Description Kinetic Grip is a performance unitard for aerial arts that improves traction in the body areas performers rely on most for contact, wrapping, and grip. Developed for a local athlete, the project responds to a clear user need: acrobatic artist Sequoia Allen described wanting to sew grip panels into regular leggings, and 46% of surveyed aerial artists reported that their apparel was not grippy enough. In response, the garment uses strategically placed grip overlays in high-contact zones identified through a survey of 74 aerial practitioners. Broken-apart appliques preserve stretch, mobility, and comfort while improving security and supporting modern performance needs. The heart motif references former aerial artist costumes in KOOZA, helping the garment stay visually rooted in that whimsical circus universe rather than reading as purely technical. Additional heat-activated-adhesive-backed film layers soften the appearance of the grip and were individually placed over seamlines to conceal construction, reflecting the high level of finish and detail associated with Cirque du Soleil costumes.
Innovation Kinetic Grip innovates by strategically adding grip only where aerial athletes actually need it most. Grip placement was informed by a survey of 74 aerial practitioners, who identified high-need contact zones by clipping directly onto a body map. This made the grip strategy evidence-based rather than intuitive, grounding placement in athlete experience. Instead of applying grip as a continuous panel, the system uses small individual heat-activated-adhesive-backed-film (haabf) in key zones. This preserves flexibility, stretch, and comfort, allowing the garment to move naturally with the body rather than becoming stiff or restrictive. The fragmented application also creates a lighter, more responsive feel during performance. Haabfs that are not inherently grippy were layered into the system to visually soften and disguise the grip zoning, so the garment does not read like overtly technical zoned apparel. The result is a unitard that improves traction in critical contact areas while maintaining mobility, visual cohesion, and a more elevated costume-like appearance.
Product Detail Kinetic Grip is a performance unitard for aerial arts built with a body-contoured structure to support stretch, contact, and controlled friction. The base garment is made from a 90% polyester, 10% spandex knit used across all main body panels to create a close, flexible fit. The unitard uses 607 flatlock construction throughout, reducing seam bulk and improving comfort during high-contact, high-mobility movement. Grip is added through targeted overlays rather than across the full garment. Heat-activated, adhesive-backed film overlays are placed in key contact zones to provide traction where it is most needed. Four Bemis overlay options were explored within the system: EXO-3900, EXO55675, RS4502, and 7064SH. 7064SH is a specialty Bemis material with a silicone-like hand that creates grip without using silicone. The other overlays were used primarily for color and to help the grip blend into the garment. Sublimation printing is applied through the legs to integrate visual texture.
Specification Custom-made for a local aerial athlete, Kinetic Grip is a specialty performance unitard developed for circus use rather than mass production. The prototype shown is sized to the athlete’s body and would be produced through custom fitting or made-to-measure ordering, which also aligns with how Cirque du Soleil costumes are typically developed for performers. Estimated garment weight is approximately 350 to 500 g, depending on sizing. Colorways shown are Crimson Parade (Pantone 19-1653 TCX), Velvet Dusk (Pantone 19-3642 TCX), and Grand Illumination (Pantone 14-0951 TCX). These colors were developed in reference to Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, which is known for a bold, visual language that draws on classic circus imagery through saturated, kitschy, theatrical color.
