tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post5613112649759042656..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Embracing WrinklesVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14647823389595295772013-02-01T20:51:19.847-05:002013-02-01T20:51:19.847-05:00Mohair is darned itchy, IME.
ElenaMohair is darned itchy, IME.<br /><br />ElenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81992068546209775932012-07-16T11:13:30.580-04:002012-07-16T11:13:30.580-04:00Mohair does not crease, which is why they use it i...Mohair does not crease, which is why they use it in suiting fabrics. A woolen skirt made with some mohair in the blend will not crease.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-59386940052511131872011-09-23T06:53:56.875-04:002011-09-23T06:53:56.875-04:00Travel shirts by Columbia are great. They don'...Travel shirts by Columbia are great. They don't wrinkle due to sweat. They also have nice cooling features like mesh underarms, sides, and a hidden mesh placket in the back (very subtle and exactly where sweat gathers even riding bagless). <br /><br />What irks me aren't wrinkles, but the dreaded saddle imprint on dresses or leggings (they tend to wear down the fabric). So I wear a cheap stretch skirt over leggings. Jersey dresses I try to fluff out while at stops. If you're wearing a skirt, Dottie from letsgorideabike rotating the skirt method works well.Ridonkulushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00270308575611795934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69842678883930233332011-09-16T11:07:20.484-04:002011-09-16T11:07:20.484-04:00I try to wear wool now, I recently did the race ar...I try to wear wool now, I recently did the race around Rutland (100 miles) and we wore merino wool for that it felt great, cool, loose and easy to wear. Plus now it is going into winter I can wear it for the office.Samhttp://www.jackrussellclothing.com/news/wool-is-better-than-lycra.aspxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91412370592983811082011-09-12T16:36:44.994-04:002011-09-12T16:36:44.994-04:00Anon 5:52 - Thanks re the dress. It has some issue...Anon 5:52 - Thanks re the dress. It has some issues we are still working out, and I don't think any garment is for everyone. But hopefully we are almost there and I will write about it soon!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32371748330491986832011-09-12T16:28:50.714-04:002011-09-12T16:28:50.714-04:00Honestly, wrinkles are the least of my worries whe...Honestly, wrinkles are the least of my worries when commuting. I've never gotten any more wrinkled from cycling than I have from sitting in a desk chair all day. For me, the obstacle is sweat. I live in warm, sunny Los Angeles and work about 8 miles from home, with a few hills in between that, while not huge, are still enough to get the heart rate up. My dress code is mostly business/formal, and I do not have access to showers at work. All of this keeps me from cycling to work with any regularity. By the time I get to the office, I'm dripping with sweat and my hair is soaked, which makes it hard to look professional and not be gross, even if I bring clothes to change into and baby wipes to freshen up.<br /><br />My previous job was much closer to home and much more casual, however, so I biked every day. Lots of cotton knits - shirts, skirts, dresses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43987705246737511502011-09-11T12:29:13.542-04:002011-09-11T12:29:13.542-04:00"Anne Littlebird said...
****And I only have..."Anne Littlebird said...<br /><br />****And I only have 3 miles to get to work. It's really frustrating since I am car free and need to look decent for some jobs when there is no time or place to change. It's hopeless."<br /><br />I had the same problem (a short three mile ride, but with rolling hills that left me sweaty,) and toweling off in the bathroom was unappealing. The problem can be resolved bu getting an electric bike or electric assist trailer - I find that I ride my bike more now than ever, get as much exercise, and no more sweating.<br /><br />Also, ditto on the black wrinkle resistant pants! I usually wear a cami underneath a suit jacket. The cami doesn't wrinkle, and the lined construction and material of the jacket hold up very very well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11793088151222708582011-09-08T18:36:55.068-04:002011-09-08T18:36:55.068-04:00I also choose clothing that requires very little i...I also choose clothing that requires very little in the way of preparation. I think it is easier as a woman,so I own lots of knits and stretchy things, lacy stuff, tartan and tweed things, long sleeved shirts that get layered under vests and coats/jackets that mostly just need airing and the occasional (like not even annual) treat visit to a dry cleaner for my very favourite few items.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28978391406340685342011-09-08T17:52:55.829-04:002011-09-08T17:52:55.829-04:00Not a big fan of the Gap in general, but their bla...Not a big fan of the Gap in general, but their black slim cropped pant is, imo, the perfect commuting pant. For longer rides the crotch seam gets uncomfortable, but for my daily 6 mile jaunt the stretch twill fabric is super comfortable and breathable in all but the hottest weather, and the tailored look and color nullifies any worries about sloppy appearance or chain tattoos. Highly recommended. I avoided dresses for a while as I ride a frame with a 'men's' top tube, but frankly I find the problems with skirts and top tubes are (at least for me) overrated. In fact, when weather permits, I'd much rather ride in jersey skirts/light dresses and leggings (which can be ditched or replaced with nicer stockings on arrival, if necessary).<br /><br />Velouria, that one-off wool jersey dress is really splendid--much nicer and more thoughtfully designed (no surprise there!) than any of the wool dresses I've seen on the market, which are usually too sporty for my tastes. If you ever felt like pitching it to a commercial outfit, I for one would be very interested in owning such a garment!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19627986683575430462011-09-08T16:23:41.397-04:002011-09-08T16:23:41.397-04:00: ) Yeah I think it only looks convincing on spec...: ) Yeah I think it only looks convincing on specific types of (women's) garments that lend themselves to this technique.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54176039957074506502011-09-08T16:20:17.402-04:002011-09-08T16:20:17.402-04:00'The resulting wrinkles are clearly intentiona...'The resulting wrinkles are clearly intentional. They add a sense of structure and the illusion of subtle colour variation to the fabric once it is dry.'<br /><br />I'm not sure about this. I work in a company which is full of the usual spiel about non-discrimination and equal opportunities but I'm male and if I tried the 'twist-dried' excuse for an unironed shirt I don't think I'd get very far.petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988347024466013018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30311752558929594252011-09-08T13:02:23.998-04:002011-09-08T13:02:23.998-04:00Bojana - Half of my riding is on upright bikes and...Bojana - Half of my riding is on upright bikes and I have the seats adjusted for an almost full extension (about 1 or 2 deg from full). Hopping off a bike at stop might be something different for you, but it is certainly not absurd. Velouria, you are right though - with a slack enough seat tube one can have it both ways. It's got to be pretty darn slack to accomplish this though. A slightly bent leg at the pedal's nadir is better for the knees and more importantly, allows maximum energy transfer to the drive-train. I think this principle applies to both "aggressive sports cycles" and leisure bikes.<br /><br />V - Thanks for the link. I did read it.Velodoghttp://thefoxnote.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15947843635503325802011-09-08T12:15:38.279-04:002011-09-08T12:15:38.279-04:00@ Heather -- skinny jeans are not remotely gone, n...@ Heather -- skinny jeans are not remotely gone, never fear :) Fashion editors will not give up something called "skinny" easily. There were plenty of skinny pant at yesterday' and this morning's shows. <br /><br />I think we've reached a point where there are sufficient markets for various styles. While the idea of a "trend" still has some power (chiefly marketing power, stores like something they can market specifically), it has far less than it once did. The people who drive trends are extremely "trend" averse in a way they never were in, say, the 90s when there was no internet to diffuse looks to a wider public. Intensely trendy stuff will always look dated quickly, but style is willfully, insistently wearing what you want :) so I think there will be skinny pants for quite a while.<br /><br />I like all styles but I find skinny pants great for cycling and it's also very easy to keep sleek while being much more relaxed in skinny pants. <br /><br />J Crew has tons of narrow pants right now. I like the Minnie ones in stretch wool for cycling. IME they run huge, which is the norm for mass brands.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52542335259213084152011-09-08T10:15:36.891-04:002011-09-08T10:15:36.891-04:00Velodog/Bojana - It depends on the bike (seat tube...Velodog/Bojana - It depends on the bike (seat tube angle) and on how much you are able to lean it while still keeping your balance. Your saddle is not necessarily too low if you can put the tip of a toe down. Also, <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/06/putting-your-foot-down.html" rel="nofollow">see here</a>.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61475416688144200322011-09-08T10:07:46.075-04:002011-09-08T10:07:46.075-04:00Velodog - does this refer to any bike or just the ...Velodog - does this refer to any bike or just the aggressive sports bicycles? It seems absurd to not be able to put your foot down while riding an upright bicycle.Bojanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04520371847074994974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2646152692376998552011-09-08T08:59:20.887-04:002011-09-08T08:59:20.887-04:00For the guys who have to wear a suit to work it...For the guys who have to wear a suit to work it's the slacks that pose the biggest problem. Having to clip one's pant leg on the chain side will still wrinkle the most wrinkle free wool slacks. I would stash an extra pair or two at the office. The up-side is that the jacket endures almost no wrinkles - unlike a car commute's affect on the jacket back. And remember - ties and rod brake mechanisms are antithetic!<br /><br />Re:.."(but leaning the bike and putting a toe down instead) has been helpful in preventing wrinkles from forming as well".<br /><br />If by any means possible you can touch your toe to the ground while seated, your seat is too low. According to an orthopedist cyclist friend, this is a good way to do damage to one's knees.Velodoghttp://thefoxnote.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22067403232964477172011-09-08T08:05:14.800-04:002011-09-08T08:05:14.800-04:00want.
that.
dress.want.<br />that.<br />dress.bethalinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11107066984718266222011-09-08T03:42:21.134-04:002011-09-08T03:42:21.134-04:00Oh pants! With the arrival of skinny jeans a few ...Oh pants! With the arrival of skinny jeans a few years back, I discovered the perfect riding pants. Not only do they make me think of horseback riding and swashbuckling, you do not need leg protectors strapped around your ankles. They look great and are highly unlikely to get chain goo on them or caught in the chain and get a tear in them. Gone are they? Blast it all! Bell bottoms are just plain boring, done far too many times and impractical. I have many flared jeans and cords from a few years ago that I was planning on turning into cigarette legged pants.<br /> I second asking Ibex to come up with something. In the meantime, look up how to make skinnies out of regular pants online and fetch yourself some fine wool pants from second hand stores.Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23063285437790471372011-09-08T03:34:40.594-04:002011-09-08T03:34:40.594-04:00The prototype looks great btw...and are those skir...The prototype looks great btw...and are those skirt snaps? I used to use safety pins on my skirts and dresses when biking to work....or clothes pins...and at some point I stopped caring because only once has my skirt every blown over my head.<br />But I'll take one in all my favourite colours please!heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28488718621786198132011-09-08T03:30:54.415-04:002011-09-08T03:30:54.415-04:00Ibex and Icebreaker have been making dresses for q...Ibex and Icebreaker have been making dresses for quite some time-and have long been a favourite for travelling and biking. They are wonderful and versatile. They are designed to be worn cycling, climbing mountains or whatever and still look nice for the dinner in the nice restaurant or night at the theatre in the end. Ibex's dresses tend to be a bit odd with useless pockets, little hoods, 3/4th length sleeves instead of full length and such, but are beautifully made and the fabric is lovely. They need to take a note from icebreaker and design something simple.<br />Icebreaker's dresses are flat out wonderful,but definitely meant for fit people. I only wish I had money to buy all the dresses they had this spring/summer season!<br />I haven't had a 'nice' job in years, but I did bike to work in my work clothes with little problem. If I were going much longer distances I would wear a casual top while cycling and get washed etc at work and change into whatever is proper.<br />Because I get sweaty on my commute to work I change my top and get dry again because I work in a big freezer and wearing damp sweaty clothes would be horrid.<br />But my vote for formal work wear is definitely wool!Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73129549039276121882011-09-08T01:14:11.237-04:002011-09-08T01:14:11.237-04:00My commute (now that I've worked out the wrink...My commute (now that I've worked out the wrinkles) is 1 hour... 3/4 of it spent cycling slowly up a gigantic hill. (No, really. It takes me 20 minutes to get home.) I pack everything in my panniers, then hang stuff to let the steam relax the wrinkles while I shower at work.<br /><br />If I was working in a professional office, I'd store clothing at work, dropping it off and picking it up from a dry cleaners or full service laundromat during my lunch. I used to work at a law firm, and quite a few of the lawyers did just this.<br /><br />(@rosecampion, try a ponte knit pencil skirt. Mine is rayon, but you can get different fibres.)dotted lineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12833251316062787618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-76253969814970317842011-09-08T00:34:42.011-04:002011-09-08T00:34:42.011-04:00what rosecampion said +a zillion. and pockets.what rosecampion said +a zillion. and pockets.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9160822166500845292011-09-07T23:34:49.669-04:002011-09-07T23:34:49.669-04:00Curses! I think I just lost my comment, forgive me...Curses! I think I just lost my comment, forgive me if this is a duplicate.<br />-------------<br /><br />In reviewing one of your wool clothing posts, I read about the wrap-dress collaboration and was wondering how it's coming along.<br /><br />Do you have a sense yet if this young designer will actually be able to offer a (I imagine limited) run of these dresses?<br /><br />Or does the wool and labor factor simply make it cost-prohibitive? <br />-GinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40764308330393892002011-09-07T22:33:47.942-04:002011-09-07T22:33:47.942-04:00I feel like no matter what, a certain amount of wr...I feel like no matter what, a certain amount of wrinkles are going to happen, whether it's from sitting in a car, train, or in your office chair. Unless you stand the whole commute and then stand all day at your job. That said, for bike commuting I like to wear jersey dresses, wool pants, some technical-ish twill pants I found that even roll up at the cuff and button, skinny jeans with boots, cord blazers. I have better luck with thicker fabrics not wrinkling, but then you feel warmer as well. It's a trade off. I don't have to look perfect for my job, but if I did, I might bring my clothes to work and change there.Dog Friendly Dallashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948698509108585924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52414921513784807402011-09-07T21:12:10.596-04:002011-09-07T21:12:10.596-04:00Ha. Well, for me the wrinkly quality of linen take...Ha. Well, for me the wrinkly quality of linen takes the edge off. There is something about an overly polished look that makes me nervous and liable to spill soup on myself.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com