Kitsbow, maker of premium cycling clothing and accessories, continues to lead the cycling apparel industry in lean manufacturing with the introduction of the new Mescal Ventilated Short and Zen Ventilated Cycling Liner which are available now and made-to-order at Kitsbow’s factory in Old Fort, North Carolina.
“We are proud to launch our first outer short that is made-to-order and hand sewn in Old Fort,” said David Billstrom, CEO of Kitsbow. “We are committed to a made-to-order, lean manufacturing model. By keeping jobs in the U.S. we strengthen the local economy here in North Carolina, and we also reduce our impact on the planet by avoiding transportation costs.”
Billstrom further explained, “Our team improved the design of the Mescal Ventilated Short with feedback from customers, a process that takes a full year for most brands. By running our production lines in house, we are able to deliver the best possible product with the lowest possible waste, while at the same time staying nimble and responding quickly to consumer feedback. You can expect more of the same in the future.”
The exceptionally lightweight and carefully tailored men’s Mescal Ventilated Short ($175) maximizes airflow for all-day climbs and brutal descents. Featuring stretch-mesh paneling at the waist, rear yoke and behind the knees these shorts will keep riders cool and comfortable on the hottest of summer rides.
Not only packed with technical features, the Mescal Short also amplifies any rider’s style. The tailored fit ensures these shorts look great on and off the bike. And because they are sewn in house, the Mescal Ventilated Shorts are now made with even greater care and precision, to higher standards than ever before.
To accompany the perfect short, riders need the perfect liner. The men’s Zen Ventilated Cycling Liner ($155) is an exceptionally well-built staple for cycling comfort. With a seven panel construction for optimal fit, the stretch-mesh paneling ensures maximum active ventilation. The lightweight nylon compression fabric provides exceptional compression, wicking, durability and breathability and can be worn as a liner or alone as a short. Featuring a highly comfortable Cytech® chamois pad, the breathable compression fabric offers comfortable support.
Kitsbow’s made-to-order manufacturing model is part of Kitsbow’s continued commitment to finding a more sustainable solution for apparel. TrailCycled is the term Kitsbow uses to describe the entire cycle of its process — creating products, choosing where to make it, shipping and even repairing it so it stays out of the landfill. Kitsbow uses sustainable packaging with its boxes made from 40% recycled content (25% post-consumer minimum) from a box maker located an hour away from Kitsbow.
Even more important: each packaging component — from garment tags to outer labels — is compostable, helping us take steps toward leaving a smaller footprint. And for those who can’t pick up their order locally, they can take reassurance that Kitsbow’s shipping bags and boxes also are compostable in the owner’s own garden!
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About Kitsbow
Kitsbow was established in Sonoma County, California eight years ago by dedicated mountain bikers and apparel industry veterans. Because its designers have logged years in the saddle, each detail is obsessively considered. Every element — down to zippers and reflective piping — is vetted for quality, style, and durability. Relocating its manufacturing to Old Fort, North Carolina in 2019, Kitsbow is committed to a Made to Order manufacturing model, minimizing waste and maximizing flexibility to serve the customer. Kitsbow already makes over 75% of its products in the U.S.A. and is on track to be making all of its products in-house by 2021.
