Cyclist’s Closet: ZOIC Clothing (+ Giveaway!)
17. Nov, 2011 
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The stylish look of ZOIC's plaid Damsel skirt and Cameron Jersey (in aqua) will turn heads on the trail.
Since the beginning, mountain biking clothing has been designed for function, namely its ability to withstand falls, take on regular mud-spattering and be comfortable. Loose-fitting shirts and drab colored baggy shorts made up a guy’s typical mountain biking wardrobe and at first, women just wore and adapted men’s clothes in smaller sizes. Thank Heaven things have changed! Comfort and performance are still needed, but fashion is making inroads into mountain biking clothing and we are more than happy to put the spotlight on those companies who do it so well.
ZOIC Clothing is one such company which stands out for going that extra mile in bringing together good fit, function and performance and some stylish looks. The result is apparel for the trail that is durable, has the technical performance an active athlete needs and a touch of fashion. ZOIC uses unique fabrics such as plaids and houndstooth, while also adding a few fanciful prints to several pieces in their clothing line. It is just those little touches that help to set a woman apart from looking like just one of the guys. Clothing companies ride a fine line when making women’s clothes to please avid mountain bikers. They want the same high quality features the men’s clothing enjoys, but they don’t want cycling clothing companies to just “shrink it and pink it” (to use a trite saying). They want performance clothing that was made to fit a woman which is stylish yet subtle in its femininity. ZOIC is hitting that mark.
ZOIC not only makes clothes for the mountain trails, but also for the urban commuter, casual cyclist and indoor fitness buff. The shorts, capris, knickers and skirts have inner chamois liners which can be removed to make a smooth transition from mountain trail to town life. Having multi-function clothing has always been a part of a smart traveler’s wardrobe, but in these economic times, it’s great to have cycling clothing that can become a part of one’s off-the-bike wardrobe as well. One can easily remove the chamois liner from the plaid Damsel skirt, pair it with a sweater, grey leggings and some ballet flats and voila! It’s a great-looking outfit for going out on the town!
Find a dealer near you that feature ZOIC clothing by going to this link.
GIVING BACK
We also love companies in the cycling industry who give back and who help support cycling causes and ZOIC is a great community supporter who supports associations such as its local cycling groups and big ones such as IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) and organizations such as Trips for Kids and Biking for a Better World.
ZOIC Clothing Giveaway
ZOIC’s newest jersey, the long-sleeved Ambrosia jersey is being offered as a prize by ZOIC for Cycle & Style readers! This jersey was Stephanie’s absolute favorite (see her complete review below) and is shown in several of these photos. It’s a half-zip jersey that is great on its own or worn as an outer or even mid-layer. The front hand pockets are unique for a cycling jersey and it has a flattering straight form-fitting cut. The Ambrosia jersey offered as a giveaway is gray and comes in four sizes small through extra-large. (MSRP is $55) The winner of the giveaway may choose her size!
Rules of the ZOIC/Cycle & Style Giveaway: To enter our giveaway for ZOIC’s long-sleeve Ambrosia jersey, comment below and use your real (first) name and a valid e-mail. We’ll make a random choice from among the best quality comments to select the winner. We’ll choose a winner on December 8, 2011 and they will be notified via e-mail. If we have trouble getting a hold of you, we may have to choose another, so please use a valid email. We can mail to addresses within the US or Canada.
Stephanie’s Review of ZOIC’s Naveah Shorts, Joie de Vie Tee & Ambrosia Jersey
I love the Joie de Vie tee; it is basic and extremely breathable with some really nice feminine features, which is great for women’s mountain biking. First, it is a beautiful deep purple which is a great stand-alone color or layering piece. It has a V-neck, adding to the breathability, and includes some snaps on the sleeves, giving this basic concept T-shirt a little more flare! It also has some venting up by the shoulders, a cute accent with some functionality. To finish it off, it includes a small media pocket, my one complaint is that it might be a little too small, I can hardly get my I-Pod in it. (MSRP is $44)
Elizabeth shows off ZOIC's newest jersey, the long-sleeved Ambrosia, paired with their Naveah shorts and Joie de Vie tee.
The black Ambrosia jersey is my favorite part of the whole set. It is stretchy, breathable and light, perfect for mountain biking. It is made to go with the purple shirt in the set and has some matching accents, but I have used it several times on its own or with a different tank. I appreciate is functionality. Not only does this piece look great with its purple counterpart out on the trails, it also can be used in all types of cycling! I have worn it in spin class as a warm-up, outer layer, and I have also worn it under a thicker jacket for some commuting. It has a kangaroo pocket in the front for your hands (it doesn’t zip so I didn’t put any keys or cell phone in it) and it bunches at the elbow, which gives it extrmovement. Its also flattering with its form fitting cut, making it a sporty, cute layer to just wear out to coffee!
The Navaeh shorts are designed with the mountain biking chick in mind and ZOIC really hits that mark. The material is some of the lightest I have encountered in the mountain bike clothing industry. It is thin, but not flimsy, making movement natural and easy. The length is down to the knees giving the protection needed to tear down trails without worrying about getting caught up on some bushes along the way. Like the other three pieces in the set, the shorts really do a nice job accenting the complete outfit, but I have also used them with other tops and they look great. The removable chamois is a must-have, it makes the shorts more versatile and easier to clean. All the pockets are water sealed which is especially important for the media pocket! (MSRP: $74)
VERY nice job ZOIC, awesome looking and performing mountain biking/cycling gear for women!
Really liking the idea of the removable chamois linings in some of these pieces … great for commuting when you can’t really find a place to change or bring extra clothes in your pack! And the jersey is awesome. Please pick me
I agree, I love the removable chamois idea! I have a ZOIC sleeveless jersey that I really like the fit and design of. Who wouldn’t want to win this awesome long sleeve one!
awwww sweet. you guys have the best recommendations.
Hi!….im new to biking and have been finding most cycling clothes kinda ugly…love this site! Always introducing me to cute clothes and accessories that actually help with the ride. I love the long sleeves with the bunchy elbows …perfect!! Wont have to adjust it every time I move my arms…
So great to see a line of biking clothes that celebrates females !! Love Love Love! the plaid biking skirt. Thank you Cycle and Style for yet another great find !!! Keep it up
Awesome review, ZOIC looks like they have some great clothes for cycling. I would love to be entered into the giveaway!
-Katie
katiebug92 AT att DOT net
Yay! Biking clothes made for a woman. Love it.
Very stylish tech wear. I really like the look of that jersey, especially in the black and purple. I would love that kangaroo pocket for keeping my fingers warm when commuting in the morning. Sometimes I find myself wishing for pockets at red lights!
Very cute & flattering!! Love it- I’m always looking for comfy, but good-looking and functional activewear!
The piece de resistance of serious and stylish female cycling attire! Thanks ZOIC, you nailed it.
I love how stylish and down to earth these clothes are! They look comfortable for cycling but great for out and about as well.
Great jersey. Getting ready for the rainy season here in the pacific NW and this jersey would be a great layer to add under the rain gear. Have to have styling clothes when you have fenders on your bike!
Thank you for the ideas. I have yet to get my first set of biking clothes.
When I ride my bike, I want to look like a GIRL! I LOVE the lines of Zoic. Funtional and feminine. GRRL POWER for sure!
I have several pairs of zoic shorts, socks and jersey’s. I love this brand. I do not have a long sleeve jersey but would love to win one!
I love this outfit and many others from the Zoic lines! The shorts with the removable chamois is a great idea!
Another company that is wonderful at keeping us comfy and cute while we are kicking some butt on the bike. I’m going to have to get some shorts with the removable chamois!
Love Zoic’s women’s clothing!
Looks comfortable and stylish. Perfect.
I find myself wearing my Zoic clothing off the bike as much as on the bike! Most of my Zoic stuff is worn for errands, casual coffee rides, and riding on bike paths; it’s so nice to be stylish instead of just focusing on technical clothing as I do when road riding.
Keep up the good work, and please… think about making some warmer full length cool looking pants for those of us that live in colder climes.
Giving back is important, and I love to support companies that want to elevate the sport. http://www.zoic.com/damsel-skirt I checked out some of their bottoms and was really impressed with the skirts. I will be purchasing one for cyber Monday!
I don’t have any experience with this brand, but women-specific cycling clothes are rapidly improving and I want to try as many brands as I can.
I’ve never tried this clothing line, it looks fabulous.
Hope I win so I can try it out!
Great review! The ZOIC line looks really cool, I would love to win!
Yes, please
It’s about time for some stylish cycle clothes!
Awesome review, Love Zoic’s women’s clothing!