It all began with the musty Nike singlets that resided in my dad’s wooden dresser drawers. He pulled one on every race day. Athletics West was the Nike farm team of distance runners in Eugene, Oregon in the 1980’s. Dad was one of the eagles who dominated Nike running. The growing company developed a clothing line to accompany Nike shoes—chalk full of vibrant singlets with retro fonts and Nike pinwheel logos, and extremely short running shorts—with briefs.

Since my childhood hero ran in a singlet, I naturally think that nothing will be lighter, fasters, or more stylish than a basic mesh tank come race day. At Vander Jacket I brought back the look with prints across the chest, and breathable mesh that looked stellar nonmatter the amount of electrolyte juice dumped on it. I added a side pocket for fuel or sunnies, and a reflective stripe down the back. The look took over. We sold singlets, the creation of which was first financed through an SBA loan during the pandemic. Our fans could not get enough singlet variety. We sold a unisex style, and women would knot the mesh for a crop. A Vander singlet was the last garment to sell when I closed the doors of Vander Jacket.