Margot McGovern finds casual clothes for the discerning everyday rider.
For some, bike riding is an athletic pursuit. For others it’s an opportunity to veer off the beaten track and explore undiscovered landscapes. But for many, bikes are simply a fun and easy way to get around town. For those who ride for the convenience, finding clothing to wear that’s practical and comfortable on the bike but also looks good both in the saddle and on the street can be a challenge.
There’s no shortage of technical cycling gear available. However, while padded knicks and seam-sealed all-weather gear are practical and make for a comfortable ride, they’re really only suitable while you’re pedalling. If you’re riding to work or somewhere that you’re expected to look smart, it means packing an extra set of clothes and having to change at your destination, which can be a hassle. For someone like me with a shortish, flat commute it’s the equivalent of donning hiking boots and packing a walking pole and trail mix for a casual stroll.
On the flip side, most casual and work garments aren’t designed for riding a bike. They can be restrictive and delicate (and may get smelly). They often don’t breathe well and have seams in awkward places. In short, they’re uncomfortable and have you arrive at your destination sweaty and chafing.
What’s needed is a middle ground: clothes that are technical yet trendy. Over the past few years there’s been a rapidly growing range of such apparel for men, which Ride On has previously covered (rideonmagazine.com.au/dress-to-impress). However, true to form, it’s taken the bike industry some time to realise that women also want to join the fun. Fortunately, there are now a growing number of brands offering bike and style friendly clothes for women. Many of these brands are based overseas, with labels like Vulpine leading the charge. Closer to home, CycleStyle is a household name among the velo chic, while new labels, such as Bago Studio, are springing up too.
The pieces included here are intended as a sampling of what’s available rather than a comprehensive guide and represent a range of tastes and styles, from Vulpine’s simple pants and t-shirt combination to the old-world glamour of Leota’s Ilana dress, to the innovative reflective detailing in Betabrand’s shirt dress.
Quick Study Classic Dress
US$210
The little black dress is a wardrobe staple—classic, timeless and versatile. Now US label Quick Study have made the LBD even more of a must-have by reimagining it for the bike. The Classic Dress is long-sleeved with a fitted, princess-seamed bodice and A-line skirt. It features front and back panels lined with recycled polyester wicking pique treated with ChitoSante, which fights bacteria growth, discolouration and odour. The fabric also has some stretch to allow freedom of arm and leg movement on the bike. Two front bodice pockets in black wicking mesh and chocolate wool are large enough to hold your smart phone, keys and wallet while you ride and give the dress a stylish, geometric look. The dress also has a banded hem line to prevent the skirt flying up in the breeze. Sleek and refined, this is a dress that’s as suited for your morning commute as it is for the office or a night on the town. The Classic Dress is also available in a limited edition, sea green vintage-wool blend, which will keep you snug and warm on chilly rides.
www.quickstudyclothing.com
Betabrand Red/Blue Reflective Shirt-dress
US$118
The shirt-dress has long been a wardrobe staple. It’s neat and comfortable and can be accessorised for the office or weekend brunches. Now it’s an ideal garment for a casual ride as well. By day, the Betabrand Shirt-Dress appears to be a regular shirt-dress, but at night reflective fibres woven into the check light up in car headlights. The dress also features adjustable button-up side loops to customise the fit, and off the bike, it’s ideal for pairing with your favourite jackets and cardis. It is, however, relatively short, with a small split at the front after the last button, so for the modestly-minded, it is best paired with tights. The Betabrand Reflective Shirt-dress is a breezy and bright outfit for day or night.
www.betabrand.com
Leota Ilana Dress
US$220
Leota is a New York brand that asks: why can’t a girl be active and glamorous? The Ilana dress combines a touch of old Hollywood with the practicality of 21st century urban life. While not a bike-specific garment, the Ilana is designed for women on the move, and the Jaquard Knit fabric offers ample stretch, while wicking away sweat. The scooped back is elegant
and maximises breathability (just don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you head out), while the skirt, falling just below the knee, ensures that modesty is preserved while pedalling. Leota specialise in gorgeous vintage prints and the Ilana is available in a range of
eye-catching patterns. Finally a stylish, figure-flattering dress that’s as comfy
and practical as your yoga pants. leota.com
Bago Studio Army Acid Racer Back Dress
$129
Brisbane-based Bago Studio specialises in limited-edition eye-catching prints, with all garments designed and sewn locally. Made from 57% bamboo fibre and 43% wicking polyester, the Army Acid racer back dress is light, bright and breathable. A relaxed fit combined with the knit weave of the fabric allows for some stretch and freedom of movement and a hidden side pocket offers a safe spot to stash your valuables while you’re rolling. The racer back gives the dress a sporty yet casual look and the skirt is cut to finish just above the knee, allowing
for modesty without risk of the hem getting greasy or caught in your chain. The Army Acid Racer Back Dress is a fresh new look for summer and can be paired with layers to add a touch of colour on dreary winter days.
www.bagostudio.com.au
RAINRAP Hooded Rain Cape
$69.95
For those of us who still harbour a secret love of fairy tales (or playing Jedi Knights), the RAINRAP Hooded Rain Cape is just the ticket to add a little whimsy to a drizzly commute. Available in a range of colour combinations, the cape is reversible and one size fits most. In fact, it will cover you and your handbag or backpack, which is more than can be said for most rain coats. For me, standing tall at 169cm, the 63.5cm drape at the rear was more than ample to protect my backside from road spray. I did have some trouble keeping the hood in place, however it was plenty big enough to cover my skate helmet. The cape also comes in a handy pouch (24.5cm x 21.5cm) for convenient storage in your handbag or pannier.
The RAINRAP is thin and light, so I was a little dubious as to how it would perform out in the elements. Fortunately, Melbourne’s ever changeable weather soon gave me the opportunity to test this out, and the RAINRAP performed remarkably well. Not only did it keep my top half protected in an unexpected deluge, it was dry after ten minutes draped on the back of my office chair.
cyclestyle.com.au
Vulpine Classic Dri-release T-shirt
£40
From a distance, the Vulpine Women’s Classic Dri-release T-shirt may not look like much—a t-shirt is a t-shirt, right? But Vulpine has a reputation for making tough, versatile gear that looks good and rides well, and the Classic Dri-release T-shirt is no exception. It’s fitted without being clingy, making it an excellent baselayer or stand-alone piece. From the front it looks like a regular tee, but curves down at the rear like a cycling jersey to keep your backside covered while you ride. The branding is subtle, and the care instructions are printed on the inside to eliminate the need for scratchy tags.
However, what I really love about this t-shirt is the Dri-release fabric. It’s relatively light and breathable, without being flimsy, and, best of all, it doesn’t pong. It also dries fast. I know this because I quickly got in the habit of washing it out when I arrived home from work and hanging it out to dry for the next day. An essential staple for every casual rider’s wardrobe.
www.vulpine.cc
Vulpine Women’s Summer Trousers
£80
With Vulpine gear, the devil is in the details, and what beautiful details they are. The Women’s Summer Trousers have a higher waist at the back to prevent unwanted breezes and sun creeping through the dreaded shirt–pant gap. The two front pockets are zippered, for safe storage of small valuables, and there’s a button on the right ankle for securing excess pant flap so that you don’t get tangled in the chain as you ride. The seams are also cut to allow for easy bending at the knees and with a hidden diamond gusset at the crotch, for added comfort. Cool and comfortable, these dressy, lightweight trousers are ideal for early spring through to late autumn rides.
www.vulpine.cc
Georgia in Dublin Leggits
€45–50
Some days it’s just plain mucky, and riding in non-technical gear is going to result in sodden socks or mud-splattered tights. But technical gear can still be stylish. Georgia in Dublin is one brand that does wet weather gear with gentrified flair. If you dream of turning a wintry commute into a Gothic romance, this is the label for you. Leggits won’t just keep your feet dry; they’ll protect your lower legs as well, and they score bonus points for using bike tube to hold the shoe in place beneath the toe. They secure with a full-length Velcro strip and four Velcro straps (one beneath the arch of the foot) and are especially handy for those with a preference for tall winter boots. Being designed for drearier days, they also feature reflective piping and strips for added visibility. And if Brunswick black isn’t your colour, they’re also available in pink, yellow and red.
www.georgiaindublin.com
Ride On content is editorially independent, but is supported financially by members of Bicycle Network. If you enjoy our articles and want to support the future publication of high-quality content, please consider helping out by becoming a member.