Why are we creating a sustainable cycling clothing brand?
Because we care! Fashion production makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams. Worse, 85% of all textiles go to landfill each year.
Sustainable Designs
For Chic à Vélo, creating a sustainable cycling clothing brand starts at the design phase. We strive for designs which are:
- Timeless – classic styles that ignore fast-changing fashion trends
- Functional – and have a dual purpose for on and off the bike
- Durable – using high quality fabrics
Sustainable Cycling Clothing - Fabrics
Chic à Vélo is creating a sustainable cycling clothing brand using responsible, organic and natural fabrics. Cycling apparel that feels great on your body and has a lower impact on the environment.
Organic cotton
Our cycling shorts and ¾ length trousers are made from organic cotton twill. Selected not only for its organic nature but also its durability. Our chic scarves are made from organic cotton/cotton poplin.
Organic cotton production uses methods that have a lower impact on the environment. It is grown from non-GMO seeds, without the use of pesticides, insecticides, or fertiliser. Organic cotton farmers use traditional farming methods, including crop rotation, mixed farming, or no-till farming to preserve the soil.
Lyocell
Our women's cycling tops are made from lyocell, a plant-based fabric made from wood pulp. Being a wood based product, lyocell is 100% biodegradable.
Lyocell is hypoallergenic, doesn’t cling and is noted for being super comfortable and soft. Its moisture-wicking properties mean it’s ideal for activewear.
The fabric’s breathability is also great for the planet, as it doesn’t start smelling as quickly and can be washed less frequently, so it’s great for bike touring. Also, it doesn’t crease easily, so roll it up and put it in your pannier!
Lyocell is manufactured in a closed-loop system that recycles almost all of the non-toxic chemicals used in its production.
Responsible Manufacturing
Sustainable cycling clothing is not just about great design and sustainable materials, but also the manufacturing process. We partner with GOTS certified European manufacturers, who avoid the use of toxic chemicals throughout the production process and provide a safe and ethical working environment for their employees.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is a leading standard for organic fibres. GOTS-approved clothing must be made from at least 70% organic fibres and never contain harmful chemicals. The certification includes social criteria, meaning the manufacturer has safe working conditions, no child labour, and allows no discrimination. Audits are carried out by independent experts who physically inspect facilities to verify that standards are met.
Chic à Vélo - Growing Sustainably
We will always strive to produce sustainable cycling clothing and whenever we see an opportunity to improve, we will. The bottom line is not all about profit, it's about feeling proud about what you do.