The cycling vest is perhaps the most versatile garment in a cyclist’s wardrobe. There are many use cases, styles, variations and properties to the vest: wind-resistance, waterproofing, insulation, etc. When approaching the new RUBBER N’ ROAD Uniform Wind Vest, we set out to develop a lightweight, packable vest with a focus on a tailored fit. This achieves a comfortable silhouette that optimizes aerodynamic performance, all while maintaining styling that complements other garments in the Uniform Collection.
OUR NYC DESIGN STUDIO
Our design studio & atelier, located above our boutique in Midtown Manhattan allows us to gain the unique ability to design, cut & sew, prototype and test technical garments in-house. This is a part of our commitment as a design brand to to conceptualizing, innovate, prototype, and test our own garments under our own roof. This focus on both aesthetic design and functionality requires a hand on approach on design and product development, and affords us the opportunity to collaborate with other technical experts in the NYC Garment District.
In addition to conceptualizing collections and their respective garments, our design studio houses specialized pattern making tools, fabric cutting equipment, sewing machines, cover-stitch machines, and precision laser technologies. In addition, we use local capabilities to test the technical fabrics and their performance capabilities under various climate conditions. While we like to begin every pattern by drawing it by hand, and continue to refine it by hand through the prototyping process, advanced 3D modeling and digital pattern making tools are also used in the development of our garments.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
The process of designing and developing a garment is a creative act that is a balancing act between different design, performance and comfort considerations. The process becomes even more specific due to the desire to conduct garments in a second-skin fit while taking in account considerations like aerodynamics, comfort, thermo-regulation, protection, and durability all at once. Each fabric response to different body movements differently, and It’s truly a process of cause and effect, where each alteration to one pattern piece necessitates an alteration to a connecting piece until the puzzle fits together to perfection.
It may not be immediately apparent the amount of hard work, dedication, steps, labor and various skill sets required to transform a garment from concept to production. After a product is conceptualized, designed, and we source the right fabrics to fit our technical and aesthetic demands, the pattern-making process begins. The pattern is the heart of the garment, which defines its fit, functionality, and silhouette. It's also the template guide for cutting and assembling the fabric pieces to construct a garment. The pattern acts as a blueprint, specifying the dimensions, shapes, and details of each part of the garment.
The pattern-making process is about translating the design concept into the building blocks of a garment, using rulers and mathematical equations to turn the design sketch into pattern pieces. Once the individual pattern pieces are drawn, they are trued, before fabric is cut to match the individual paper pieces. The fabric pieces are then sewn together to construct a working garment. The initial garment is referred to as a prototype, or sample.
Creative direction, design and patternmaking are each independent roles and areas of expertise within the world of apparel making. But for us, with our expertise being in technical garments that represent our own riding experiences, the process is a bit different. We are interested in the making of objects and the deep understanding of garment construction. Therefore many of our patterns and prototypes are created directly by our co-Founder and Creative Director, Gil Lavi, from concept to stitching. This allows us the opportunity to realize complex technical ideas and construction techniques.
THE EVOLUTION OF OUR CYCLING VEST
The RUBBER N’ ROAD NEW YORK Repel Vest was launched in late 2022 as a protective outer layer meant to be paired with the ever popular Cloud_Shift™ Jersey. It serves as a wind and water-resistant outer shell that protects the highly breathable and insulating fabric of the Cloud_Shift™ Jersey. Both garments are made from US-milled highly technical fabrics and are constructed in NYC.
Our next project within our vest lineup saw the introduction of the Helium Vest, an ultra lightweight wind vest that weighs a mere 54 grams in size Small. The Helium Vest features a woven nylon front fabric, custom-milled in Japan for RUBBER N’ ROAD, with a highly-durable Swiss mesh on the back that provides exceptional breathability.
Each cycling vest within our collection features a 2-way Japanese YKK Vislon® Zipper that allows for easy access to your jersey pockets or to adjust for breathability in shifting climate conditions.
The Repel Vest, Helium Vest and Uniform Vest are all constructed entirely in NYC from start to finish with fabrics and finishings from Japan, Italy and Switzerland.
DEVELOPING THE UNIFORM WIND VEST
The process of constructing our latest cycling vest began with coming across some new fabrics during a trip to Japan that had a unique combination of stretchability, weigh, and wind protection. That gave us the opportunity to create a second-skin vest that can complement the Uniform Jerseys launched earlier that summer, by offering ample stretchability and freedom of movement.
Once the initial pattern was drafted, we spent many months refining the fit. After a long period of adjustments, tailoring, and road testing, the team we were satisfied with the final sample and gave it the green light.
The Uniform Wind Vest is available in men’s sizing in 4 colors and is best paired with one of the short or long sleeve jerseys in our Uniform Collection. The Uniform Wind Vest is available in-store at our NYC boutique, online at RUBBERNROAD.COM and at select global retail partners.
Click here to shop the Uniform Wind Vest.
