About
bandari was born in 2026 on the padel courts of Somerset and founded by fashion designer Bonita Newby and entrepreneur & former journalist Joanna Busk. They found there wasn’t a padel brand they wanted to wear, so they made one. Padel wear made from natural fabrics with colour at the heart of everything.
The brand was born from a desire to create something that sits at the intersection of fashion and function — pieces that move with ease from court to everyday life and treats the act of getting dressed for sport as something worthy of real consideration. "We asked ourselves: what if the act of playing padel could be more beautiful?" say Newby. “And why is it all synthetic?” adds Busk, “the sportswear we are being sold in the name of performance, is full of chemicals. We believe there is no need for this; our skin needs to breathe when we move”.
The garments refer to classic athletic references but are seen through a contemporary lens — slimmer proportions, lighter weights, tactile fabrics and softly tailored silhouettes that feel as good as they look. Colour is at the heart of everything. Each piece is garment-dyed in soft, shimmering shades that nod to vintage European sportswear and the sun-soaked optimism of California. An uplifting palette for an uplifting game.
Designed by women, created for women — every decision reflects that. Organic cottons, Italian piqué and heritage loopback jerseys are selected for comfort, breathability and longevity. Garments are produced in Portugal, with fabrics sourced from premium European mills, released in small, intentional batches — a conscious move away from toxic textiles and the churn of mass-produced sportswear.
The pair met through a shared love of design and fun and have complimentary backgrounds in design and communications. The brand’s name is a nod to the bandeja padel shot, while also referencing a band of women. “Our clothes are both elegant and easy, but above all, are designed to bring joy & uplift, to raise you up both on and off court” agree Busk & Newby.