Apparel | Evolving Consumer

Commuter Jeans

For many commuting by bicycle might be in their genes, but it will be the jeans and much more that cover the riders. Levi’s Commuter clothing line has expanded for the fall, and includes new parkas, tees, woven tops and of course jeans. These offer performance features including water resistance, moisture wicking, reflective accents and greater mobility.

The lineup includes the waterproof Type 2 Commuter parka (MSRP $348), which offers high breathability and heat retention, odor protection tech, drop-tail coverage, touring pockets, and elongated cuffs for partial hand coverage. The 504 Straight 5 Pocket Jean ($98) is a meant for riding. It is made of performance stretch fabric and offers a raised rear yolk to prevent back exposure, while reinforced crotch gusset and utility waistband for U-lock storage make it ideal on the bike while still looking good off it.

The Commuter Pocket Tee ($38) provides a causal look that offers comfort as well. It is made from breathable cotton and has extended raglan sleeves and reflective dots on the lower back for visibility. The Commuter Work Shirt ($88) is ideal for those cool but not cold days, as it has water-repelling and perspiration-absorbing properties, extended tail for back coverage and gusseted shoulders for improved mobility.

Levi Commuter Collection Official Website

Under Armour Arms the USA Olympic Bobsled Team

Riding on a track of ice takes skill but it also takes nerves of steel. While the USA Bobsled team won’t be suited up like Ironman they’ll have another kind of armor. Under Armour has signed on to provide the bodysuits that will help reduce drag for the racers. This includes specialty clothing for the bobsled teams and the skeleton – which is probably the only sport that seems even more crazy that the bobsled!

Under Armour Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Olympic Uniforms From Under Armour]

Transformable Jacket

Let’s face taking a jacket in case you get chilly can be a pain. Sure it is nice to have it when you need it, but what if it actually stays warm. Then you’re stuck with a jacket you need to carry around. The Vamoose solves the problem by transforming from a backpack to a jacket, and it includes plenty of pockets so that stuff you were carrying won’t have to be left behind.

Vamoose also makes a poncho that can transform to tarp or sunshade for quick shelter! Video after the jump

Electra-fied!

The Electra 2 cycling jacket from Louis Garneau will help keep the chill out on those cool days, and if it heats up just a bit the sleeves are detachable and it can quickly convert to a vest. The back is even vented to prevent cyclists from overheating. It features a front two way zipper, as well as chest and back pockets that zip closed to carry that important stuff. There is even a mini-light tab that helps a rider be seen at night.

The Electra 2 is made of Diamond Air fabric that is light and breathable but still can act as a windbreaker, while the Mesh Airdry will wick moisture away. It is a cool jacket for those cool days.

Louis Garneau Electra 2 Jacket Official Website

Swing Into Spring

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but Tommy Hilfiger Golf looks to embrace the colors of spring with its 2014 collection, which is the preppy heritage and energetic spirit at the heart of the Tommy Hilfiger brand.

This includes three new deliveries, the first of which draws inspiration from iconic coastal golf destinations like Monterey Bay, California. Pieces include modern golf classics such as polos and sweaters rendered in a palette of tonal blues and white highlighted by light blue and turquoise accents. This includes classic patterns with nautical stripes, argyle and traditional plaids.

The second the nautical influences of San Francisco, California with tailored pieces featured in a vibrant palette of red, white and royal blue. Touches of modern black, inspired by the city’s distinct architecture, ground the delivery and emphasize the sporty design.

The third is inspired by the country club lifestyle and East Hampton’s renowned prep traditions, with a crisp, sophisticated color palette of kelly green, navy and white modernizes classic silhouettes.

The entire collection features 100 percent polyester fabric that combines style and comfort with moisture wicking capabilities that keep garments dry and provide anti-odor properties essential in a technical garment.

Tommy Hilfiger Golf Official Website

Get Wild

When heading to the wilds you don’t need to do so like a wildling. WILD, a new brand based in Portland, Oregon is look to bring a civilized line of outdoor apparel for those who spend time in the great outdoors. This includes the new Park Place Snap-Front Jacket (above), which is made of synthetic corduroy. It is waterproof – a must in the Pacific Northwest – but is breathable as well. It is just the thing for a wild one who wants to stay warm and dry.

WILD Official Website

Elemental Riding

Plenty of cycling apparel companies offer the latest fabrics, but if you’re looking for a retro look and want the old school Merino wool – with a 21st century twist – then Earth, Wind and Rider might be just the thing for you. The company utilizes 100 percent Australian Merino wool that offers a timeless look. The New Rochelle, NY company even does custom jerseys – complete with a retro look.

Earth, Wind and Rider Official Website

Marvelous Apparel

Burton Snowboards is looking marvelous with its new youth outerwear jacket and pant collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. These feature a an exclusive one-of-a-kind print of Marvel’s Avengers Assemble featuring bold, iconic illustrations of Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye.

While lacking the steel exoskeleton of say Iron Man, this is somewhat superhero worthy in other ways. The line features DRYRIDE weatherproofing and strategically placed Thermacore insulation for super-powered warmth and waterproofing. Aspiring Avengers will also love the jacket’s hidden facemask, removable waist gaiter and extra waterproof welded seams.

Burton x Marvel Boys Youth Jacket and Pant Official Site

adidas Clima Changes Up

Whether or not there is climate change, there is no doubt there is a change of seasons happening and cooler weather means more layers. Adidas has you covered, or rather can help you cover up. The Climawarm+ line for fall and winter allows athletes to focus on performing at their best thanks to the use of advanced hollow fiber technology inspired by polar bear’s fur, as well as the use of C shaped fibers to manage sweat.

This provides athletes with increased warmth without increasing weight, as the use of hollow yarns and THERMOLITE creates thicker fabric and more dead air space, which minimizes heat lost from the body while creating excellent moisture management. Collection Highlights after the jump

Prison Bound – or Not

You might look prison bound with the SZ-55 Selvage Prison Denim Jacket, but these vintage pieces are now ready for the daily commute. Reportedly made in 1955 as an everyday uniforms for those who fought the law (and the law one) these are now available from Makers Riders, and will keep you warm while looking cool on the ride to work.

Makers Riders SZ-55 Selvage Prison Denim Jacket

Uniform Look

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games are just a few months away, and last week the U.S. Freeskiing Team – which will make its Olympic debut – unveiled its uniforms for the big show at an event in New York City.

These custom uniforms were developed by The North Face, and include laser-cut stars on the jacket cuffs and unlike the debacle with the summer uniforms (which we remember were made in China), these will be produced at a Bay Area factory! Continue reading Uniform Look

Giro Hits the Road With New Fall Apparel

Fall is in the air and that means you’re likely going to need another layer or two if you’re planning on putting in any miles on the bike. Giro has expanded its range for those looking to stay on the bike and warm at the same time. This includes new seasonal updates with tops, bottoms and even accessories.

Giro’s Fall 2013 collection is designed for cool as well as wet conditions and includes new ¾ Bib Undershorts that will have the knees covered; a Neo Rain Jacket the promises to the be the “ONE” with its proprietary Stowback pocket system; and the Softsheel Jacket that is made for fall and even winter riding. Details after the jump

World Ready Parka

Winter is coming and Woolrich is ready for it and so much more. As the video below suggests this is more than a jacket it is what you’ll want on “For Whatever the World Throws at You.” The Woolrich Arctic Parka’s protected by Teflon Shield + fabric protector that means this can stand up to a whole lot of nature and more. Dried on mud and dirt can be brushed off, water and oil-based liquids will simply bead-up.

If the world were to end this is the parka you’d want to be wearing. Video after the jump