Made in America: Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel

Fashion vs. function…the discussion that my wife and I have each time we are shopping for a new piece of furniture, apparel or sporting equipment together. Sometimes the two concepts work cohesively, but often one must be sacrificed over the other. Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel has been able to successfully merge the two concepts together and has a line of cycling clothing that is both functional and fashionable all while being made in America.

Based in Emeryville, California, the entire line of apparel is manufactured across the bay in San Francisco. Mostly geared towards women, the Sheila Moon line of apparel is whimsical and colorful without being ‘fruity’. From active wear clothing and accessories to casual apparel, the Sheila Moon collections are just plain ‘fun’.

The cycling clothing can be worn on a century ride just as easily as it can be worn on a cruiser ride down to the coffee shop for the afternoon – it just looks fashionable. The construction is on par if not better than that of the bigger names in the cycling apparel world. Most of the jerseys have at least one pocket for carrying nourishment or as my wife puts it…a place for her lip gloss. Sheila Moon offers all different styles of tops ranging from tanks to long sleeve jerseys all with the same pattern as the other cycling tops so that a rider can be coordinated if they so desire.

Along with tops, a wide variety of bottoms are also available. The cut of the traditional, padded cycling shorts is a little unique compared to other manufacturers. My wife described the waist as having a ‘yoga’ pants cut – instead of the waistband being straight across, it forms a ‘V’ below the navel area. Along with traditional shorts, Sheila Moon also offers skirts, knickers and padded liners all geared towards on the bike use.

Not only does Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel manufacture cycling tops and bottoms, but they also offer a line of accessories and street wear for those times that you are off of the bike. When the weather turns chilly or a normal summer day in San Francisco, a line of coordinated arm warmers, caps and headbands can help keep you warm while still looking good.

For the men out there, you may have to look elsewhere for your apparel needs. Even though there is a men’s section on the Sheila Moon website, it appears to be only listed under the ’outlet’ link with no new offerings apparent for 2011.

Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel is available at numerous cycling and outdoor retailers around the country. If you do not find one near you, the full line can also be ordered directly from their website. And if you were wondering if there is a real Sheila Moon, do a little search on Facebook…someone appears to be a huge Thor Hoshovd fan!

Sheila Moon Official Website