By Vaughan McVilly - 20+ Years of Cycling Industry Wizardry
So, you’ve been tasked with the almighty job of choosing a custom clothing supplier for your club, team, or group. Congrats! You’re now responsible for making dozens—maybe hundreds—of cyclists look and feel good while they sweat, suffer, and show off. No pressure, right?
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But here’s the thing: picking a custom cycling clothing supplier isn’t just about getting the fanciest kit at the lowest price. It’s about finding the perfect balance between quality, fit, service, and making sure you don’t alienate 90% of your members by choosing something that only suits the elite 10% (I see you, and your 5 watts a kg leaness). So, before you sign off on those Lycra masterpieces, here are a few things to consider:
Before you even start looking at suppliers:
MOST IMPORTANT INITAIL STEP: Remember, you’re not buying for you—you’re buying for the whole club / group. Take the time to find out who you’re actually kitting out. Are your riders more elite or enthusiast? Are they in their 20s or 60s? Men, women, kids or a mix? What’s that mix? Have you brought kit for this group before and if so what was the split in product last time? High income or stretching the budget to be part of the club?
Understanding your group’s demographics will make sure you’re not picking something that only a small handful of riders are happy with while the rest grumble about fit, price, or design. Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s key to keeping your team united and proud of their kit.
So now lets get into the selection criteria when it comes to kit.
1. Quality: The Kit That Won’t Quit
Let’s face it—nobody wants to be halfway through a 100km ride when their bib shorts start resembling an old pair of underwear and ripping them a new one! Quality matters. Look for suppliers who use durable, breathable materials that can handle both the sunburns of summer and the soggy rides of winter. You want gear that lasts more than one season (and still looks good after multiple washes), and most importantly, won't fall apart during the first long ride. Things to look for are zipp quality (YKK is a good benchmark), stitch and thread quality, chamois quality and of course material. Then there is the actual pattern of the garment, how many panels it has and why are the panels like that … for price or for performance/comfort.
2. Size Range: Fit For Every Body
It’s not enough to just have sizes from XS to XL. What you really need is a range that caters to both the super sleek and the “I enjoy my post-ride beers” crowd. Offering both elite fit (for the racers who demand that aero edge) and club fit (for those who’d rather have some room to breathe) is essential. Not everyone wants to look like they’ve been vacuum-sealed into their kit, and that’s okay! Make sure your supplier offers the flexibility to suit everyone from the diehard racers to the weekend warriors. Also understand that that guy who want to wear race kit who is clearly 15kg overweight is not going to like the kit, that’s ok thats his choice and if his ego could just get on the wheel and take a chill pill he will learn that the club fit will look and feel far better.
3. Length Options: Sleeves & Bibs That Actually Fit
Let’s talk length. Some folks want longer sleeves for that pro look; others prefer something shorter to show off their "guns" (even if those guns are more water pistols than cannons). The same goes for bib short length—too short, and it looks like you borrowed your kid’s kit; too long, and you’re practically in ¾ tights. A good supplier will offer customizable length options so that every rider feels like the kit was made just for them. The big question here is do they charge for the different lengths?
4. Minimum Quantities: More Than Just a Handful
Before you get too excited, check the fine print. Many suppliers have minimum order quantities, and while this won’t matter for big clubs, it’s worth noting if you’re a smaller group. Don’t let yourself get stuck with 100 jerseys when you’ve only got 12 riders. Or worse, don’t be forced to tell your riders they can’t get a kit because you don’t hit the supplier’s minimum. Make sure you know what’s required up front. ALso make sure if the minimums are low that those minimums are for the range and not just one type of garment.
5. 24/7 Online Store: No One Wants to Chase Payments
In the age of instant access, no one has time to be managing orders via email, or worse—paper forms (what is this, 1999?). A supplier who offers a 24/7 online store will save your sanity. Riders can order at their leisure, pay directly online, and you don’t have to chase people down with a hat for cash payments. Plus, everyone can manage their own sizing, saving you from the inevitable "I ordered a medium but I’m actually a large" complaints.
6. Customer Service: When Things Go Wrong (Because They Will)
Let’s be real: something’s bound to go wrong at some point. It’s not about avoiding problems; it’s about how the supplier handles them when they pop up. A supplier with responsive, helpful customer service is worth their weight in carbon fibre. Whether it’s a sizing issue, a delivery delay, or someone managed to lose half their kit on a training ride, having a supplier that’s easy to reach and quick to solve problems is a must.
7. Warranty: For When The Unthinkable Happens
Nobody expects a jersey zipper to blow out during a sprint finish, but when it does, you’ll be thankful for a solid warranty policy. Check what the supplier offers in terms of repair, replacement, or refund if the kit doesn’t hold up to the rigors of your rides. A good warranty means they stand behind their product—and that’s a good sign you’re in good hands.
8. Price: You Get What You Pay For
I know, I know. You want a killer deal. But remember: just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s good. On the flip side, not every expensive kit is worth the splurge. Look for suppliers that strike a balance between quality and affordability. And keep in mind that the cheapest option might leave you stuck with gear that disintegrates by mid-season, while the most expensive might be overkill for a recreational club. Find your sweet spot.
9. Design process to perfection
Getting your kit designed is a crucial part of the process. Making sure the colours are right, the logos are sized correctly for the size jersey they are being printed on and the simple checking that their are no errors is a 2 way street. You need a supplier that has experts in the design lab and then you need to diligently sign off on every design and garment. TAKE YOUR TIME and get this right the first time as the second time will more than likely be at your expense not the supplier, so choose a supplier who has a fastidious design process.
10. Who owns the factory where the kit is being made
Another too often forgotten about detail that is the absolute key to great service and ability to provide exactly what your after. The custom kit market is saturated with cookie cut clothing companies utilising someone else factory and then spending buckets on marketing spin, fluff and bubble and very little substance. In the best scenarios the supplier is either an owner or part owner of the factory making the product. If the company your buying off is trading under the name of the factory thats making the product that is also preferable but nowhere near as attractive as being able to talk to the person who directly has control over the factory. If the supplier is using a myriad of factory or simply sourcing it out of a large factory 9.9 times out of ten you are going to get problems that they can not and will not fix and cause you headaches.
Final Thoughts: You’re Building A Legacy Choosing the right custom clothing supplier is about more than just looking good on the bike. It’s about making sure your whole club feels comfortable, included, and excited to represent your group. Nail the choice, and you’ll have happy riders repping your kit for seasons to come. Get it wrong, and you’ll be hearing about it every Sunday ride until next year’s order.
So do your research, know your riders, and above all—choose wisely. You’ve got this!
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