Women’s Cycling Clothing
Cycling clothing is one of the areas of apparel industry quickly catching up with the latest developments fabric technology and fashion. Owing to the high speed and swift turns that characterize the sport, apparel that can do something for the athlete tops the priority list of the athletes.
Cycling Clothes
In warmer weather jerseys and shorts are used. Usually the shorts fit tightly and extend below the saddle edge. Usually they have a crotch lining to protect the skin against friction. The jersey is a skin-tight apparel with round neckline. It can have pockets in the lower back. In cooler climate arm and leg warmers and tight fitting sleeves are used along with shorts and jerseys. They can be removed if need be. The athlete can also try windproof jackets or sweaters in cooler climates. Gloves for the protection of fingers complete the list. Usually fingerless gloves with leather padded palms and cloth-mesh backs are used.
Points that Top the Priority List
Trends in the cycling apparel industry have been in favor of a delicate combination of technology and comfort. Safety considerations also top the priority list owing to the risk factors involved in high speed cycling. The following points should be taken into account while selecting cycling clothing.
- Light weight clothes to restrict obstructions movement
- Wind proof clothes to minimize effects of wind pressure
- Skin-tight clothes to prevent accidents
- High-tech fabrics for enhanced comfort
- Style.
Fabrics of Cycling Apparel
Earlier the fabric used for making cycling clothing was spandex. These days the revolution of synthetic fibers has spread to cycling apparel as well. Breathable and stretchable fabrics are used in cycling apparel more and more, many of which have anti-microbial and sweat wicking functions. This keeps the athlete comfortable throughout the race and helps put in the maximum effort. Treviro microfiber and resistex carbon are examples.
Fashion and Style
Women’s cycling clothing used to be a replica of men’s. But the emerging trends in the market have been in favor constituting a distinctive collection of women’s apparel which caters to the fashion consciousness as well. More and more designer outfits flood the market these days. Most of these items are weather proof and out last wear and tear.
General Trends
General trends in the cycling apparel industry include the following:
- Wide range of colors from blacks and khakis to brighter pinks and oranges
- Relaxed outfits in addition to the skin-tight versions
- Mesh-tees with bright floral patterns
- Additional features like pouches and pockets.
Reference: Effective Cycling. By John Forester.MIT Press, 2001.