EventServices

The racing component of our club redesigns their kit every three years. We're heading into the design phase now.

One idea is to return to a very basic and simple design. Almost retro, but not really.

The other idea is to go wild and off the chart.

Which camp do you align with? And what are your thoughts about kit design?

What works? And what doesn't?


FWIW, here are my thoughts:
- Less is more. Bold solid colors are much stronger than, say, something like the old HTC jerseys with the painted-on abs. Or a Slipstream argyle.
- The more stuff you put on your jersey, the more invisible it becomes in the field.
- Sponsors should only appear on the back pockets because that's where you get the most impressions/views.
- I want something that I can wear into a convenience store without looking like a child wearing superhero pajamas.

carpediemracing 

^your thoughts put you in the basic/simple/almost-retro camp.

Personally I want a clown suit kit, like Mapei or similar. Ironically I race for a club that has a basic/simple/almost-retro look (aka BMC look).

I agree that the busier a kit the less noticeable it becomes. It's like that Italian team with 8000 sponsors, even the announcers didn't know what to call them. Gilberto Simoni raced for them. Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni Androni Giocattoli. It's like a charity t-shirt with 50 logos on the front and 100 on the rear. None stand out.

mattm

This can be quite challenging given you're still wearing lycra. (and by "challenging" I mean impossible)

Seriously, if you're trying to make some construction worker not think you're gay or a superhero, we've already lost that battle. Might as well be a pink kit with a unicorn puking a rainbow. (I believe that kit exists btw!)

EventServices

I'm the Mayor of Almost-Retro Camp.

Somewhere in the 80s, when someone figured out the sublimation process, things went awry. I've been fighting to bring it back to center ever since.
Instead, we look like we belong in Marvel Comics.

I'm just curious where other people stand on this so I can start formulating my presentation to the team.

Ygduf

I love the new Mike's Bikes kit.

EventServices

Strong.

Much better than a puking unicorn.

furiousferret

At first I didn't like our kit, but its grown on me.

https://instagram.com/p/kAck-Fjp_p/

Of course going into a convienence store you'll look like a super hero. Can't tell you how many robberies I've stopped just trying buy Fig Newtons!

shovelhd

I am not a full retro fan. I raced in those kits in the 80's, and that's where they belong. Neo-retro, to me at least, means a large main sponsor or club name, and less clutter. Nothing wrong with that. Colors and patterns are what get you noticed in the field, more so than style. Style only really gets noticed in podium pictures. Post up your mock-ups and we'll tear 'em apart.

jsutkeepspining

i like panther's old design (for like 2 yers ago). full black, with panther written across the front and back, and competitive cyclist written on the back under panther. Nothing more, nothing less.

edit: they also had a few small logos on the thighs, and shoulders, but ti just was so simplistic and nice!

Creakyknees

match your primary sponsor's color scheme
white tops for hot summers, hi-viz for safety
make it distinctive when seen from the rear so your guy up the road doesn't look like the other team's guy
make logos / sponsor names legible, big plain fonts

robbyville

So out of my own curiosity what do you folks think of this? One of the pieces of business that I operate as part of the resort include a new lift accessed Mtn Bike park that we opened last summer and will be expanding for the foreseeable future. We have nice MTB jerseys that we sell to the public, nice design that we did in partnership with Kali.

Still there are a few that do a fair bit of XC and myself on the road of course. We have a good clientel and members that would probably like something a little different. I'm thinking of doing a small run pre-sales of a kit for us. Here's where I am with design so far. Uses both our bike park logo as well as our main resort logo, proper logo colors, etc. I didn't want it too bland nor too gaudy. I'm thinking of the version with white stitching. The back has the logo on the upper back, each pocket has some small screening. lower back panel of bibs has website.

Curious to know opinions.

rkwaki

Nice kits robby.

I love the looks of the Sky kit, basic in its design yet super sexy...

furiousferret

SoCalCycling.com did an article on this year's kits in the area;

https://socalcycling.com/2014/01/27/s...cling-jerseys/

Wesley36

The lingerie thing does it for ya, huh?



Seriously tho, the single blue stripe on the black background is very distinctive - a very parsimonious design.

robbyville

For me too! Not that there's anything wrong with that (thanks Jerry)

rkwaki

I'll find a pic of me in my kit and post it, designer did a great job.
Stand by...

save10

Jandro 

I'm a big fan of ours (biased).

2013



2014



Subtle difference but we wanted people who ordered this years kit to still blend in with those who purchased last year's kit. The greyscale on the back is an elevation profile of the most popular riding loops in the area.

Obviously this is a more club-oriented kit, but the same basic principles would apply for a race-specific jersey. Minimalist design, bold, but not over the top colors. Sponsors on the back pockets.

scottryan

I am also pretty biased towards our team kits

UmneyDurak

Which team had a kit with circle of life except it was riding bike, beer and sex? I want that kit!

FFJ

Y'all look like a gang of Hamburglars.

mattm

lol

cmh

I wish we were still required to wear solid black shorts.

Ygduf

I like my team's new kit.



I think we all agree about the Hamburglar team. That's pretty awful. Sorry, guy.

furiousferret

I really like Jandro's kit; except those purple and pink stripes. Regardless, people are going to be too busy looking at those awesome beards!