Andina's purpose
Andina was founded to create active wear that supports how people perform and recover.
THE IDEA
Rethinking Standard Activewear
Andina strides for a better understanding leads to better outcomes. Our journey began by experiencing first-hand challenges that arise when the right information, support, or solutions are not always easy to find.
It all started from a realisation that no matter how many different routes you took or options you tried, there was never a cemented answer. Being constantly frustrated with the constant physio appointments and doctor visits, we thought that had to be something more we could be doing in the interim… the idea for the brand sparked. Maybe there was a way that we could integrate some benefits into the clothes you wear daily to help the body out when you don’t have the physical hands-on help. Having an interest in technical fabrics and the scientific benefits behind the therapies, but how could we integrate them? If we could just find a way to help ease the pain until that next physio appointment, if we could just subside that small irritation until you can be horizontal and release the pain… only if that was an option.
The equestrian world, no matter what sector you are in is extremely strenuous for everyone. The pressures we put our bodies through, there is not enough support provided from ordinary clothing. Why is the equestrian market not providing supportive clothing to the most demanding sports? No matter how big or small the ache or pain is, it is still there, and as ballsy as we all are, doing nothing to help resolve the issue usually leads to the issue getting worse. Or if you are like our founders, the pain is chronic and you are looking for a bit of support between the physio appointments. Why would you not want that bit of extra support from your breeches helping that niggle you have in your knees, that pain you get through your hips, or that ache you get in your ankle once you get off and go back to yard duties…? Why would you not want to wear your everyday clothing but have beneficiaries towards healing your body in the process?
Andina was built to fill the gap in the equestrian market where science meets practicality within clothing.
We don't want to be another brand that mass produces and over-saturates the market with another pair of leggings. Andina creates clothing with purpose. Every seam line, fabric choice, and silhouette is designed with intention to help better the body. We aim to produce clothing that is beneficial and supports you in everyday activity no matter how strenuous it may be. Whether you’re a yard groom or an international rider, we want to support you in every step. The clothing is designed to move with you and comfort your every step.
Our goal for Andina is to produce clothing that is not just well fitted, well constructed and of the best quality; it is also designed to support the wearer physically with a range of physical conditions such as HSD, EDS, hypermobility, etc. This support is for daily wear as well as improved athletic ability. We want to help people thrive, not just survive the daily battle of living with these types of conditions.
Our aim is to provide a little comfort to each individual who decides to invest in their body through andina. No matter the pain level, we want to attempt to provide that small bit of comfort and support to get you through the day. Why are we investing so much into our animals and forgetting about ourselves?
What does the future for Andina look like? We want people to be comfortable in the sport they love, whether that be livelihood or a hobby. You deserve to be comfortable in that, and not let your body pain get in the way of that. Now we are not saying Andina is going to fix that pain and it'll disappear after 15 years of having it, but we would love it suggest that we're going to help you along the journey.
THE PROBLEM
Active Wear
At Andina we believe people who ask a lot of their bodies deserve clothing that can support them. We aim to bridge the gap between conventional activewear and medically aware design.
OUR MISSION
Purpose Behind Every Garment
Our aim with this clothing is to help support individuals that feel they could benefit from a boost to their everyday performance and comfort. Those fed up with aches and pains, relying on medication and appointments to keep yourself functioning.
FOUNDERS’ VISION
Innovation and Conscious Activewear
The founders are building Andina around a shared commitment to purposeful innovation and conscious active wear, creating garments that recognise the realities of the people wearing them.
Founder
Charlotte
I have grown up with horses being a huge part of my life. From learning to ride at a young age to experiencing different disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, hunting, and racing, the equestrian world has shaped who I am and taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and understanding.
My own journey has also been shaped by living with ongoing body pain from a young age. Not always having clear answers encouraged me to become curious, ask questions, and look deeper into areas where solutions can feel limited or difficult to understand. This experience has influenced the way I approach challenges—with empathy, determination, and a drive to find better ways forward.
Alongside my equestrian background, I studied Menswear Fashion at UAL, London College of Fashion, graduating in 2024 with First Class Honours. My studies developed my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think differently when approaching problems. This led me to having an interest in blending the two interests.
I would describe myself as a positive and driven person who loves learning, exploring new ideas, and helping others wherever I can. My horse Highway, an ex-racehorse, continues to be a huge part of my life and reminds me every day of the importance of connection, trust, and understanding.
Founder
Nina
Despite attending university to study for my BSc in Physical Geography and MSc in Sustainability I think I always knew I would ultimately end up remaining involved with horses in some way. I have been working full-time with horses in a number of roles since I graduated in 2016, having worked part-time throughout school and university. These teenage years were when I first experienced pain issues, numerous doctors appointments, tests and on-going physiotherapy support never felt conclusive to me. Sitting behind a desk at university brought a whole host of new challenges for me physically and I really hit my lowest point during these years. This was part of the reason I opted for a non-desk based career, at least to start with, once I left university. However, I soon discovered the fitness and strength I gained whilst working full-time in the equestrian industry did me the world of good. As I get older and have learned to advocate for myself more and have had the support of an understanding physiotherapist I have realised there is a balance to be had, between understanding what my body needs and what I want it to do.
I first experienced issues in my early teens; docs were not particularly helpful (understatement…). I found a physio who was supportive, but the mental damage was already done. I withdrew from finding medical support and found my own coping mechanisms…with varied levels of suitability and success! As an anxious, in-pain teenager, the things I heard from medical professionals significantly affected me in ways far bigger than I even realised, and I am still dealing with the ramifications of this to this day, but I am slowly learning to talk about it and ask for help, but it's a process! With the support of some very understanding friends, both bendy and not bendy, that I’ve met along the way, as well as my endlessly understanding physio and a few rare gems I’ve come across in the NHS I am learning to advocate for myself and ask for and accept help, but it is a journey with no destination. So for all you out there that can resonate with this, I see you!
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