General Cycling Discussion - Fabrics for sewing my own cycling clothes?

I have recently started riding my bike to work and would like to try making my own cycling shirts. What kind of fabrics would be best? I would like something that is lightweight and will help keep me dry and cool. I noticed there are not a lot of "performance" fabrics at my local fabric shops. If I need something special, where can I purchase it?

Thanks a bunch!

Post some pictures when you're done.

http://www.rockywoods.com/index.html

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&q=lycra+fabric+shop

Seattle Fabrics (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/) has a good selection.

I haven't tried it yet, but Rivendell in California recommends button up seersucker shirts for hot summer weather. They're big fans of regular clothes, wool and the like.

They claim their thin wool t-shirts are cooler than cotton.

The website makes interesting reading.

Zane

Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics is similar to Seattle Fabrics, but they tend to be a bit cheaper. And they are really helpful. http://www.owfinc.com/

Wow, thanks everyone! It may be a while before I get to this project, but I will be sure to post pictures. Like I said, I am just starting out and am mostly using it for commuting and running to the grocer so I probably will not make anything very technical.

You guys are great.

Try to find SPF fabric for sun protection. Here's one site: http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_index_html/product_detail_html/Solarweave-SPF-Fabric.htm

Good luck.

A big fabric store should be able to fix you up. There's one in Reno called Mill End Fabrics that's had everything I've ever looked for. Doesn't do you much good if you live in Virginia or somewhere, but they ARE out there.

This place is near me: http://www.campers-village.com/CVtextile.html

They don't have a big selection online but they do mail order. I have bought quite a bit of fabric there - Smartwool jersey, polarfleece of various kinds, Coolmax and the like. Um, most of it is still sitting in a basket under my sewing desk... :blush:

Forgot to say, they carry patterns for *everything* you can possibly think of (including bike panniers), plus the hardware to make ti, and they have chamois for bike shorts.

I'm in Salt Lake City... any leads for fabric here?

www.rosecitytextiles.com is an excellent supplier and for some tips and ideas check out www.specialtyoutdoors.com.

^^+1 on Penny's work at Specialty Outdoors. She's been really helpful on the backpacking forums for those of us that make custom gear. And, I'd forgotten about Rose City textiles. Never ordered anything from them, but they, too offer some nice fabrics.