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Can’t Find Cycling Clothes in Your Size? Go Custom

By Andrea Champredonde

There’s more to cycling than the bike, helmet, shoes and pedals. You need a proper kit in your size. Sounds easy enough. But who hasn’t suffered through a ride in shorts that just weren’t right? Ouch! Your clothes need to fit, be functional, comfortable and visually appealing to you. What do you do if finding cycling clothes is a constant struggle?

If you’ve explored the local bike shops and spent hours of screen time perusing online vendors, yet still haven’t found a kit right for you, you’ve got another option. Go custom. Let’s explore the benefits of going custom and points to consider on this journey.

Define custom

Something important stood out while researching this piece. Custom, a word used widely in this space, may not mean what you think. Are you picturing cycling clothes made to your specific anatomy and graphics? Or benefiting from a wider range of sizes and fits than those found on the rack in your local shop while working with a design specialist on the artwork? 

The latter is much more prevalent than the first. After a lengthy, yet non-exhaustive online hunt, I found one brand that offered a full custom experience. Meaning that, like tailored clothing, your future cycling kit is made to measure according to a 3-D scan of your body, or via self-measurement at home. 

What will it set you back? The answer varies. But I understand the need. It could be the move for cyclists with unique body shapes that raises their cycling experience and enjoyment to a new level. If you’ve already spent a small fortune off-the-rack without luck, what do you have to lose? Going full custom is a personalised solution and an investment in yourself. And you’re worth it. 

Sizing kit and fit

If full-custom isn’t in your budget, choosing from a wider range of sizes may do the trick. Who wouldn’t want to try before they buy? It just makes sense. So when deciding on which manufacturer to make custom clothing for yourself, a club or special event, ask if they provide a fit kit at no additional charge. If there is an initial fee for this service, is it deductible from the bottom line? Minor fees can add up if shopping around. 

Make sure the kit’s size range covers what you need, from XXS to 5XL and beyond if necessary. And how about different fits and activity-specific models? Mountain or gravel clothing has similar desirable features than those for road riding, but each discipline has its own needs. From ultra-fitted to a more relaxed cut, going custom offers a broader range of size and fits than off-the-rack options. 

Personalised style and design

Beyond fit and functionality, custom cycling clothing offers the opportunity to express a unique style, needs, or preferences. Looking and feeling good on the bike provides every cyclist a mental boost. Do you desire a ¾ or a full-zip on the jersey? Is there a higher quality chamois upgrade option for longer rides? Do they offer gender specific cuts and chamois? And is there a choice of leg grippers and short sleeves? (Nobody likes the sausage look). 

Options like these and more allow cyclists to choose a kit that resonates with their needs, taste, and body shape. Next on the custom clothing journey is artwork. Your new proper fitting kit becomes your canvas for self-expression. Now add team colours, logos or motifs to enhance a sense of identity and foster a greater connection to your cycling experience.

Minimums, turnaround time and fees

How many pieces of each garment you need affects the price. Do your homework before contacting potential custom vendors. Minimums vary from zero to ten or more and should be one of your first questions. Learning the answer early could save time and narrow down your vendor choices from the start.

Are the graphics included, or is there a fee? If a one time design-fee goes on the tab from the start, is it deductible from the ultimate price? If sizing and fit takes precedence over graphics, can you skip the artwork fees by going with a design already offered? Simple questions like these save you time and money.

Be aware that custom to some manufacturers still requires you to choose from a defined set of graphic options as a base canvas before adding anything else. And when do you need it? Turnaround times vary and may not meet your needs. Planning well ahead makes the custom process a breeze and avoids disappointment. If you’re in a hurry, pick a date a week to ten days out from your drop-dead delivery date just in case something comes up.

Sustainability and comfort 

The great outdoors is a cyclist’s playground. In an era of increased awareness about environmental sustainability, the custom process may include the advantage of choosing from eco-friendly fabrics. Wouldn’t you feel better choosing a vendor that prioritises environmental responsibility or uses a pro-green manufacturing process? You have a choice where your money goes. It’s a chance to show your commitment to sustainability and contribute to a more eco-conscious cycling community. Boom! 

Wearing cycling gear that fits you will enhance every-ride comfort, particularly on longer days in the saddle. The improved fit means a reduction in the wear and tear caused by friction and stress on seams. High-quality materials used in the process further ensure the life of your new custom kit, making it a smart financial decision. They’ll last for years if you follow the care guidelines and avoid fabric softener.

Wrap up 

In the world of cycling, every detail matters, including the importance of well-fitting, functional clothing that makes you feel good. Custom cycling clothing emerges as a ray of light for those who find themselves outside the conventional size and fit spectrum off-the-rack cycling clothing offers. 

There are benefits of investing in custom cycling apparel that go beyond the immediate satisfaction of a proper-fitting jersey or bib shorts. You’ll be wearing a kit, tailored to your needs, you can be proud of. Custom clothing reshapes the cycling apparel landscape by offering a more inclusive and rewarding experience for riders of all shapes and sizes.