OYA Femtech Apparel

Oya Femtech Apparel is a Los Angeles-based performance apparel company that designs activewear intended to protect sweaty skin from irritation and infections associated with conventional synthetic workout clothing. Its line spans leggings, biker shorts, compression shorts, sports bras and bralettes, briefs and thongs, absorbent antimicrobial inserts, headbands, jackets, long-sleeve tops, tees, caps, balaclavas and neck gaiters, with retail prices in the roughly $10-$94 range. Products are organized around use cases such as moisture control, sensitive skin, tummy control, anti-odor/anti-UTI and flame resistance.

The company positions itself as a health solution in activewear form rather than a fashion label. It cites laboratory testing for freedom from 80,000 toxic chemicals, antimicrobial silver to limit bacterial growth, and a patented moisture management system that permits airflow; earlier coverage described the leggings as patent-pending, twice as absorbent as leading brands, and designed with discreet natural ventilation. Fabrics are described as BPA-, PFA- and PFOA-free, and the line is designed and primarily manufactured in Los Angeles. Development involved interviews with OB/GYNs, dermatologists and urologists, testing of more than 30 fabric combinations, and product trials with doctors, WNBA players, athletes, soldiers, firefighters, menopausal women and mothers.

Alongside its women's health range, Oya sells a flame-resistant "FR" collection and tactical gear aimed at military, fire and police buyers, including men's and unisex items, supported by a group/bulk ordering process (info call, samples, bulk order).

Founding story

Founder and CEO Mitchella (Mitch) Gilbert experienced her fifth yeast infection in six months during her junior year as a collegiate athlete and was repeatedly advised by doctors to stop wearing synthetic workout clothes. Finding that impractical, she set out to build activewear designed for skin and feminine health. The company was founded at the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson by Gilbert and co-founder Patrick Ayers.

Business model

Direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel through a Shopify-based online store, supplemented by group and bulk orders for institutional buyers such as military, fire and police organizations. Purchases can be made with HSA/FSA funds via a checkout flex option, and the company promotes an ambassador program and service-member discounts.

Product sales at published unit prices (approximately $9.75 to $94 per item), plus gift cards, with free US shipping over $120 and bulk/group ordering for organizational customers.

Traction

The company reports more than 3,000 customers, 87% of whom report fewer infections and less skin irritation, use by US Air Force and Space Force personnel, backing from 80+ medical professionals (60+ healthcare professionals cited as recommending the products), and 200+ product testers involved in development.

Latest developments

The current catalog includes an expanded flame-resistant, PFAS-free range (shirts, t-shirts, boxer briefs, underwear, bralettes, balaclavas and neck gaiters) and tactical gear marketed to warfighters, firefighters and police, alongside group and bulk ordering.