Bit of a long shot but does anybody have any idea how to find out about getting your own bike wear designs made up? I've got designs for various tops, shorts etc but no idea where to go to get them professionally made up (apart from asking the manufacturers themselves!). The biggest problem would be specialist companies that can cope with sealed seams, waterproof fabrics, lycra etc. Any help greatly appreciated.

Get a load of £ then set-up?

Yes – apart from that! I suppose I meant where do you find manufacturers capable of producing technical sportswear (as opposed to knocking out cotton T shirts on your sewing machine at home).

Endura?

I am guessing to get samples made up you'd need to be looking at big orders?

Have a number of designs – once I get samples I can get people to test them out, and get a feeling for sizing. Then get them made up. Early days yet though.

A good place to try is a fashion college. London is the place for this, for sure. I know for a fact that some impoverished student would be only too happy to use their skills and resources at their disposal, to knock something up for you, for some rent/beer/food money. I think professional dressmakers tend to work to tried and tested formulae, but are another option. Getting a clothing manufacturer will be difficult; they don't want you stealing their market. you could try approaching some, but be prepared for them to offer next to **** all for your designs (they know you lack the resources to realise your ideas, so have that power).

To succeed, I'd reckon you'll need a USP, and have something quite different/distinct from other stuff that's out there. Think Rapha, Ana Nichoola, that sort of thing.

Gonna cost yer. No way round that.

Have you looked on http://www.alibaba.com/ ?

http://www.alibaba.com/Cycling-Wear_pid100003337

In a previous life I studied fashion design (menswear)in London – but not sportswear. What I need is some technical help to make sure that the garments are 'fit for purpose'. I'm guessing that the bulk of the clothes you see in bike shops are produced either in the Far East or specialist factories in Italy?

Don't Endura make at least some of their stuff at a factory in Scotland? I seem to remember seeing an article in Singletrack mag on it.

Yup – it's in Livingston

They certainly do custom prints as it's mentioned on their website – not sure whether they'd be willing to do some samples for a future competitor though!

Thanks for the links Woody. I recall reading that Endura eventually opened up their own factory in order to get the manufacturing quality right.

Wouldn't it be easier / quicker to licence the design via a manufacturer? get a royalty off each one sold so you are not in competition as such and everyone benefits from good sales.

Make the kit yourself.

It's what Nick Bayliss of Royal Racing did.

I recall reading that Endura eventually opened up their own factory in order to get the manufacturing quality right.

Perhaps they should try another factory then.

quick google threw up the likes of impsport ?
Surely worth a call to the likes of those guys – if what you're after is not what they do they may well be willing / able to point you in the right direction.

Picking up in cupras idea – whilst I cannot image they have not thought of it yet – approach the likes of Sprayway etc, outdoor / goretex specialists who may be willing to look at a new market and licence your product?

Have fun….!

Thanks all for the advice – think I need to go away and do some research.

singlespeedstu – Member

Make the kit yourself.

It's what Nick Bayliss of Royal Racing did.

Nick Bayliss is a proper seamstress errr, whatever the man version of that is though, isn't he? OP doesn't make it clear if he can sew his own stuff but wants someone else to do it, or if he needs someone to work out all the cut/fitting etc as well.

Yes, I was a seamster. Can do the pattern cutting, sizing and sewing (to a point). Lacking in industry contacts to final stages.

Don't Polaris make stuff to order?
There's also Snugpak, http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk and another one that I can't remember (place where people get custom outdoor clothing made).
Sailmakers are useful too. There's usually a local one.

Custom fabrics, weaves and prints are another thing though.

Nick Bayliss is a proper seamstress errr, whatever the man version of that is though, isn't he?

😆

I've heard Nick called a lot of things but never that. 😆

I think the fact that Nick's quite a handy rider also helped him to make some good contacts. 😉

Yes, I was a seamster

aah, today's new word for me there. 🙂

Champion systems make a huuuuge range of their own cycling and indeed other outdoorsy/sporty kit (including wrestling! 😯 ) in a huge variety of sizes, cuts and materials. (not sure about proper seam sealed waterproof stuff though).
I'd have thought if the volumes were high enough they would be worth a look.