a question for cyclists about cycle wear.(fashion)

Iskandar von Steuben

to all those who cycle and are excited about cycling... i am a fashion student doing a research project to find out what cyclists want in terms of clothing. (sorry this is a bit weird but this is really the only way i can ask these questions and get a large range of feed back)
-1- in terms of clothing for cycling in general, what is missing?
-2- what would you like to see in shops?
-3- a very particular question... if a stylized and experimental total look or range of commercial clothing/gear was available would you be likely to buy a garment or look?
-4- would you like to see more fashionable cycle clothing that can be versatile and integrated into your lifestyle? (so something that can be worn not only when cycling but also when in a social and public setting)
-5- if there was cycle gear(clothing) that was to follow the 'trend' of showing more skin.(( so kind like 'less is more' ) so for example a garment such as shorts or a shirt would have thoughtfully placed holes or missing elements to expose parts of the wearers body. things like an opening on the chest of a shirt to show off a mans pecs, or a large opening or vent across the shoulders, these examples in particular are to draw focus to masculine parts of the male body there for emphasizing the viewed masculinity of the wearer.) does this intrigue you? would the idea of these garments interest you? do you think you would be likely to purchase a garment that has elements of this 'trend'?

lawrences

I hope this post is a joke.

Cycling around in skintight lycra with my nipples peaking out isn't go to re-inforce an image as a masculine man. It's also going to leave me nippleless if I come off.

Fashion and cycling clothing don't mix unless you're looking at retro cycling jerseys.
Sports clothes are for training not for prancing about looking "fashionable" in.

Bike Radar

I'd suggest that you start by finding out what people expect from their clothing. For my money function is more important than form. Personally, I wouldn't dream of wearing anything from your item no 5. Others may have different opinions.

ben@31

Number -4- is what I think is missing the most and is what I want to see more of. From my experience, lycra bib shorts and jerseys that are comfortable and practical for cycling are not a good look for walking around the shops and sitting in cafes or bars after getting there by bike, I feel I look stupid.

Number -5- is the most funniest thing I've read on this forum. It makes me think of Sacha Baron Cohen's film, Brüno. Please don't do it.

bikingjohn

Iskandar von Steuben wrote:

to all those who cycle and are excited about cycling... i am a fashion student doing a research project to find out what cyclists want in terms of clothing. (sorry this is a bit weird but this is really the only way i can ask these questions and get a large range of feed back)
-1- in terms of clothing for cycling in general, what is missing?
-2- what would you like to see in shops?
-3- a very particular question... if a stylized and experimental total look or range of commercial clothing/gear was available would you be likely to buy a garment or look?
-4- would you like to see more fashionable cycle clothing that can be versatile and integrated into your lifestyle? (so something that can be worn not only when cycling but also when in a social and public setting)
-5- if there was cycle gear(clothing) that was to follow the 'trend' of showing more skin.(( so kind like 'less is more' ) so for example a garment such as shorts or a shirt would have thoughtfully placed holes or missing elements to expose parts of the wearers body. things like an opening on the chest of a shirt to show off a mans pecs, or a large opening or vent across the shoulders, these examples in particular are to draw focus to masculine parts of the male body there for emphasizing the viewed masculinity of the wearer.) does this intrigue you? would the idea of these garments interest you? do you think you would be likely to purchase a garment that has elements of this 'trend'?

1. colors; styles for a bit more casual riding.
2. clothing on models, just like any boutique does.
3. hard to tell...
4. yes, definitely. Currently the closest are those for fixies...
5. no.

MisterMuncher

Yes. What my cycling gear is missing is a way to channel the wind right across my vitals, whilst flapping like a mailbag on a barbed wire fence.

Cycling gear isn't the shape it is and composed of the materials used simply by accident. The form follows the function. Major design departures that make it less practical won't win any fans regardless of trends.

ernestovicencio

I wish i could find a cute skin suit to match my UGG boots..

but seriously, I wish cycling "sport" glasses were made larger. I have a huge dome for a head and these tiny glasses only make it look more gargantuas.

silverpigeon

Jesus! Cycling really is becoming the new golf.

Iskandar von Steuben wrote:

if a stylized and experimental total look...

And what does that even mean?

rodgers73

ben@31 wrote:

Number -4- is what I think is missing the most and is what I want to see more of. From my experience, lycra bib shorts and jerseys that are comfortable and practical for cycling are not a good look for walking around the shops and sitting in cafes or bars after getting there by bike, I feel I look stupid.

You're kidding right? Women love this gear. It makes me laugh to think how many times I've heard them moan about men talking to their chest when they do nothing but stare at your crotch when out in Lycra!

Pituophis

In the pub, men in football tops look like chavs. Men in cycling gear would look like rent boys :shock:

Maybe tops with a little extra material around the "pot belly" area would be a good idea :oops:

slowbike

ben@31 wrote:

Number -4- is what I think is missing the most and is what I want to see more of. From my experience, lycra bib shorts and jerseys that are comfortable and practical for cycling are not a good look for walking around the shops and sitting in cafes or bars after getting there by bike, I feel I look stupid.

I've got some walking trousers with poppers fitted to the cuff - padded shorts underneath and do the poppers up whilst on the bike ...

meesterbond

Do you want this man showing off his pecs? Do you? Do you?



Or something that'll show off this man's guns perhaps?



As a middle-aged man, I look quite ridiculous enough in lycra already without having kit with holes in it. For that reason, I'm out.

thegreatdivide

Lol @ #5

# 4 has already been addressed by Giro's 'New Road Line' - you snooze you lose.

AchillesLeftKnee

Hmm, well...

Personally, I don't see any appeal in clothing that works both off the bike and on the bike. I don't cycle for transport, and apart from gentle potters with the missus, I return from said rides drenched in sweat, and quite possibly well and truly rained on and covered in mud as well. Consequently, the priority after the event is a wash and a change of clothing.

As for revealing holes, I'll give that a miss if at all possible. Road cycling clothing leaves very little to the imagination as it is, and whilst I can deal with the idea of covering my back end in friction reducing cream, then heading out in public 'commando' in lycra to work up a sweat in a bent over position in the close proximity of other men for the sake of sporting function, doing the same with "come and get it!" holes in the clothing is a whole new level of unintentional homo-eroticism that I have no desire to explore.

Of course, that's not to say some wouldn't go for it, so there might be a market. Also, for strictly artistic reasons, a range of ladies clothing with said additional holes might improve the visual elements of cycling. Strictly artistic reasons, though. Honestly.

snoopsmydogg

Iskandar von Steuben wrote:

-1- in terms of clothing for cycling in general, what is missing?
-2- what would you like to see in shops?
-3- a very particular question... if a stylized and experimental total look or range of commercial clothing/gear was available would you be likely to buy a garment or look?
-4- would you like to see more fashionable cycle clothing that can be versatile and integrated into your lifestyle? (so something that can be worn not only when cycling but also when in a social and public setting)
-5- if there was cycle gear(clothing) that was to follow the 'trend' of showing more skin.(( so kind like 'less is more' ) so for example a garment such as shorts or a shirt would have thoughtfully placed holes or missing elements to expose parts of the wearers body. things like an opening on the chest of a shirt to show off a mans pecs, or a large opening or vent across the shoulders, these examples in particular are to draw focus to masculine parts of the male body there for emphasizing the viewed masculinity of the wearer.) does this intrigue you? would the idea of these garments interest you? do you think you would be likely to purchase a garment that has elements of this 'trend'?

1 - no idea
2 - items to purchase
3 - ? in english please
4 - there already is just not from lycra but then that is built for purpose.
5 - no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no