The Cyclist’s Closet: The YMX Look
27. Sep, 2011 
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Winter Sun L/S jersey--Fall 2011 Collection
If any athletic clothing designer ought to get a trophy for designing jerseys with vibrant colors and patterns that goes beyond imaginable limits, it’s YMX. The exotic look has been inspired by Polynesian and Asian artistic influences: wearable art prints made into (dare I say it?) functional athletic clothing. YMX (the acronym comes from Yellow Man Expression) was spun off in 2009 from the high-end tattoo clothing brand, Yellowman. To this day, YMX designers look to the extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected from around the globe by the late Peter Mui for their inspiration. It’s what makes the YMX athletic clothing stand out from the rest.
Silky to the touch, people are surprised with the cool, smooth feel of the fabric. Yet the lightweight material is surprisingly tough and wears well. It’s truly easy-care clothing; it may be one your few technical clothing items that can be machine washed warm (although it will still need the low setting of the dryer). The versatile clothing can be worn on the bike, on the run, in the yoga studio and as a base layer as the weather cools. It doesn’t have to be limited to that, as the designs are stunning and the YMX clothing can easily become lifestyle pieces, worn with ease during the other part of your day.
It's the subtle side of YMX. Look for some muted tones within the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
On the technical side, the polyester-spandex technical fabric is a patented performance material called MadKool. MadKool helps regulate moisture and temperature. The sweat prone might note that sweat is pulled from the skin to the fabric and quickly air dries, so you aren’t left soaking and cold towards the end of a ride. Sunny days make for the best riding weather, and so the fabric of YMX’s cycling jerseys offers UV protection (50+). The touch of spandex in the fabric offers stretch and some compression. Fit can be a personal preference, if you prefer a somewhat looser fit, you may wish to go up a size with the YMX clothing.
Road Test: We’ve tested several YMX cycling pieces and love the breathable feel of YMX clothes. We love how most of their cycling jerseys have angled back pockets which make it easier to reach in and get your energy bars or cell phone. The bonus is, the pocket design adds a flattering curvature, so you can be sure you look great from the back too. Speaking of the back, the YMX jerseys are made like cycling jerseys should be, with a longer back (about 2 1/2 inches longer than the front) to cover you neatly while in the drops. The zippers range from a ¼-length size to a ½-length size (about 12 inches.) When zipped up, the zippers are practically invisible and there is no interference with the design. If I have one little gripe with the YMX zippers, it is that they score below average on my one-hand zipper test. At the seam between the fabric of collar and that of the jersey fabric is a place that catches the zipper as I zip it down during a warm ride. It’s no problem with two hands, but a bit tricky to manage with one.
She’s got the look: As far as looks go, the YMX designs are memorable and a great way to stand out in a crowd. One cyclist I saw in century ride last June wore a dragon print YMX jersey paired with matching arm warmers. The wild, exotic look of the print may have given her extra inspiration as she rode past cyclist after cyclist, with a spirit of toughness and determination. You couldn’t forget her, even as she left you in the dust.
Like the great YMX jerseys in these photos? Look for them to come out in Spring 2012! The long-sleeved Winter Sun jersey is out now. (All above photos are courtesy of YMX.)
IT’S ANOTHER AWESOME GIVEAWAY!
If you haven’t yet had the chance to wear a YMX jersey, this may be your chance. We have a YMX Cycling tank in a bright-colored Hawaiian Sun print. It’ll be perfect to wear at spin class or for warm weather rides while they last. Comment below to enter Cycle & Style’s giveaway. The contest will last for two weeks (until October 11, 2011). If you should win, note that we can mail within the USA or Canada. If you are notified that you have won, we’ll give you about 5 days to respond, before we choose another winner, so please use a legit e-mail and check your junk e-mail folder just in case!
Note: The jersey we have for a giveaway is a size medium only. To give an extra persepctive, the image on the left is shown on our 6-foot tall model. If it doesn’t fit you…it makes a great holiday gift!!
They look awesome.
Woohoo!!! I would love to win a YMX!!
Ooh, yes please! Beautiful jersey.
Great colors to wear under the Arizona sun!!
Sooooo cute… Love it! Pick me, pick me, pick me!
I have a ymx jersey and it is truly one of my favorites! I go for it first and I love the matching arm warmers too. The fabric is so comfortable and I get compliments every time I wear it. It washes great and it feels so soft. Whoever wins this jersey is one lucky gal.
WOW! finally a cute cycling Jersey ..I would be thrilled to wear that ..love it!!
Becoming a cyclist has improved my life in do many ways. I owe it to my bike to look good while we ride in this gorgeous jersey.
I LOVE the colors, I only have one cycling shirt,and would love to have a second one:) I worry about the cars hitting me, so with this shirt they could see me better.
I love your site – share it on FB often. This jersey is so cute and colorful. It would be great when I’m cycling in Bonaire this winter!
love this… love the blog…
if i win i’ll be your best friend.
PINK is my favorite color.. even have pink tires, pink valve stem caps, pink water bottle cages.. this would rock!
Love this line!!! I hope I won, otherwise I will have to buy something from the catalog.
The designs make me want to get a job so I can buy a new jersey.
Very pretty…and medium is my size
I’m a spin instructor who is trying to “keep it real” by transitioning to more outdoor biking — commuting and “coffee rides” for right now. This would be a perfect jersey to wear for all my cycling activities!
i LOVE the colors and styles of YMX jerseys, but have not had the pleasure of owning one yet!
Beautify me again!
Thats one sweet jersey! In desparate need of a sleeveless jersey and pink is my favorite color! Would absolutely love this!
love it…..would love it if I won!
I love that jersey! Pink is such a bright uplifting color. It would be perfect for the spin class I’ve been meaning to start. This would be perfect motivation to get me there!
AS a breast cancer survivor, I’m way into pink-this is fabulous!