Introduction
Built for Motion, Designed for Life
Kinetic explores the intersection of technical performance and refined design sensibilities for commuter cyclist gear, a gap in the market.
Creating garments that seamlessly transition from bike to streetwear.
Integrates commuter-centric innovations to enhance the cycling experience.
Focuses on depth in creation of collection, thinking on how apparel harmonizes with the broader cycling ecosystem and material development.
Background Analysis & Research
Intersection of Aesthetics and Functionality for Cyclists
Market Analysis
Cycling Pro Brands: Positioned in the top-right quadrant
Cycling Commuter Brands: Positioned Bottom left quadrant
Consumer Demand
Urban explorers and commuter cyclists seek apparel that transitions seamlessly from bike to streetwear.
Brands like ROA and Satisfy prove there’s demand for functional yet stylish clothing.
Strategy
Develop commuter-friendly features like reflectivity and sleeve articulation.
Focus on a more advanced commuter, someone who uses it as a means of transportation multiple times a week
Background Analysis & Research
Industry Adjacent Brands
Brands that embrace technical minimalism and aesthetic forward function have exploded in popularity in recent years, much to the effect of the gorpcore movement.
Brands like ROA Hiking, Satisfy, Arcteryx have capitalized on this new market, however, they have dominated in hiking and running spaces, not commuter cycling.
Weather Adaptable Pieces
Pocket Security
Items feel insecure or uncomfortable in pockets, so riders use backpacks but want better access.
Materials like nylon-spandex stretch and mesh cargo pockets placed lower on the leg can improve comfort and access.
Pants vs. Chain
Wide leg pants get tangled in bike chains or stained with grease, so many cyclists avoid wearing them altogether.
Solutions: elastic straps, paracord systems, durable/washable material panels at the ankle to keep pants safe and clean.
Accessory Implementation
Riders want accessories integrated into gear for personal expression.
Enable self-customization: swappable parts and removable details.
Example: swappable zipper pulls using open source 3D printing files.
Ventilation Variability
Riders feel ventilation in gear isn’t effective enough, especially due to limiting mesh.
Suggest variable systems: half mesh, half open for flexible airflow.
Place laser-cut vents at the knee, with backward flow behind the knee for increased comfort.
Research & Exploration
This project deeply integrates and investigates size and fit in the development of garments. For this project, I conducted an in-depth size analysis of competitors to understand their sizing systems and identify potential market opportunities.
Once I completed my analysis, I developed 3–4 test garments in my first look (technical rain gear) to refine the fit and ensure that all aspects of the garment pattern adhere to a comfortable fit that enhances performance.
I will review my original size analysis, my in-depth exploration of test garments and design philosophy, as well as various pattern features developed to ensure a proper fit.
In this size box analysis, I compared measurements from eight cycling brands to see how they size their bottoms for consumers. I also wanted to find out if these brands use real anthropometric (body measurement) data when creating their sizing systems.
To be a competitior in the activewear and outerwear space, you need to have a deep understanding of fit and garment construction to develop successful products. Great fit creates great products and therefore, a great reputation and sustainable competitive advantage.
Most of the brands follow the SizeUSA data trend line, but Ripton stands out as an outlier. Some brands don’t include full size boxes and only list one measurement per size, which is a flaw in their system. In mass production, you can’t make a separate garment for each individual size, you need a range that adjusts slightly for different consumers.
From this analysis, I knew I had to have a garment that can span a range of measurements (in this case, I created the test garments according to my body measurements) so implementing an adjustable waistband and using a stretch woven fabric is necessary to develop this product. If I were to manufacture this garment, I now have a resource I can show the manufacturer for a sizing system based of real anthropometric data.
The brand measurement data and model shown above were created with a deep understanding of AI, prompt engineering, and Perplexity.
You can follow these prompt chain here
Test Garments
To find a perfect fit for these performance garments, I developed 3-4 test garments for Look 1 (rain jacket + overpants). I follow a philosophy of act fast and fail later.
These test garments were developed in the span of a day at a time, with the first one understanding fit at its most basic form of the bodice. Once I nail down the most basic fit of the garment, I delve into the features and explore possible solutions to fit errors.
I also think it is important to test out these garments whilst performing the activity they are designed for. For this project, I took each test garment, and rode by bike with them to understand how cycling impacts the fit of the garments. Dynamically testing these garments ensure that both the fit of the garment and the functional features act in harmony.
Taking the ideas to life, I explored these different concepts and developed working, functional products around the criteria of the interviewees to prioritize both function and aesthetics for this consumer base.
Inspiration
Look 2
Steep Meridian
Showing the progression one goes through in a journey, this look is meant to serve a warm day that on a chance becomes too windy to go alone with just a shirt.
Look 3
Moss Walls
This look is meant to bridge the gap between technical outerwear and everyday wear, pairing Polartec® Wind Pro™ fleece with a waxed cotton lower panel to prioritize style without fully stepping away from function.
Research & Exploration
To create a true competitive advantage in the activewear and outerwear world, you need to understand materials and how to develop unique products. For this project, I explored material development with 3D printing.
My goal is to act with the beginners mind and with these prints to communicate a concept with a fabric mill.
The Problem Worth Solving
This project was a demonstration of what happens when research, data, and material exploration are all treated as equal parts of the design process. Kinetic was built around a gap that is easy to see once you start looking: commuter cyclists have plenty of functional gear, but almost none of it invites self-expression or carries a story worth telling. This collection was designed to change that, turning everyday rides into acts of self-expression that follow the wearer throughout the day.
What Research Taught Me
By grounding this project in what commuter cyclists actually need, the design criteria stopped being assumptions and became validated targets. The functional criteria including secure pockets catered to specific items, breathability and temperature regulation, weather-adaptable pieces, modularity and packability, visibility and reflectivity, and fit for motion all informed decisions from material selection down to pocket placement. Equally important were the aesthetic criteria: a versatile off-bike appearance, subtle integration of technical features, personal style expression, and a minimal compromise on fashion. Both sets of criteria had to be met together, not separately, and the final designs reflect that balance directly.
What Data Taught Me
Benchmarking existing cycling brands against the SizeUSA database confirmed that standard sizing conventions translate into this category without adjustment. That validation gave the measurement specs for each size grade a reliable foundation, which is the kind of detail that separates production-ready work from concept work.
What Material Innovation Taught Me
3D printing opened up a workflow worth carrying into every project going forward. Printing material samples and custom buttons is not just a prototyping shortcut. It is a communication tool. Whether presenting to a manufacturer or testing an idea at a small scale, having a physical object in hand changes the conversation entirely.
What This Project Produced
The concrete deliverables from this project include market-ready technical designs validated against user needs, a size-graded spec framework built on industry-standard data, and 3D printed hardware prototypes that demonstrate intent beyond what a flat sketch can communicate. These outcomes reflect skills in user research, competitive sizing analysis, material sourcing, and technical execution across the full product development arc.
Designed with Industry in Mind
For technical designer and activewear designer roles, this project shows the ability to move from a problem statement all the way through to production-informed solutions. That process mirrors what happens inside a real product development cycle, from gathering insights and setting functional criteria to validating specs and iterating on materials. Combined with hands-on construction experience and production work through Satin Stitches, a Made-in-USA operation, these skills transfer directly to a team environment where both design thinking and technical accuracy matter.
What Comes Next
This project is not finished. The silhouettes, hardware placements, and material transitions are all worth revisiting after extended wear testing. As with every garment made before this one, the next round of ideas is already forming. Design is an ongoing process, and each project builds the foundation for the next one.
