VX3 Spearhead Cricket's Teamwear Revolution

Former professional cricketer Jim Hindson catches up with Sportswear brand VX3 to find out how they are revolutionising teamwear in cricket

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

With spiralling strike-rates, franchise cricket and the fantastic rise of the women's game, cricket has evolved dramatically in the last decade. Teamwear for cricket teams has seen more of a revolution, with even traditional whites now emblazoned with club badges and sponsors on shirts and trousers. 

It's a far cry from my early memories of representing Nottinghamshire age-group teams, being presented with a felt badge to sew on to a white school shirt. Without question, this is a huge improvement for the game which will only be enhanced thanks to sportswear brand VX3 establishing themselves as a major player in the cricket market.

VX3 director Tristan Beavis has nearly 20 years' experience in this sector. He picks up the story: "If you look the part, you will play the part, it's a simple as that. At VX3, we ensure that the process of ordering new kit is super straightforward, with dedicated account managers to ensure our customer service is second to none."

VX3 initially cut their teeth in rugby and, with a growing client base, expanded across sports and leisure to become a trusted sportswear brand. Clients include Millfield, Wellington College and Sherborne School, with a growing portfolio of professional, school and club teams poised to join the VX3 revolution.

^{VX3 whites looking the part (supplied)}

Teamwear can present logistical challenges for both the client and provider, but VX3's loyal customer base is testament to the stringent processes and customer service that has seen the business become a standard-bearer in this sector. As Tristan explained: "We hold stock in 10 different colourways and two different ranges. This provides a fantastic selection of off-the-shelf kits for clubs and schools, which can then be personalised and delivered to the client's door. It also gives us full control of sourcing the stock, design, print and delivery – something which sets us apart from others in our sector.

"We pride ourselves on our quality and the fantastic price point we offer and that’s why the clubs and schools we work with are incredibly loyal. Often they come to us having had a questionable experience in sourcing teamwear, which does come with its logistical challenges, but find working with us a refreshing change. We enjoy a huge amount of customer loyalty, which is why we are able to build and reflects the service and user experience we provide."

"Ordering kit with us is a very simple process. We send a link to the customer and they select the style, colour of kit and sizes. We have a huge amount of off-the-shelf stock that can be purchased but if a club or school would like something more bespoke, we have a team of graphic designers who will work with them to create something unique. With our designers housed in the same office as our sales and account managers, the whole process is seamless and the feedback we get is that it is actually a really enjoyable, creative experience for customers."

^{VX3 kits are stocked in ten different colourways and can be personalised (supplied)}

Looking ahead, Tristan sees a huge opportunity for growth in the sports robe sector for cricket, following its rapid expansion into other sports. "We recently launched our sports robes range, which were inspired by the subs on the bench but are now increasingly popular across all sports. Take cricket, for example; both teams warm up and get a sweat on before the toss, which usually takes place half an hour before the start of the game. After the toss both teams return to the dressing rooms, often sitting down, stiffening up and losing body heat, which then affects performance. This doesn't happen when you are wearing a sports robe and the penny is dropping with teams at all levels looking for that competitive edge."

It is clear that Tristan’s passion and expertise is shared by his colleagues and he signed off with more good news for customers. "It is not just active players who can benefit from VX3. We are a sportwear brand, that incorporate teamwear. This means we look after the club and school teams but also have a range of leisurewear for those closely associated, such as coaches and officials, fans and friends."

For more on VX3 and their cricket range, visit their website