this is pretty awesome. for real. what kind of materials are available? have you thought about doing some wool shirts with this?
2012-08-04 04:09:51
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More good news...new Pittsburgh Kickstarter project
Since Mr Marv and some other were sharing their good news, I thought I would throw mine into the mix:
Two days I launched a campaign on Kickstarter to raise some capital to help launch a line of retroreflective shirts that have style and fashion in mind as well as making it safe to bike, run, or just walk around at night.
Like Fiks:Reflective Wheel Stripes everything is designed and produced right here in Point Breeze (our production studio is across from the EEFC, a block from both recent fatalities).
I'm really pumped to get these out. As many of you know, this is something I have been working on for months. The support from the local community for this and my last project has been great.
I'm proud to make a product that a lot of you like, and I look forward to continuing to do so. So, if you haven't, check it out and let me know what you think.
2012-08-04 03:45:27
Unfortunately wool doesn't really accept this process (or screen sprinting for that matter) very well. However, there are ways to weave wool with reflective yarn.
Ultimately the goal is to create an entire line of reflective apparel. The problem is, to get into garment manufacturing takes a gigantic amount of capital. Even just contracting the manufacturing but doing the design in house still takes an unbelievable amount of capital.
Furthermore, I would really like to handle all manufacturing in-house, which makes something like manufacturing specialty garments extremely expensive (besides equipment and materials you need to find textile and garment specialists). That's why the plan right now is to start with this collection of shirts work up to a full line.
With all of that said, you should really check out the DriRelease stuff. A few of the big brands are using it a little, but it is pretty amazing. It doesn't perform quite to the level of wool, but I would say it is at least as good, if not better than ever tech-shirt I looked into. Plus, it doesn't look or feel like technical fabric.
2012-08-04 04:57:36
Nick was wearing one of his shirts at the last Flock ride it was an extremely nice shirt. First reflective shirt that I have ever wanted.
2012-08-04 08:44:14
This looks great. Any testing for how the retroreflective stripes hold up with washing? Is this on 100% cotton or some sort of poly blend?
2012-08-04 15:38:07
Yes, I did plenty of testing. Testing is why these are getting released now and not 6 months ago. I have shirts that have seen 30+ washes without problems.
They should be machined washed cold, mild detergent, and tumble dried on low. Though, some people might prefer to line dry the 100% cotton ones to prevent shrinking.
I have also tested the drirelease shirts for odor prevention by wearing them over an entire week, including biking to work and going to the gym.
The drirelease shirts (black and white) are 85% polyester, 15% cotton. The colored Fine Jersey T's are 100% cotton, and the rest are 50/50.
2012-08-04 19:54:37
That's great to hear. I expect you're going to be getting a lot of business. I usually hand-wash my jerseys/chamois shorts to prolong their life, so it's good to know these are tough enough to handle machine washing.
2012-08-04 20:59:32
Bump- Only 4 hours left!
It is your last chance to get one for yourself for 25% off (They will be retailing in stores for $60 next month)
Thanks to all of you who backed and shared my project. I'm really pumped to get these out there.
Not only was the funding on KS successful, but the exposure has got us in contact with several wholesalers. We expect to have some of this collection in several stores across the USA (and some outside the states) in the coming weeks.
I also have some special projects planned with some of your (and mine) favorite bike-businesses in the city.
2012-08-24 23:38:21
Thanks for all of the support from you guys. The number of Pittsburgh backers is astounding!
2012-08-25 04:48:23