Category: Apparel

Outerwear Goes Beyond with Custom Fit Gear

Last year I ordered a jacket for outdoor wear. I looked at the measurements, and thought I’m in between sizes. I decided to err on the larger side since I knew I’d be wearing layers to keep me warm. Even with my bulkiest sweater, I swim in this jacket. Outerwear company Beyond aims to give you the perfect fit, even with online orders. The company has you fill out a form with all your measurements and custom makes the garment to fit you. That’s better than you’ll get, even in a brick-and-mortar store.

This fall Beyond will offer its Baker Jacket. The jacket is both waterproof and insulated. It has a 2.5 Layer waterproof, breathable shell using PrimaLoft ONE insulation. PrimaLoft ONE insulation is a warm, soft and packable grade of water-resistant thermal insulation.

The basic configuration of the jacket comes with a two-way zipper and large zippered hand pockets. It also comes with a hip shock cord.

In addition to the custom-fit size, certain features of the jacket are customizable. Options include a ripstop, encapsulated ripstop or waterproof and breathable fabric; pit zips to let air in; elastic or laser cut Velcro cuffs; a permanently attached hood and mesh inner hanging pocket. The custom sizing and configuration options make the Baker Jacket yours. The base price is $450.

Beyond Clothing Official Website

Look Inside Nike Sustainability

Last week Nike released its Sustainable Business Performance Summary, in interactive form. This report is meant for consumer consumption and really illustrates the efforts the company is making to reduce, reuse, recycle and be responsible. It’s worth taking a look.

Upon loading the site you use the scroll wheel on your mouse to make the action start. As you scroll, a runner picks up speed across the screen. Scroll backwards and she runs backwards. Take a peek.

Nike Responsibility Report
[via: TriplePundit: Nike Challenges Customers to Design Their Own Virtual Green Athletic Wear]

Point6 Shows its Fall Line of Merino Wool Socks

The average sock is made from synthetic fibers. But a good, premium sock is often made from wool, and preferably merino wool. The truth is that synthetic fibers are constructed to mimic the properties of natural fibers, often wool. A good wool will provide cushioning, where intended, and wick moisture from your skin.

Those are some of the properties Point6 counts on when it constructs its premium wool socks. The company adds durability among its claims, too, and they’re made in America. Point6 just released details for its fall 2012 line, and we thought we’d share some of the goods coming out in the fall. Continue reading Point6 Shows its Fall Line of Merino Wool Socks

Obama Receives Custom Kicks from New Balance to Highlight Domestically Produced Goods

Being the president of the United States comes with the good and bad (although it seems like more bad than good, these days) but put this in the former. President Barack Obama received a pair of custom-made gray New Balance 990 running shoes, embroidered with “President” on the left shoe and “Obama” on the right. The president received the size 12D shoes at a campaign fundraiser at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine.

But the shoes came with a catch, of sorts. They were presented to him by Maine Representative Mike Michaud of the Second Congressional District, who is urging the president to require the Department of Defense to give service members shoes produced in the U.S. Boston-based New Balance makes shoes in three factories in Michaud’s home state, however the law does not require the DOD to buy footwear that are domestically made.

Obama’s new kicks were handmade in New Balance’s Norridgewock factory in Maine by 32 craftsmen. The 990 is the company’s longest-produced running shoe made in the U.S. They also say “Handmade in the United States.” No word,  yet, if the president has been seen sporting his new runners.

Kennebec Journal: New Balance Team Crafts Presidential Running Shoes

Review: König Classique Jersey from Solo Cycle Clothing

Cyclists are odd people. We like to support our favorite professional racer, team or country, but many of us shy away from wearing the team jersey or kit since we do not actually race for them. This certainly isn’t the case with fans of other professional sports teams, especially football and baseball. If the local pro team is in the play-offs, it is tough to go anywhere without seeing their colors and jerseys draped on the backs of their loyal fans.

So how does a cyclist still show their support?

A number of companies are producing jerseys that are ‘influenced’ by the rich heritage of professional cyclists or regions. These jersey designs are stylishly designed and colorful without being a rolling billboard for a company or team. Since 2005, Solo Cycle Clothing, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is one such company producing these retro looking jerseys and they are introducing their wears to the U.S. market. We recently had a chance to look at their König Jersey and take it out for some test rides. Continue reading Review: König Classique Jersey from Solo Cycle Clothing

Finish Line and Special Olympics Form Partnership

Athletic shoe, apparel and accessory maker Finish Line just formed a multi-year partnership with the Special Olympics. Finish Line will provide support for the Special Olympics, and become the only national sponsor of the TRAIN Athlete Sports Assessment program, and also support for the Nutrition Education Program that’s part of the athletic event. Continue reading Finish Line and Special Olympics Form Partnership

G-Form Intros Three New Protective Gear Garments

Suiting up for a sport takes on a whole new meaning when you’re talking about slipping into G-Form protective apparel. The flexible yet strong padding withstands a surprising amount of impact. Now there’s three new garments in the G-Form line to help keep you covered when out on the field, trail, or wherever your activities take you. G-Form just introduced the Sternum Shirt, Crash Shorts and Protective Compression Shirt. Continue reading G-Form Intros Three New Protective Gear Garments

Hands On: UVSunSense Monitoring Wristband

With summer approaching, we’re looking to ways to cover up and protect our skin from the harmful rays as much as we’re looking forward to spending some time in the sun. One product that helps us gauge how long we’ve been in the sun, and tells us when we’re at risk, is UVSunSense Monitoring Bands. These bands are plastic strips you put on like a bracelet, and apply sunscreen to when you apply to your skin. This strip then works as a timer to let you know when to reapply, and simply when you’ve had enough time in the sun. Continue reading Hands On: UVSunSense Monitoring Wristband

Smart Uniforms

For centuries British soldiers have wanted to look smart with their dress uniforms. But now the British army is experimenting with a different type of smart uniform, one that actually includes not smart looking fabrics, but rather actually smart fabrics that could include electrically conducting yarn woven directly into the clothing.

The result would be that there would no longer be the need to use cumbersome batteries and integrate cabling. Instead these “e-textiles”, as it is called in the concept stage, would actually offer uniforms a single, central power source. The biggest benefit of this would be that it could enable soldiers to recharge just one battery instead of having to manage many, and further reduce the total number of cables in their kit for higher efficiency. This could result in a lighter weight uniform, but also allow for electronic devices to simply be attached and powered up.

And this could certainly have advantages for civilian products as well. Imagine an outfit that would be attached to all your gizmos and gadgets. Smart attired indeed.

Martin Golf Swings Out Fall 2012 Collection

Spring is barely in the air for parts of the country, and after record highs cooler temperatures have returned to remind us that it is still only the first week of April, but golf industry icon Rick Martin has introduced the new Fall 2012 collection from martin Golf Apparel. Continue reading Martin Golf Swings Out Fall 2012 Collection

Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks

Compression technology has been gaining ground among athletes. Cyclists in the Tour de France (and all other bike races) use compression garments for recovery. Garments are also being worn for wear during competition and training. Runners and triathletes are also wearing the tight-fitting garments on runs and in competition. I was looking forward to trying a pair of Running Compression Socks after picking up a sample at SIA Snowshow in January. Yes, it’s taken me a while to test and then get my thoughts down.

I got the hot pink sock in a medium. The circumference of your calves determines the size. That’s where you get some of the real compression benefits. On the Classic model of the Running Compression Socks there’s fairly uniform compression up the leg and additional texture compression throughout the foot. Continue reading Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks