A construction manager who quit to start an online activewear brand made $1.4million in two months during coronavirus lockdown.
Max Huang launched Twotags in January 2017, but it took three years – and a pandemic – before his side-gig morphed into a million dollar business.
The 31-year-old from Perth, Western Australia, carved out a chunk of the saturated athleisure market by selling gym shorts and leggings with pockets – a sought-after feature that allows wearers to carry their phone while they work out.
Sales skyrocketed as millions turned to home workouts after Prime Minister Scott Morrison shuttered bars, restaurants and gyms to stem the outbreak on March 23, bringing in a seven figure profit between April and June.
While demand declined when COVID restrictions were lifted, Mr Huang is still shipping orders to the tune of $500,000 a month – not bad for a builder who traded site for stock room less than four years ago.
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Seven-figure shorts: Perth construction manager Max Huang is the founder of activewear label Twotags which made $1.4million in two months during COVID lockdown
The brand’s gym shorts and leggings have pockets on both sides – a sought-after feature that allows wearers to carry their phone while they work out
Newly minted millionaire Max Huang (left, with girlfriend Rachel)
The newly minted millionaire, who is the son of immigrant parents, told Daily Mail Australia he ‘never anticipated how much the business would grow’ in such a short space of time.
Mr Huang’s average monthly revenue was $240,000 before the pandemic, meaning profits have more than doubled.
Customers can’t get enough of the $52 ‘Sweetheart’ leggings which come in blue, grey, maroon and black, the latter being the brand’s longstanding best-seller.
The figure-hugging pants have a wide elastic waistband that supports the stomach and cinches the waist, sucking you in while you exercise.
But the feature worth writing home about is the ‘squat proof’ fabric which is thick enough to avoid exposing even a hint of underwear – a common problem with similarly budget-friendly workout tights.
Customers can’t get enough of Twotags $52 ‘Sweetheart’ leggings (pictured) which have a wide elastic waistband that supports you while you exercise
The brand’s inclusive size range which runs from XS to XXL is another major draw card, attracting customers of all shapes and fitness levels
The leggings also have pockets on both sides, big enough to slide your phone or a card holder while you walk to the gym.
‘Pockets are compulsory in all of our leggings and shorts and our customers love this,’ Mr Huang said.
He believes the affordable price of his premium quality designs is what makes his clothing stand out in the increasingly saturated fitness and athletic clothing market, worth $3billion in Australia alone.
‘It’s still important for women to have good quality activewear, especially leggings, when they’re working out,’ he said.
The brand’s inclusive size range which runs from XS to XXL is another major draw card, attracting customers of all shapes and fitness levels.
‘This was always important to me,’ Mr Huang said of the inclusivity.
Demand for stylish gym clothing is on the up as evolving fashion trends see a growing number of women wearing activewear as streetwear.
Twotags is in the ring against major players like Lorna Jane, Jaggad Activewear and Lululemon who hold large swathes of the Australian fitness and athletic clothing industry.
Good news then that the brand has already secured a loyal customer base, with dozens of five-star reviews praising the quality and fit online.
Mr Huang believes the affordable price of his premium quality designs (like the $60 bike shorts, pictured) is what makes his clothing stand out in an increasingly saturated market
Demand for stylish gym clothing is on the up as evolving fashion trends see women increasingly wearing activewear as streetwear
‘One of my favourite styles, these are so surprisingly light but still supportive and stay up no matter what I’m doing,’ a shopped named Liana said of the $60 ‘Boost V3’ high-waisted leggings.
‘Fellow shoppers, this is absolutely worth the money,’ a woman called Hardeep wrote about the $55 ‘Ardor’ sports bra.
‘The fabric is buttery, smooths lines and fits perfect in my opinion. First time buying with Twotags and love them! I love that they are not adjustable, because they fit perfectly there’s no need I just throw them on. Totally recommend.’
A customer called Emily described the best-selling Sweetheart tights as ‘much better than expected’.
‘Amazing feel and colour, my new favourites,’ she added.
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