PEARL iZUMi, the world leader in cycling apparel and footwear, has rolled out its Spring 2020 line with more recycled, renewable and organic fabrics than ever. Last year, the brand set a goal to make 90% of its line from sustainable content by the year 2022. With two years to go, PEARL iZUMi is almost halfway to its goal.
“This season’s line represents a huge step in PEARL iZUMi’s commitment to sustainability, as we seek to use our business practices and products to be a force for good,” said Andrew Hammond, brand manager at PEARL iZUMi. “We are so proud of the great work our team has done to incorporate sustainable materials throughout a significant portion of the season’s offerings, while continuing to provide exceptional performance across each piece.”
For Spring 2020, PEARL iZUMi redeveloped over 100 pieces. Jackets and jerseys are made with recycled polyester, shorts feature recycled nylon, casual items are made with organic cotton and hats from renewable Merino wool.
In the brand’s iconic Attack collection, every style features a significant amount of recycled content. For example, the updated women’s Attack Jersey is a classic summer cycling jersey featuring soft, moisture-wicking fabric made with yarns created from recycled plastic water bottles, perfect for big rides and hot weather. The fit has been improved with darting across the front and a new collar for a more flattering feminine look. The Attack Jersey is available in short sleeve ($85), lightweight long sleeve ($95) and sleeveless ($75) styles.
In addition to Attack, three other collections round out an enhanced women’s lineup for the brand this season, including the fun, sporty Sugar collection with expressive colors and prints; the elegant high-performance Symphony collection; and the luxurious top-of-the-line PRO collection for ultimate long-ride performance.
For mountain bikers the all-new Elevate Short ($175) is lightweight, highly ventilated, and loaded with features that improve rider comfort. Bonded seams create a smooth, stitch-free finish that won’t rub or chafe, laser-perforated vents promote airflow, and a Boa-dial at the waistband lets riders fine-tune the fit. PI Dry® water-shedding technology adds a mud- and water-resistant barrier that will last the lifetime of the short.
Also in Spring 2020, PEARL iZUMi is introducing its first-ever line of body armor.With a long history of making best-in-class arm and knee-warmers, PEARL iZUMi used its expertise to make protective elbow and knee pads that stay in place without chafing. The Summit ($85 knees, $65 elbows) series offers lightweight, low-bulk protection suited to riders who may take an occasional tumble.The Elevate series ($125 knees, $85 elbows) features thicker padding and additional armor on the sides of the pads. Both lines meet the rigorous standards of the CE1 certification for rider protection and use flexible D3O inserts that absorb impacts more effectively than traditional foam pads.
In PEARL iZUMi’s expanding BikeStyle collection, the Rove Barrier Jacket ($150), made from recycled polyester, is designed to give riders the confidence to head out on morning commutes even when the forecast is questionable. PI Dry technology provides a permanent, water-shedding layer against rain and road spray. A two-way zipper allows for easy ventilation and the hood can be snapped off for a streamlined look. A highly visible drop tail helps to get noticed by drivers on the road, but it can be tucked in place once the bike is put away.
The Spring 2020 Outerwear Collection includes everything from packable emergency shells for “just in case” protection, to purpose-built rain jackets for riders who won’t take a day off during downpours.For example, the new Vortex WxB Hooded Jacket ($300) combines a highly-breathable, fully-taped, three-layer construction with an over-the-helmet hood design and a two-way waterproof zipper to keep riders warm and dry even in heavy rain. Made from recycled materials, the lightweight fabric has enough stretch to move with you on the bike and fit over layers. PI Dry permanent water-shedding technology ensures that this jacket will perform at a high level for its lifetime. Meanwhile, the PRO Barrier Jacket ($165) sheds all but the worst of the rain, while allowing extra breathability and exceptional stretch. With minimal bulk, this jacket fits easily in a jersey pocket when the sun emerges, making it the ideal weatherproof piece to bring on any ride.
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About PEARL iZUMi
PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 60 years ago in Japan, when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live today shapes how future generations ride, and is committed to using their business practices, products and community advocacy to create a positive impact through cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in the Colorado Front Range, where it embraces strong influence, both culturally and structurally, from its Japanese heritage.
