Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2015 -- One hour after launching, Kippo™ shorts was chosen as a Kickstarter Staff Pick. "I feel our story is resonating because Kippo shorts solve a real problem and make working out with your smartphone an elegant, intuitive experience," said founder Mark Kinsley.
The product was first imagined at Wilson's Fitness in Columbia, Missouri when founder Kinsley's smartphone fell out of his pocket and nearly cracked. "I tucked my iPhone inside my underwear waistband on my hip to keep it from getting shattered. That placement was perfect, but my phone was getting sweaty and wasn't easy to access," said Kinsley.
Fast-forward two years and Kippo™ is using the crowdfunding site Kickstarter to launch a line of workout shorts built for people who carry their smartphones.
Kinsley and his team feel that "armbands suck" because they inhibit movement and make it difficult to access smartphones. "During running and strength training many athletes carry a device. We want them to be able to forget about their phone and focus, yet have it within easy reach if it's needed. Clunky straps don't offer that luxury," said Kinsley.
The increasing usage of fitness apps was another driving force behind the creation of Kippo shorts. "Millions of athletes use apps to track workouts. Until now, runners have had to strap something to their bodies or deal with smartphones flopping around inside a standard pocket. Kippo shorts deliver an unmatched experience and we're excited to share it with the world," said Kinsley.
That improved experience begins with a simple, integrated design. The Kippo pocket is so secure athletes can walk on their hands and smartphones won't fall out. Once upright again, pulling out the smartphone is typically faster than reaching inside a standard pocket. "We call it the Kippo pop. Locate the logo with your fingertip, pinch, pop, and pull out your phone. Unlike unstrapping or unzipping, it's fast and easy," said Kinsley.
Kippo shorts address a variety of other issues:
Reduce weight. Strap-on and clip-on accessories add weight and can create discomfort. Most runners and athletes want to travel light and eliminate add-ons.
No more removing your smartphone from its case. A host of armband-style accessories require you take your smartphone out of its case. Kippo shorts work with your existing case. No more delays. No more stopping, removing your smartphone, and transferring it to an armband.
Easy access for emergencies. When something goes wrong, seconds count. If a smartphone isn't accessible at a moment's notice, it can change a situation's outcome. With Kippo shorts, unstrapping or unclipping is a thing of the past. Plus, accessing your phone is faster than reaching inside a standard pocket.
One less item to remember. Instead of searching for armbands, runners and lifters simply put on their shorts and go. "You should never have to delay a workout because you're looking for some accessory to strap-on," said Kinsley.
Kippo shorts are Made in the USA and accommodate a variety of smartphones, including the iPhone 6/5/4, Samsung Galaxy S5/S4/S3, and others. Although Kippo shorts are designed for standard smartphones, most larger phablet-style devices such as the iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will fit.
Visit KippoShorts.com for FAQs and more.
About Kippo
Founded in 2015, Kippo™ is on a mission to make every journey better. The company's first product was a patent-pending workout short built for athletes who carry smartphones and want their device secure and accessible. Kippo launched on Kickstarter where it became a Staff Pick and has future plans to expand its line of athletic wear to support a luxury mobile lifestyle.
Contact:
Mark Kinsley
P: 417-228-0050
E: kipposhorts@gmail.com
http://KippoShorts.com/Kickstarter