San Diego-based Vivacity Sportswear apparel was created by women for women with a focus on local knowledge and innovative fabrics. All pattern makers, fabric cutters and sewing contractors are based in the city, with tops, bottoms and dresses rolling off the line for on and off the golf course.
The company, started by CEO Vivian Sayward, grew out of what she saw as necessity and a newfound love for golf.
“I started Vivacity because I couldn’t find anything well made, comfortable and fashionable to wear on the golf course,” Sayward said. “A few years ago, I started to play golf with my husband, John, an avid golfer. He became weary of me as I spent too much time going through my closet figuring out what the heck I was going to wear for a golf outing. One day he called me on it, saying, ‘I’m tired of your complaints. Either do something about it or stop complaining.’ That was the impetus for Vivacity Sportswear.”
After years in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry and with no training in fashion design and garment manufacturing, Sayward said her on-the-job training “has been an amazing journey.” She serves on the Finance Committee of The First Tee of San Diego, and Vivacity is also involved with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Developing those ties helped put Sayward’s focus on keeping Vivacity Sportswear local as far as jobs and manufacturing are concerned.
Vivacity’s Sportswear Collection features 4-way stretch technical fabrics and trims with features that include crystal zipper trims for its Signature Collection of jackets and vests with matching bottoms; recycled PET fabrics of polyester and spandex; a moss jersey fabric with moisture-wicking properties; and a new line extension of tops, jackets and bottoms available in plus sizes (through 28-30).
The lines reflect the company’s evolvement from a golf line to a lifestyle brand, Sayward said, adding that all of Vivacity’s apparel is designed for easy care and a flattering fit.
“We have beautifully crafted tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets that take a woman from the gym or golf course to the office to out to dinner,” she said. “Our collections are made with high-quality technical fabrics that are comfortable, forgiving and machine washable.”
While staying local is a big part of Vivacity’s focus, an expansion plan to facilitate growth in North American, Asian and Latin American markets is in the works.
“We are aiming to become a vertically integrated company that will service our growing customer base with quality apparel and accessories to enhance their everyday lives,” Sayward said. “Our mission is to outfit a woman so she can look, feel and perform beautifully.”
