Vandal Goods’ innovative polo shirt redefines wellness wear, blending style, tech, and care—an inspiring showcase of DIAC’s Design Impacts Framework.
Project Info Project: Quasi Fashion-Based (Blood Pressure Monitoring Polo Shirt)
Company: Vandal Goods
Designer: Ron Tam
Collaborators: Myant (parent company), SKIIN (sub-brand)
Target Audience: Middle-aged and older men (45+)
Overview
Vandal Goods, founded in 2014, is a fashion and wellness brand known for bold, experimental outerwear. Led by designer Ron Tam, the brand developed a pioneering blood pressure monitoring polo shirt that fuses wearable health tech with timeless style. Designed for men aged 45+, the shirt discreetly tracks blood pressure while maintaining the refined look and feel of a classic garment. The result is a confident, intuitive product that promotes wellness without appearing clinical, positioning Vandal Goods as a champion of innovation and dignity in aging.
1. Vision: Merging Style and Smart Functionality
The goal was to integrate biometric monitoring into a garment that didn’t resemble medical gear. Through a 3D-knitted vest and resin latch system, sensors were embedded invisibly to maintain skin contact without compromising appearance. This approach added value by avoiding clinical certification, speeding time-to-market, and opening new luxury wellness revenue streams. Design elevated the brand by aligning it with innovation, elegance, and lifestyle-oriented health solutions.
2. Functionality: User Experience Tailored for Older Adults
User-centered design was key. The shirt’s familiar polo silhouette, short sleeves, and breathable 100% cotton fabric ensured comfort and ease of adoption. Designed with the daily routines and preferences of older adults in mind, this functionality increased user engagement and supported brand perception as thoughtful and age-inclusive.
3. Brand: Elevating Value Through Design
Design shaped how the product, and brand, would be perceived. A plain black colour with minimal branding projected a luxury aesthetic similar to Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger. This strategy justified a CAD 100–200 price point and helped position the shirt as fashion-forward wellness gear. Design didn’t just support the brand, it defined it.
4. Environment: Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Vandal Goods used fair-trade American cotton and avoided Chinese cotton due to ethical labour concerns, reinforcing their ethical sourcing values. The shirt was manufactured locally in Etobicoke under strict quality control, using cotton staple yarns that offered comfort and breathability. Designed to last 40–50 washes, it reflects the brand’s commitment to durability, slow fashion, and environmentally responsible production.
5. Health & Wellbeing: Designing for Empowerment
From the start, the design process prioritized user dignity and empowerment. Rather than emphasizing diagnosis or treatment, the shirt aimed to normalize health tracking by embedding it into an everyday garment. Without visible tech or medical cues, it allowed users to manage their well-being discreetly and comfortably.
This subtle yet powerful approach added value by removing the stigma associated with wearable health devices, making regular use more likely and encouraging a long-term relationship with the product.
In doing so, design elevated the brand by associating it with care, respect, and empowerment, values that resonate with older adults and their families. Vandal Goods becomes more than a brand; it becomes a partner in wellness.
6. Key Success Performance Indicators
Increased daily wear of the product among target users
High user engagement, particularly among men aged 45+
Positive user feedback highlighting:
Comfort
Ease of use
Discretion
Adoption driven by familiar polo shirt design and breathable cotton material
Seamless integration of biometric sensors without compromising aesthetics
