I learned to sew as a child and have been working in the sewing industry for over 30 years.  I did factory work as a sewer, then on to training and managment.  Later my husband and I set up a couple factories for other companies manufacturing chemical protective suits for the military. 

 

In my spare time, I started my own shop and made track suits, jackets, sweat pants and items along this line for local teams and groups.  I also make other "fun things" for friends and family.  Then a local power lifter called saying he needed something strong to make a suit out of.  He was squatting over 1000 lbs and wanted something that wouldn't blow out.  I had some canvas here so he thought that would be great.  I built him a suit and it held.  He told a few guys and I started making more.  I now make bench shirts, squat suits, and sometimes briefs and the occasional strong mans suit.  I basically use canvas, denim or polyester, but the materials and style depend on the needs of the lifter.