics that also perform well isn’t always easy. The selection can be limited, and minimum order quantities are often high, which can be tricky for a small brand. Sometimes, the colours or textures I want just aren’t available in recycled versions, so I have to get creative with design. But these limitations push me to innovate and make more intentional choices, even if it takes more time or effort.

How do you test your designs for durability and functionality?

I’m the first test subject! I wear every new design myself in real-life settings, whether it’s a workout, running errands, travel, or lounging at home. But I also have a group of customers and friends who help me trial the pieces across different activities such as gym, golf, pilates and tennis.

What sets Outfyt apart?

Outfyt is for the woman who wants to move through life with confidence, comfort and effortless style. We’re more than just activewear – we believe in timeless pieces that feel good, fit well, and are made responsibly.

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