With the rise of gas prices, more urban dwellers are choosing to cycle to work and play. Rather than wearing purely spandex and traditional cycling gear, urban cycling comes with the opportunity to become fitted in fashionable, functional clothing. A number of others are throwing together their own cutting edge outfits to accommodate being seen by others while pedaling the busy streets.
Bike messengers, also known as cycle couriers, have played a major role in the invention of cycling fashion. They tend to wear skinny jeans or cropped pants with messenger bags and a type of belt that is similar to the purpose of a fanny pack.
There is no doubt that the cycle culture sends signals of elitism. A certain type of pride comes with the feeling of riding a thousand dollar bike outfitted in clothing and gear that is worth up to five hundred dollars. The cycling crowd in another sense have pride because they save money and create less carbon emissions in the environment. On the other hand bike trendiness can be as pricey as high fashion.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Eco-friendly Cycling Apparel
- There is an opportunity for companies to innovate and create stylish, functional clothing that not only makes a fashion statement but also helps the environment.
- Cycling Fashion for Commuters
- There is an opportunity for companies to create a niche market by developing functional clothing that makes the commute to work fashionable.
- Inclusive Cycling Fashion
- There is an opportunity for companies to create clothing that is functional, fashionable and size-inclusive, catering to all commuters regardless of body size and shape.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Industry
- The fashion industry has an opportunity to create a new line of clothing suitable for cycling that is both practical as well as stylish, catering to commuters
- Sporting Goods Industry
- The sporting goods industry has an opportunity to develop new gear and accessories for cycling, such as helmets, gloves, and protective gear that also adds to the fashionable aspect of biking.
- Environmentally-friendly Industry
- The push for eco-friendly cycling provides opportunities for environmentally-friendly companies to create products such as recycled bikes and accessories to complement environmentally-conscious brands of cycling apparel.
