Wed Aug 16

Leilani Chandler turning the active wear industry upside down

Written by Tess Sanders Lazarus

Founder of Exoticathletica, an Australian clothing company specialising in active, swim and street wear for every type of woman, Leilani Chandler, is turning the active wear industry upside down. Considering herself curvy, Leilani became fed up trying to find active wear that suited her voluptuous figure, so she set about creating her own range of active wear for women of all shapes and sizes.

Today, Exoticathletica is a thriving fast growing business which sells products throughout Australia and across the world to women seeking innovative active wear that celebrates their body, not makes them feel unworthy. So successful is the brand, that Leilani and her team launch new fashion ranges every few months.

“I created Exoticathletica.com to provide all women with the opportunity to get out and enjoy their body and their life with active wear that looks great and feels great,” Ms Chandler said today.

“Active wear isn’t just for size eights, it should be available for all women, regardless of their size or shape.

“The reason we are so successful is that:

. We design and make active wear for real women,

. Our designs are bold and creative and they deliver a sense of fun and confidence. The focus isn’t on body shape, it’s on the unique patterns;

. Our styles suit all body types and we even offer customisation options; and

. We encourage women to love the skin they are in – and get out and get active.”

Based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, Exoticathletica.com has evolved into one of Australia’s fashion success stories. While the fabrics are imported, the design and manufacturing all takes place on Australian soil in her sun soaked Noosa headquarters.

“I want women to know that it doesn’t matter what size or shape they are, they should be enjoying their body and getting out and being active – whether going for a walk, doing some yoga, or going to the gym.

“Size Large is our most popular size. Not only do we make active wear for women, we also make sets for mothers and daughters, so women can exercise with their kids as well.

“I’d like to think that we are turning the active wear industry on its head. We are changing the rules and letting women know that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it is all about how you feel on the onside – and exercise makes us feel better. It releases endorphins. Plus we feel better about ourselves when we are active.

“That’s why when you arrive at our website, you’ll see real women showcasing our active wear.

“Our brand is about empowerment. Our message is simple, we want to encourage every woman to feel more empowered in herself inside and outside.

“I have sent some active wear to Ellen DeGeneres. I hope she wears it on the show. It would be great to see such an amazing role model like Ellen encouraging women to get active in our active wear!”