Urban cycling clothing company Upright Cyclist launched earlier this year, and the new brand has two new pieces out now in time for the holidays. The Brighton Fishtail Parka and the Selvage Riding Denim, like the right of Upright Cyclist's line, don't look like cycling clothes at first glance, but there are plenty of riding-specific features built it.
"The Brighton Fishtail Parka is a foul weather piece modeled after the US Army M51 parka popular with the Mod movement in 1960's Britain," Upright Cyclist founder Philip Siegert told BikeRadar. "We've modernized and tailored it for riding, and added some details for styling. It's constructed of a waterproof backed nylon with a textured face, which mimics military olive drab nicely."
Upright Cyclist is a new urban cycling brand
The $229 (£142) Parka is completely seam taped and offers waterproof zippers, pit zips for ventilation, a two-way adjustable hood and other cycling-specific touches.
"We cut it with tailored fit for a slimmer profile and modern feel," Siegert said. "It's comfortable with a t-shirt but also dresses up with a button down easily. We love this piece. It will be here first week of December, but we're starting to presell it next week."
The Brighton Fishtail Parka is waterproof with vented pit zips and an adjustable hood
The $159 (£99) Selvage Riding Denim is a tighter cut but not a full "skinny" jean. "They are a little bit more roomy through butt and thigh to accommodate cyclists' legs," Siegert said. "We manufactured in Los Angeles, and sourced our denim from Cone in North Carolina. So they are completely US-made."
The denim is 93% cotton, 6% nylon and 1% elastic. "So, they are durable and feel like real jeans and not teenage girls jeggings like some other riding jeans out there."
As they are made for riding, the crotch has a 9in double gusset for durability.
"They also have reflective taping hits on the cuff, which is nothing new, but required at this point in commuting I think," said Siegert, a former bike messenger himself in addition to former lives in advertising and online retail.
To see the full line check out uprightcyclist.com.
