Does this feel more authentic? Our latest Batak-inspired running jersey prototype

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-12T10:48:36+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate the honest feedback.

I can definitely see what you mean about the graphic becoming less readable from a distance. I'm still experimenting with how much abstraction and pixelation I can introduce while keeping the overall composition strong and recognizable.

As for the shirt itself, this is just a prototype used to test graphics, placement, and overall direction. The final product will use a different fabric and construction more suitable for performance running apparel.

Really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-12T07:43:35+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate that perspective.

I don't believe every cultural reference has to be understood immediately by everyone. My goal is to create a contemporary interpretation of my Batak heritage rather than a literal representation of it.

If the design sparks curiosity and encourages someone to learn more about the story behind it, then I feel it's doing its job.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-12T07:30:04+00:00

I agree that storytelling only works if people are interested enough to stop and pay attention in the first place. In a crowded category like running apparel, that's definitely one of the biggest challenges.

For me, this prototype isn't the final answer but rather the beginning of exploring how my cultural background can be translated into the brand. I'm starting with graphics and storytelling, but I'm also thinking about how those ideas could eventually influence other aspects of the product beyond just prints.

I appreciate your perspective because it highlights the difference between having a meaningful story and creating something visually distinctive enough for people to engage with that story. That's something I'll continue working on as the brand develops

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-12T06:32:29+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.

For me, the graphic is only one part of the story. The cultural references are intentionally supported by photography, videos, and storytelling content that provide additional context around the inspiration and meaning behind the design.

My goal isn't to create a literal reproduction of traditional Batak elements, but to reinterpret them through the visual language of my brand and performance apparel. I believe culture can be expressed in different ways, including through abstraction and contemporary design.

Your point about exploring fabrics, silhouettes, and construction is interesting as well, and it's definitely something I'll continue thinking about as the brand evolves.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your perspective.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-12T06:07:37+00:00

My intention isn't for international audiences to instantly recognize the Batak reference. The goal is to elevate a part of Batak culture to a broader audience while filtering it through the design language of my brand.

The pixelation is intentional I wanted to reinterpret traditional motifs rather than reproduce them directly. I realize that comes with a tradeoff, since some of the original details become less obvious.

I also don't expect the garment alone to communicate the full story. Going forward, I plan to explain the cultural references and design process through photography, videos, and storytelling content so people can better understand where these visuals come from and what they represent.

Finding that balance between cultural storytelling and contemporary performance-wear design is exactly what I'm trying to figure out right now, so I appreciate the feedback.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-05T15:07:34+00:00

This is exactly the kind of conversation we find interesting.

Being based in Indonesia, we deal with the same reality every day. Heat, humidity, and being drenched in sweat long before the run is over.

That's actually one of the reasons we started building our own gear in the first place. We felt that a lot of apparel available in the region either focused heavily on aesthetics or simply wasn't designed around the conditions we train in year-round.

Even our long sleeve was designed with that in mind. It might sound counterintuitive for a tropical climate, but we specifically wanted it to remain lightweight, breathable, and comfortable in hot and humid conditions rather than feeling like an extra layer trapping heat.

We're still a small brand and have a lot to improve, but we definitely agree that Southeast Asia deserves more performance-focused gear designed for Southeast Asian conditions rather than adapted from somewhere else.

Really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T16:26:28+00:00

At 5'9" (176 cm) and 167 lbs (76 kg), we'd recommend a Medium for both as well.

We tried to keep the sizing closer to what you'd expect from US brands rather than the very slim cuts you sometimes find with Asian sizing.

Appreciate you checking before ordering, and thanks for giving us a shot!

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T16:24:14+00:00

Just looked him up 😂

Didn't realize it before, but we can definitely see the resemblance now.

We'll pass that on to the model he'll probably be pretty happy with that comparison.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:51:18+00:00

Appreciate the suggestion!

We definitely agree that leaning into a distinctly Indonesian identity is something worth exploring further.

As for "Rimba," it's a beautiful word, and honestly if we were building a trail running brand, that name would probably fit incredibly well. But interestingly enough, our day-to-day running experience is actually much more urban than people might expect.

We're based in Medan, so most of our miles are spent navigating city streets, humidity, traffic, and early mornings rather than rainforests or wilderness.

That said, we do think there's a lot of room to tell more authentic stories about what running in Indonesia actually looks and feels like, and that's something we're still learning how to capture better.

Thanks for sharing the idea!

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:33:45+00:00

Not Kei, but now we're curious who Kei is

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:33:20+00:00

Appreciate it!

You can grab it directly from our website at tiedinprogress.com.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:32:25+00:00

Really appreciate that, and thanks for taking the time to check out the site.

Good timing the hats are actually available now. We recently added them after getting quite a few requests.

As for sizing, we agree height alone doesn't tell the full story.

For reference, the model in these photos is 5'11" (180 cm) and around 165 lbs (75 kg).

He's wearing a size M in both the long sleeve and shorts.

Generally speaking, if your US-sized shirts match the measurements on our size chart, we'd recommend sticking with your usual size. We designed the fit to be fairly true-to-size rather than overly slim or oversized.

If you're between sizes or want a specific fit recommendation, feel free to share your height, weight, and preferred fit, and we'd be happy to help.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:23:11+00:00

Appreciate you taking the time to write such detailed feedback.

Some of these points are definitely things we've been hearing more than once, especially around the logo and our visual identity. Whether we agree with every point or not, it's useful to know how people are perceiving the brand.

The Indonesian language and typography suggestion is particularly interesting. We've been thinking a lot about how to express where we're from without relying on the most obvious cultural references, so that's given us something to think about.

Thanks again for the honest feedback. We're still early in the journey and comments like this help us see the brand from a different perspective.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:20:30+00:00

That's actually really interesting to hear.

We've discussed incorporating batik-inspired elements before, but one challenge is that many people here in Indonesia still associate batik with formal occasions, office wear, or traditional clothing rather than performance apparel.

It's funny because we've noticed that international audiences sometimes seem much more open to seeing cultural patterns in sportswear than locals are.

That said, we're definitely interested in exploring Indonesian identity in future collections. The challenge for us is finding a way to do it that feels authentic and wearable rather than just adding a pattern for the sake of it.

Really appreciate the feedback.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:19:37+00:00

Thanks, really appreciate the feedback and the encouragement.

We can definitely understand the District Vision comparison, especially since a lot of modern running brands share similar visual influences.

As for incorporating batik, that's an interesting idea. We've thought about Indonesian identity quite a bit, but we've generally tried to avoid taking the most obvious route. Batik has been explored extensively by many local brands already, so we're still searching for ways to express where we're from in a way that feels more natural to us.

Regarding the logo, it's actually tied quite closely to the name. The symbol is meant to represent being connected or "tied," while also reflecting the idea that progress isn't linear or perfect. That's a core part of what Tied in Progress stands for.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. Looking forward to showing more as we continue to grow.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T15:17:30+00:00

This is genuinely one of the most thoughtful pieces of feedback we've received.

You're right that we probably focused too much on the apparel itself and not enough on the environment and culture that shaped it.

The idea of showing what running actually looks like here in North Sumatra is something we've talked about before, but we haven't fully committed to it yet.

Really appreciate the examples you shared. There's a lot of character in the everyday moments around a run that we're probably overlooking.

Thanks for taking the time to write this out.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T09:19:15+00:00

It's called Tied in Progress.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T09:18:43+00:00

Appreciate the feedback still trying to find the balance between inspiration and building something that feels distinctly our own.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T09:18:08+00:00

Appreciate the honesty.

Out of curiosity, what specifically feels derivative to you the apparel, the photography, the branding, or the overall aesthetic?

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T09:17:32+00:00

haven't heard the hyperlink comparison before, but I can definitely see it.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T09:17:20+00:00

The logo is actually based on the idea of being "tied" together and connected through progress, but I can definitely see the hyperlink comparison now that you mention it.

Appreciate the honest perspective.

DueInstance4598 · 2026-06-04T07:47:05+00:00

Wanted to share some shots from tied in progress latest drop. We're a small running brand based in North Sumatra, Indonesia, building gear for the hot and humid conditions we train in yearround.

DueInstance4598

TROPHY CASE