Willoma: The Soft Revolution in Activewear
Meet the Founder: Katie Crawley
Sometimes innovation doesn't begin with adding more.
Sometimes it begins by taking something away.
For Katie Crawley, founder of Willoma Clothing, that "something" was the feeling of restriction.
As a yoga teacher, she struggled to find activewear that reflected the essence of her practice. Everywhere she looked, she found the same products: tight-fitting, synthetic garments designed to compress rather than support.
They performed.
But they didn't breathe.
They didn't move naturally.
And they certainly didn't feel like something she wanted to wear every day.
So Katie decided to create something different.
That decision became Willoma.
More Than Activewear: it's Willoma
Willoma wasn't created to follow fashion trends.
It was created to support a different way of living.
Every piece is made from 92% bamboo, a naturally soft, breathable fabric chosen to protect the skin while allowing complete freedom of movement.
Originally designed for yoga, the collection has evolved into clothing that feels like a second skin—equally at home during practice, recovery or everyday life.
Because wellness doesn't begin when you step onto the mat.
It begins with how you feel in your own body.
Why Community Matters
Katie believes the extraordinary growth of padel in the UK isn't only about the sport itself.
It's about something much bigger.
People are looking for connection.
Padel removes many of the barriers that other sports create. It's accessible, welcoming and easy to enjoy from the very first session.
But what keeps people coming back isn't only the game.
It's the community.
The friendships.
The conversations after the match.
The feeling of belonging.
Interestingly, Katie sees exactly the same qualities in the yoga world.
Both communities are built around human connection.
More Than a Sport
Looking ahead, Katie believes padel will continue to grow—not simply because more courts are being built, but because people increasingly understand the holistic benefits it offers.
Physical wellbeing.
Mental health.
Social connection.
A way to combat the loneliness that so many people experience today.
For her, padel is becoming a lifestyle rather than simply another participation sport.
Why London Padel Week
Joining London Padel Week felt like a natural fit.
Katie immediately recognised the connection between yoga and padel.
A fast, energetic game deserves moments of calm.
Movement should be balanced with recovery.
Competition should be balanced with reflection.
Throughout the festival, Willoma will bring yoga sessions designed to help players stretch, recover, reconnect with their bodies and prepare both physically and mentally for the next match.
Because performing well also means knowing when to slow down.
One Word
If Katie had to describe padel in one word, she wouldn't choose "competition."
She would choose:
Energising.
Not only because of the movement.
But because of the people you meet, the energy you share and the way you feel long after you've left the court.
Willoma is an energising activewear.
