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Merino Wool Cycling Jerseys?

Started by hanktoberfest · · Last activity · 2 posts · 1,222 views

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Bike Cafe
Published
22 October 2012
Last activity
11 December 2012
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hanktoberfest
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Cycling clothing

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  1. Original post
    hanktoberfest
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi Everyone, My first post on this forum but I'm a long time cyclist. I work for a clothing manufacturer and was thinking of doing a small startup that specializes in merino wool cycling garments. I have a few things that I wanted to emphasize in a small line; excellent value, tough construction, decent fit and looks good to boot. I would like to keep the Jerseys under $100. I've gotten positive feedback from some of my LBS friends/owners but not sure if they are just being nice or honest.

    I have a couple of questions and was hoping for some friendly, honest feedback:

    1. The company I work for manufacturers overseas in China, India, Korea, Pakistan, etc...I know that this isn't exactly popular but I put it to people this way, if we manufactured here in the States we would be out of business due to the costs, atleast this way we can keep approx 30 people employed by manufacturing overseas. My question is would a garment be less appealing if it's made overseas but at a lower price point? If yes what would be a good price point for the same garment manufactured here in the US?

    2. Would people prefer open pockets in the back, a zippered pocket in the back or both?

    3. Is this something that you would buy online or at your LBS?

    4. My gut tells me from being in the industry that we are on the edge of a merino/merino synthetic mix boom, maybe not quite a boom but I see some growth. Sometimes it's difficult to gauge though since I may be looking at things with rose colored glasses trying to make this work. Does anyone else share this opinion?

    Last question, I've been going under startup name of Hank's, mostly as just a placeholder until I came up with something better but my wife says that she actually likes that as the company name and it may give the customer personalized feeling when buying a garment. I'm not sure how to feel about that since my Quaker upbringing stresses not being a braggart. Any thoughts?

    I would like to thank everyone in advance for reading this post and responding. Your answers will be evaluated and taken seriously.

    Thanks, Hank

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  2. maximillious1
    Archived post
    #2

    So i saw your post with no responses.

    I dont really care about where it is manufactured as long as the labor is treated with respect and paid appropriately. If i knew a company was giving their workers 50 cents and a chicken each month it is unlikely they would get my business.

    I would certainly consider paying more for an american made product rather than foreign...because... MERICA.

    As for the pockets. I think you should do buttons... classic buttons not snap. if you want an example of this take a look at the Merino Wool Long Sleeve Nitto jersey. I own one and I am quite fond of that look. Comes off more vintage or retro.

    I would buy this online or at a LBS

    I like my jersey's to be 100% merino, and I would be more prone to buying a 100% merino wool jersey over the mix.

    Also make sure that you make plenty of long sleeve to go with the short sleeve. Although i do ride in my jersey's in the winter, I also like to wear them as an every day sweater throughout the year and long sleeve just looks so stylish, whether the sleeves are down or rolled up.

    Also, incorporate old racing teams from the past. Make retro jerseys for teams that once won major events wearing the jersey.

    And look at working with major cycling companies to use their logos (Nitto, campy, Cinelli, Lemond, etc.)

    Hope this helps

    Oh an Hanks isnt a bad name. My favorite bike shop is called bens so it does work.

    Report

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