Press

Bandari Launches Premium Natural-Fabric Padelwear Capsule in London

Designer-led organic cotton collection redefines women’s court style as padel participation surges

LONDON, September 18th, 2026 - Bandari, a new women’s padelwear brand founded by fashion designer Bonita Newby and entrepreneur Joanna Busk, launches its first capsule collection today, positioning natural fibres and considered design at the heart of the UK’s fastest-growing racket sport. 

The line includes a pleated skort, dropped-waist polo dress, racerback vest, and dolman-sleeved embroidered sweatshirt, each crafted from 100% natural fabrics including featherweight organic cotton jersey, Italian cotton pique, and heritage loopback jersey, all garment dyed for a soft hand feel and sun-faded colour. Bandari’s pieces are cut for movement and comfort, with relaxed, effortless silhouettes designed to be worn during play and reached for after the match.

Natural fibres over performance synthetics

The launch arrives as padel participation surges, with players increasingly seeking kit that performs on court and provides a natural alternative to the tight fitting synthetic options flooding the market. 

“We don’t believe in playing sport wrapped in plastic. Most sportswear relies on chemical treatments to perform. We wanted to show that natural fabrics can do the job without them.” Joanna Busk

Fabric choices respond to growing concern over microplastic pollution from synthetic performance wear. Natural fibres break down in the environment, unlike polyester and nylon, which persist for centuries and are estimated to be the largest single source of primary microplastic pollution in the ocean. Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides, preserving local groundwater supplies, building healthier soil, protecting agricultural workers and surrounding ecosystems from chemical run-off.

Garment dyed, made in Portugal

Each garment is produced in a family-run atelier in Portugal using GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified organic fabrics from European mills. After sewing they are garment dyed, a slower process that gives colour a lived-in softness closer to a long-worn favourite than a factory finish. 

In a conscious move away from monochrome, the palette of cloud cream, faded peach, sunset coral and spring green, recalls vintage European sportswear and the sun-drenched light of California.

“What existed for padel was mostly graphic tees in bland colours, tight synthetic sportswear or tennis club formality, none of which felt right for a fun, uplifting sport. We play to music, with friends, in mixed pairs, free-spirited in the open air, and set out to dress it the same way.” Bonita Newby

Brand Name

The name nods to the bandeja slice shot in padel and to the idea of a band or tribe of players united by the love of the game. Its typeface references 1980’s British sportswear graphics, reinforcing Bandari’s blend of heritage and modernity.

Availability

Retail prices range from £85-£245, positioning Bandari in the premium segment alongside luxury activewear and designer sportswear. The collection is released in small intentional batches as a deliberate alternative to mass production.

Bandari is available now at www.playbandari.com and is shipping to the UK and USA  instagram | @playbandari.com

About Bandari

Bandari is a premium padelwear brand founded in 2026 by fashion designer Bonita Newby and entrepreneur Joanna Busk. It makes garment dyed courtwear from natural and organic fabric, manufactured in Portugal. Designed for the court. Worn long after.

Media Contact

Press samples are available on request at hello@playbandari.com 

Founders available for interview

Joanna Busk +44 7808 241533

Bonita Newby +44 7803 922557