About Us
Founded in Norway in 2024, DESSARD is dedicated to empowering women in racket sports and golf, with a mission to elevate female athletes and help support their journey towards excellence.
Founded by Chloe Kalvø, a professional squash player with a passion for sportswear, DESSARD was created to fill a gap in high-quality sportswear for female athletes. Chloe’s firsthand knowledge drives our commitment to functional, stylish, and durable apparel designed for women.
DESSARD, The story: ...behind the name
DESSARD is more than just a brand - it’s a tribute to the strong women who have inspired Chloe (founder) throughout her life. The name comes from her mother’s family name, representing generations of resilient, dedicated and passionate women.
... behind the brand, a word from the CEO
“I’ve always had a love for racketsport wear - the cute dresses, the skirts, the way it always gave me that extra bit of confidence on court. But over time, after trying countless brands and styles, I noticed that something often seemed to fall short. Whether it was too short, not comfortable enough, wrong material or just not offering enough options. When I first found something I liked, it was always sold out.
Then, one day, my dad simply asked, ‘Why don’t you start your own brand?’ In that moment, it all clicked. With years of experience as an athlete, I realized I could create the ideal apparel, blending comfort, quality, and style to truly meet the needs of women in racket sports. And that’s how DESSARD was born.”
Brand Vision
To redefine women’s sportswear in racket sports by creating high-performance apparel that meets real needs-while empowering more women and girls to step onto the court with confidence, comfort, and community.
At DESSARD, we envision a world where every woman feels seen, supported, and strong-whether she’s just picking up a racket for the first time or competing at the highest level. Through purposeful design, social impact, and a deep understanding of female athletes, we’re building more than a brand-we’re shaping a movement.
Purpose
Social Responsibility and Support for Women’s Sports
At DESSARD, we’re committed to making a difference. That is why a portion of our profits is dedicated to supporting female athletes and promoting events in racket sports. By investing in both grassroot and at a professional level, we’re helping to create opportunities and inspire the next generation of women in sports.
The first project we want to support is Bangladesh’s project: squash and education scholarships. This is a project that gives girls in Bangladesh the opportunity to get their education for free, as well as they get to play squash.
https://www.worldsquash.org/bangladesh-expands-scholarship-squash-and-education-scholarship-for-girls/
Empowering Women in Racket Sports: Building Healthier, More Inclusive Communities
For too long, many girls and women have felt that some sports just weren’t meant for them. It’s not because they aren’t talented or interested, but it’s often due to cultural expectations, lack of encouragement, or simply not seeing others like them on the court. As a result, far fewer women pick up a racket or join their local sports club, missing out on the fun, fitness, and friendships that come with being active.
We want to change that. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to enjoy racket sports, no matter their background or skill level. It shouldn’t matter if you’re aiming to be a professional, playing on the world’s biggest stages, or just looking for a fun way to stay healthy. Sports can be social, energizing, and a great way to connect with others.
Breaking Down Barriers
Right now, there are still too many barriers standing in the way of women who want to play racket sports. These might include old-fashioned ideas about who “belongs” in sports, fewer local programs to welcome beginners, or even the simple fact that women’s matches don’t get the same attention as men’s, both at the grassroots and professional levels.
Why It Matters
More women enjoying racket sports means more people staying active and healthy, both physically and mentally. It means more friendly matches, more inspiring stories for young girls, and stronger connections in our communities. When we support the growth of women’s sports from the bottom up, we also help raise the profile of women who compete at the highest levels. By celebrating the full spectrum: from local courts to professional championships, we can inspire more girls to dream big.
Our Commitment
Our brand isn’t just about selling clothing, it’s about boosting confidence and helping people feel good when they play. Alongside our products, we aspire to invest in local projects, training sessions, and initiatives that get more women involved at every level of the game. We’re here to show that racket sports can be inviting, supportive, and exciting for everyone, whether you’re just picking up your first racket or striving for the top tier of competition.
Ethics
At DESSARD, we aim to minimise our negative impact on both people and the planet while maintaining a high quality customer experience.
Ethical sourcing and sustainability are core values for DESSARD. Therefore, we have made sure that the manufacturer holds all the proper certifications before choosing where to produce. Bangladesh is recognized as one of the safest manufacturing hubs in the world.
Our manufacturers adhere to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) regulations. This includes equal pay for men and women, a strict prohibition on child labor and normal working hours. All employees can choose to work overtime, and if they do, they are not only entitled to overtime compensation but are also provided with an additional meal.
The workplace is equipped with its own cafeteria, childcare facilities for families, medical services for both work-related and non-work related injuries and illnesses, festival bonuses, earned leave, robust fire safety protocols and “machinery”, fans, air conditioning and more.
The founder personally made the trip down to Bangladesh to check the conditions for herself, and she couldn’t help but observe (and confirm) that 70% of the employees are women. The owner says more women are hired because they are good at their jobs and detail oriented. These are women who are being lifted out of poverty and given the opportunity to earn their own income, regardless of their educational background. We also got confirmed that these women get their salaries on their own bank accounts, knowing this isn’t always the case everywhere.
And last but not least, something that makes the founder personally very proud: this is one of the few factories here that is owned by a woman.
The production of clothing has negative effects on the environment, and it is therefore important to extend the lifespan of a product. That is why we design and produce timeless designs and products that will last.