Lexi Miller  A biking gal’s new best friend

Lexi Miller A biking gal’s new best friend

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Ladies. Let’s talk bike clothes. Because I don’t know about you, but nine times out of ten, I’d rather be wearing just about anything else.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to crank out miles on two wheels like the best of them, and plan to do some serious training this spring and summer to get ready for another triathlon or two. I love hanging with the pack, chain grease on my legs, wind on my face, enjoying the ride. Clothes are not going to stand between me and my bike.

But between the too-tight elastic on my thighs, the awkward way the fabric cuts into my waist, the teeny tiny jersey pockets, or the scratchy padding inside – I’ve had it up to here with the way bike clothes are designed. If you caught me out there on the road and asked me: “Golly Meaghan, how awesome do you feel in your bike kit?” I will tell you: I do not feel all that awesome. In fact, I sometimes feel like a stuffed sausage. I’m a girl with athletic curves being fit into a square kit.

So my plea up until now has been this: bike industry friends, can we please for once design a jersey and shorts that don’t make an otherwise strong and powerful body look like it’s the Michelin Man.

I’d love to show off my muscles. Not strangle them. And I know I’m not the only girl who feels this way.

Which is why I was excited to hear that Lexi Miller is hoping to do something about the state of ladies’ cycling apparel. They reached out to me a few weeks ago about their new line, which just so happens to be launching today (congrats!). I’m happy to report that, like a growing number of small independent companies, all of Lexi Miller’s products are designed by a woman who cycles, for a woman who cycles.

A biking gal’s new best friend
A biking gal’s new best friend

Can I get an amen to that?

The fabric and trim are carefully selected to stand up to the heaviest training, but the design and details were crafted with an eye toward making bike apparel a little more comfortable, wearable, and (dare I say it) flattering for the strong ladies who wear it.

A few things that really caught my attention about Lexi Miller:

sizing // Lexi Miller sizes range from 2 – 12, as opposed to the ambiguous XS – XL scale. Sizing their apparel in a way that matches up with industry standards allows for a better, more comfortable fit. I’m wearing a size 6 in these photos.

fabrics // The fabric in the jerseys and shorts are sourced from Italy and provide UPF 50+ sun protection. I’m a nut for wearing sunscreen on my body, and love that these clothes will help keep my skin safe during long outdoor rides.

design // The biggest thing that sets this new line apart from others I’ve seen on the market is the design. The bottoms have high waistlines with wide bands that don’t tug or cut in – hallelujah! The shorts have the same feature around the thigh, creating a sleek line instead of that rubber-band look we all hate. The chamoises is soft, extra cushiony, and doesn’t chafe. And for the jerseys, there’s strategically placed mesh ventilation where it’s needed and pockets big enough to hold a flat kit, extra water bottle, and everything else you need out there.

made in the USA // I’m all for French scarves and Italian shoes, but I love supporting small businesses here at home.

What I’m wearing:

Wrapture Jersey // This design was inspired by the iconic wrap dress, and delivers a whole lot of style without making a fuss about it. It’s sleek and form fitting with fun rusching detail at the waist – just enough to be noticed, not enough to look frilly. And of course there are nice big pockets in the back for anything and everything.

Tweener Legging // These capris have all the same amazing details of the signature Little Black Short (high waist, I love you) and hit about mid calf. The fabric delivers nice compression and really moves with you. Dare I say it? I think I founded the yoga pant of cycling.

Hourglass Jersey // This pink and black top was my favorite. Not my favorite color – but my favorite design. It just fit so well and made me feel like a total rockstar. The cut incorporates curved pieces at the waist (instead of the standard flat five panel design), and mesh ventilation around the back and sides. The collar was also nice and high to help keep your neck warm in cooler temperatures or out of the sun when it’s hot. There’s also a bit of sticky padding at the bottom of the shirt to keep it from riding or bunching up. You do the work. It stays put.

Little Black Short // I didn’t wear these for too long because it is getting so cold here in NYC. Sadly, I think shorts weather is quickly fading into the rear-view mirror. But I have to give them a huge shout out because they are, hands down, the very first pair of shorts that haven’t cut into my waist or thighs. I was astounded and totally delighted. Lexi Miller took the elastic out of those typically-trouble parts and replaced it with a wide bands of soft fabric. Comfy. Stylish. Functional. Genius.

So there you have it, ladies. I’m happy to report that Lexi Miller has really taken women’s cycling apparel up a notch by making clothes that fit well, perform well, and look great. No huge logos. No crazy patterns. Just sleek, comfortable, get-down-to-business gear made here in the USA by women, for women.

Now excuse me while I host a retirement ceremony for those hideously restrictive cycling shorts I never plan to wear again.

Tip: Want to see the products up close? The review continues today over on Snapchat (at “fitcrasher”)! Send your questions too, I’ll do my best to answer everything you want to know. Thanks!

Lexi Miller provided product samples for me to try out, review, and send back. As a thank you for this write up, Lexi Miller offered to gift one item of my choosing. 

 

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