Gaiam, the line that’s fed the yoga pants appetite of women in and out of the yoga studio, has expanded its line to include men. The yoga and fitness brand is introducing a range of garments designed specifically designed for me. Gaiam is also launching a line of yoga kits to help the at-home yogi, as well as those heading to classes. Continue reading Gaiam Caters to Men
Category: Apparel
Shower Cap
The new eVent Cap by Showers Pass isn’t meant to replace a helmet while cycling, but it can help keep riders a little warmer in the early spring riding. This cap is made of the same material as the company’s waterproof yet breathable shell jackets, and thus can not only keep the rider’s head warm but dry as well.
Ego Builder
While few outside the comic books have anything close to resembling super powers the Under Armour line of Alter Ego Baselayer apparel can help instill a little extra confidence. Not only will let you wear a super hero like costume under your clothing but it features this compression wear offers HeatGear Sonic fabric to help you stay heated up. With ultimate power comes that ultimate responsibility and all that…
Puma Gets Active
Last month we reported that clothing maker Puma had created a line of biodegradable apparel. Now Puma is looking to help wearers get active and stay active with the ACTV RCVR system, which fuses compression strips of elasticized silicone tape strategically on an athlete’s skin to mimic muscle support. This works much like traditional athletic tape but in the fabric itself. We consider this one to be an “active fit.”
ION Grips Cycling
German glove maker ION has introduced its new bike gloves for spring. These include the Path, Ledge and Wisp and each model features “digital tips” that can work with touchscreen-enabled devices. ION has placed the tips on the actual tips of the fingers to make use with touchscreens a little easier.
The Path and Wisp are designed for off-road riding and for men and women respectively, while the Ledge model is for endure and gravity-oriented riders. All three models feature pre-curved fingers while the inner palm and inside panels of the gloves are made of “holy_cow” synthetic leather.
Made in America: Simple and Standard
Not everyone wants to go for a ride looking like they’re ready to race from Paris to Nice, Paris to Tours or Paris to wherever else. Nor do those weekend riders even want to flags, logos or other art. Sometimes simple is best. And that’s the idea behind the Twin Six new subdued Standard apparel line. What is standard about these jerseys is that these are made of Prime T6 fabric and offer UPF of 28+ to protect from the sun, while the Moisture Transport wicking technology will help keep riders drive.
These American made jerseys further feature full zips, three rear pockets and silicone waist grippers. These relaxed race fit jerseys are subtle in looks but very ride friendly.
Sun Screen
Many cyclists know to pile on the actual sun screen before heading out for a ride, but the truth is that many jerseys don’t actually offer protection from the sun, meaning it is possible to get burned even under the shirt. Specialized new apparel line will however feature Deflect UV technology that has been integrated into the weave of the fabric, while still being breathable and chemical free. Best of all it won’t ever wear off.
The garments will have a minimum of UPF 30 and up to UPF 50 protection rating, and each garment is labeled with its exact rating.
Weekend Reading List (03.23.2013): Social Madness, Breathe Right, Drink Up, Under Wear It
Social Madness
From Sports Techie: March Madness Bracket Based on Each Team’s Social Media Prowess
There are many ways to fill out a bracket. Some die-hard college basketball fans have watched as many games as they can during the season and are confident in filling out their bracket based on their own knowledge. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.23.2013): Social Madness, Breathe Right, Drink Up, Under Wear It
Jeans Were Made for Cycling
We don’t normally think of jeans as being something purpose built for cycling, but the Levi 511 Commuter Jeans are designed to offer a slim fit that sits below the waist. These feature a higher back rise, reflective 3M Scotchlite tape on interior cuffs, and even U-Lock storage on the waistband. These further offer a double-layered seat and back pockets for those who looking to ride to work and don’t want to be decked out in weekend race garb.
Three Times a Lady
There were so many ways to go with the news about this new women’s specific jersey. We didn’t know whether to reference Tom Jones’ “She a Lady,” Lionel Richie’s “Lady” or Areosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” so we’re mentioning all three (four if you count the Commodores reference in the title).
The Assos ladyEllisee limited edition cycling jersey is only available for this season.
It is engineered for an anatomically correct fit and is ergonomically pre-shaped for the female body – so that lady riders won’t look like dudes (that’s the Areosmith reference – OK, we admit we got it backward). But anyone who sees someone wearing this short sleeve jersey, which features Assos Plasma fabric that offers better contouring, will surely know “She’s a Lady” (there’s the Tom Jones’ reference), even from a distance.
Our advice to those male riders who look to be that knight in shining armor and say “I Love You” (so that we can get in that Lionel Ritchie reference), is to get this jersey for that special riding partner. References accomplished!
ThermoSuit Up
Spring is around the corner but that doesn’t mean it will be warm and sunny right away. No, we’ll have to deal with those “warmer” days – which could still mean rides in the 40s (or worse). If you’re itching to get out on the road instead of back on the trainer just bundle up a bit.
The Sanremo Thermosuit from Castelli is meant for those mild and damp, cool and damp and even cold and wintery days. It is designed for those times when the weather ranges from around 37.4 degrees F (3 degrees C) to 59.0 degrees F (15 degrees C) – in other words the kind of weather much of the country experiences in March and well into April.
This single piece cycling suit features windstoper x-lite plus stretch fabric that is windproof and splash resistant, while the back offers thermoflex core due fabric for high breathability. The suit offers rear reflective tabs to help you be seen on those gray or dark days, while there are even three rear pockets for stashing those can’t-leave-at-home items.
If you can’t wait for summer the Sanremo Thermosuit will help you go the distance.
Road Wear
Cycling attire looks great when you’re riding a bike. However, as we’ve long noted what might look good on the bike looks anything but good off the bike, and utterly inappropriate at work. While cycling shorts have really no place at the office, neither does a team jersey.
We’ve seen some efforts to make office friendly shoes and now Giro’s New Road Apparel is a line of commuter garb that will be fine for the work place beyond casual Friday. This line features Merino wool, which is breathable and stretchy, and a design that will be good on the bike and good on the office. The lineup includes different layers as well so you can be sure to dress appropriately as you ride to work.
Light Jacket
Having a light jacket on a cool day is never a bad idea, but having a jacket that can light up is a great idea for those who run or cycle after dark. The Badger 360° LED Jacket incorporates small LED technology to help illuminate the jacket to ensure that wearer’s can be seen.
The creators – who have launched a Kickstarter campaign to develop the jacket – have embedded it with LED string that is low current, waterproof and flexible. In addition this jacket is made of polyester material that can help wick away moisture, while providing multiple pockets for mobile phone, ID and other can’t leave at home ideas. The hood of the jacket can be tucked away when not in use. And since batteries do run down, there are even reflective stripes along the zipper.
Best of this jacket is even waterproof – and once you remove the battery – it can be submerged in water to be washed. Video after the jump