In Finland the supply of biking clothes is very restricted to professional gear, e.g. well-fitting tops with long sleeves, trousers with padding and suspenders, windproof and breathable jackets. Color is also very limited to black, red and neon. Geographically, stores are located in urban areas and the supply is restricted. It is easier to shop online, but in Finnish websites the product range is not any better. The average Finnish person would rather go home and change than wear their cycling clothes out.
After researching the current market, several questions came up from the lack of clothes suitable both for cycling and city life. There are two extremes available; professional cycling gear and everyday clothing - but nothing in between. There is a need for fashionable clothing with good technical qualities. People also want to dress comfortably. Also the practicality of using the same garment in different situations is important.
The problem is not in the technical fabrics, but that the designers have not acknowledged the need for casual clothes made from technical fabrics. There just is not a line of fashionable urban cycling wear available in Finland today. Why can’t we design a trench coat from wind stopper material? Why can’t we combine fashion and function? Is there a way to make cycling clothes appropriate for cafes and other free time activities?
LAD project gives us the opportunity to solve this issue and to provide options for casual technical wear. Please give your ideas and share your experiences.
Lotta Järvinen, Henna Saarnikoski, Serena Dulai, Katriina Vornanen / Fashion Design / Metropolia