Apparel | Evolving Consumer

Change of Color

The military has long looked to develop superior camouflage, but typically the only method of changing the color was to have it be two sided – thus summer green on one side with the browns and oranges on the other. This year Cabela’s worked to develop ColorPhase, which the company noted is the world’s first camouflage clothing to be printed with rapid-change, temperature-activated dye.

What this means is that when it is warm outside the fabric remains mostly green, but as the temperature drops below about 65ºF (18ºC) it starts to change to brown. ColorPhase isn’t limited to just the jacket and also includes caps, gloves, pants and shirts. Continue reading Change of Color

Assos Brings Lighter Bibs

Some cyclists swear by bibs, and Assos is looking to ring in the New Year Year with the new s7 line, the first update to the Swiss brand’s bibs in six years. The new line, which includes four models, is designed to be lighter and features fewer seams. It has softer compression and is designed to be even more breathable, which should be ideal on those long rides next year.

Assos s7 Official Website

Retro Replicas

Italian clothing brand is going back in time with a line of replica jerseys. These will be made in Italy with 100 percent merino wool. This is fitting as the company launched in the late 1930s with a line of homemade cycling attire. Now 80 years later the company has launched the Authentic line, and has launched an e-commerce site to sell the jerseys. We hope to see more cyclists donning these retro jerseys in the New Year.

De Marchi Official Website

The Devereux Collection Goes Contemporary

Robert and Will Brunner, brothers and avid golfers, have introduced the Devereux collection of premium-quality modern menswear aimed for the avid golfer’s lifestyle. The attire is tailored to move seamlessly from the workday to the weekend, providing elegance and versatility. It was created to be simple-yet-sophisticated, with clean modern styles that are designed to fit properly and inspire performance – on and off the golf course. Continue reading The Devereux Collection Goes Contemporary

Under the Hoodie

The Zurich AP series, Merino softshell hoodie will do more than just keep you warm on a cold day. This one is designed for high activity, and features single welt hand-warmer pockets, rear zipper pocket and semi-fitted hood. Yeah, it will keep you warm, but it will do so in style. It features a 4-way stretch nylon shell with soft Merino wool lining. It feels so good you might look forward to working out in the cold.

Mission Workshop The Zurich official Website

Hot Pants

Staying warm in cold weather isn’t easy, especially on a bike where movement creates wind. DirtBaggies has a solution and it is looking to help warm up the pants. The company is looking to develop a line of winter-purpose thermal liners.

DirtBaggies has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help get things cooking. These American made bibs feature stretchy, single-sided, wicking fleece on the legs. These are already successfully funded and will begin shipping January with a knicker and standard short lengths in all sizes. Video after the jump

Holiday Gift Guide: One Bad Looking Jacket

Badlands have released its new EXO rain series, which includes the Badlands EXO Jacket. Designed for those who will head out to hunt in all conditions, according to the company this jacket is designed repel water better than a seasoned sea otter’s pelt. It also contains 4-X scent containment technology thanks to a Dupont Repel DWR-treated polyester layer. This stops the water from coming in and the wearer’s scent from going out.

Not a bad idea.

Badlands EXO Jacket Official Website

Adventure Pants

While there is no shortage of apparel for men looking to heading out on adventure, women tend not to have as many options. However, for Próis will introduce the new line of Adventure Pants, which are ideal for a day at the range or a on safari. These are built with comfort in mind as much as function and versatility, and were created by women for women.

These aren’t baggy or bulky like downsized men’s pants, nor tight and awkward like up-sized pants for the kids. Instead these fit at a women’s natural waist with room in the hips and thighs for normal mobility, while deep front pockets and convenient back pockets with zippered closures will keep small gear and valuables like extra shells, tags or hunting licenses safe and within reach at all time. Constructed from 100 percent polyester/spandex blend, these are exceptionally lightweight stretchable athletic pants that will move right along with the wearer wherever the adventure goes.

Próis Hunting Official Website

SHOT Show Preview: The Shirt Says it All

If you have a sport shooter in the family then you might know that ammunition has been hard to come by. Outdoor apparel maker Buck Wear is introducing a new line of shirts highlighting this fact at next month’s SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show). The new “Get Some” shirt features the well-recognized Buck Wear logo along with the stylish design that should appeal to hunters and sport shooters.

Buck Wear Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: The Glove For the Touch(Screen)

Nobody likes cold hands, but using a touchscreen in the winter often remains exposing the digits to the cold. That is unless you have gloves that are touchscreen compatible.

Dutch glove brand Mujjo has just launched a double-insulated knitted cycling glove in time for the holidays and it is designed with touchscreen devices in mind. It also includes an extra layer of wool to provide insulation along with a soft touch. It features silicone rip dot patterns on the palms for grip so you don’t have to worry about dropping that expensive gizmo or gadget. A leather strap crosses over a notch on the wrist also helps keep the wind and cold out.

Mujjo Official Website

G-Loves Keeps Hands Callus-Free

We’ve used gloves at the gym for years. And we’ve seen more and more gloves for yoga. Now there’s a pair of gloves that are as adept at weight training as a yoga class. G-Loves have padding and slip-proof spots where necessary to suit your fitness routines, and protect your hands. Continue reading G-Loves Keeps Hands Callus-Free

Burton Reveals Olympic Snowboard Kit

The U.S. Snowboarding Team will be sporting a line of apparel from Vermont-based Burton at next year’s 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. The look is rather raggedy to us, but as the company noted, “snowboarding is such an individual sport,” and the uniform certain has an individual look!

The uniform won’t be available for purchase the company noted, but Burton will offer hoodies, t-shirts and accessories that feature prints and artwork inspired by the styles. Frankly, we’ll pass! We wish our Olympic athletes all the best in their efforts to go for the gold, but we wish they’d be wearing something that didn’t make them look like hobos on the slopes!

[Via WWD: Burton Unveils U.S. Olympic Snowboard Look]

Brake Light Jacket

We’ve seen a real trend this year in cycling clothing that integrates lights, and the latest is the Eclaireur jacket from Esthete, which features integrated LEDs that can shine the way and even allow the rider to be seen. It further offers black reflective stripes and a removable yellow armstrap.

The jacket is designed to be stylish and low key when wearing around town, but can light it up to ensure a safe ride home after the sun goes down. Continue reading Brake Light Jacket