From bike to bistro: can you be chic on wheels?
There’s a saying in motorbiking circles: all the gear all the time (commonly abbreviated to ATGATT). This is, of course, the best advice any biker could and should take. But it does come with some sartorial issues – particularly for us gals.
1. Biker clothing is heavy – and the colder/wetter the weather, the more of it you have to wear. If it’s the proper stuff (and I would advise this in EVERY circumstance), it has all kinds of protective ‘armour’ buried inside it, which adds to the not inconsiderable weight of several tough layers of fabric. This makes it awkward to walk any distance off the bike, especially when you factor in heavy helmets and boots. It also makes it very hot.
2. Often, biker clothing for women is not very well thought through. Sure, it has all the safety features. But the majority of bike-clothing designers seem to think that the only things they need to do to appease us gals is to colour something sugar-pink and make it a bit shorter in length. Come on! Not good enough!!
3. Top boxes and paniers are small. If you are riding two-up (pilot and pillion), there’s twice as much to cram into a small space if you need to change out of your bike gear into something more comfortable/appropriate. So any extra items of clothing need to work hard for their place alongside tools, lock-up chains, electronic wizardry, waterproof gear … there’s a very long list.
I’ll be honest, even if I feel like an oily rag at the end of a long stint in the saddle, I really don’t want to look like one. So, here’s a couple of things I’ve learned along the way.
Sandra sporting her Trash Chic scarf
Light, non-crease fabrics for off the bike are miracle workers. During the summer months, I tend to wear armoured leggings and a short-sleeve (non-biking-specific tee) for on the bike. For a quick change, I remove the hip and knee armour from the leggings and throw over some kind of tunic or kimono that sits beneath my bum. It’s the closest I can get to looking ‘intentional’ without a lot of faff. It even looks good with biker boots. The scarves I wear to protect my neck are then fashioned into a headband – think land army girl. Also, I choose moto jackets that come with a thin boxy-shape removable liner, which doubles up nicely as a casual off-the-bike jacket.
During the winter months, I tend to wear every layer I can fit under my bike jacket for protection against the cold. Believe me, my cashmere staples get worn more on the bike than off it these days. My off-the-bike go-to for my bottom half is a pair of Lucy and Yak dungarees. The beauty of these is, you don’t have to change any of your top-end clothing. You just chuck the dungarees over.
And I can’t NOT mention that one particular manufacturer of women’s motorbike gear, Motogirl, makes amazing denim armoured dungarees. Just whip out the armour when you’re off the bike, and job done! Top marks.
Finally, don’t forget a bumbag and hat (if you don’t ‘do’ scarves). I have fortunately been gifted a fully waterproof biker variety bumbag, which I do mostly use. But on a dry day, there’s nothing wrong with something much funkier; just keep the contents in a plastic bag inside, in case of showers. As for hats, if it’s non-rigid it can be rolled up and kept in your bumbag - think beanie or slouch bucket.
Fresh off the bike in Lucy & Yak dungarees, headscarf and tee
But where does all of this fit in with the preloved markets? Well, Trash Chic is a must for its fabulous silk headsquares and scarves. You can’t beat a silk neck scarf; the natural properties of the fabric keep you warm, or cool, according to conditions. Plus they are light and colourful.
TC is also a must for loose one-size kimonos and tunics that are easy travellers and look great with anything. Plus, it has some extremely fun tees and bumbags.
For L&Y second-hand, search for the Facebook page where you can swap and sell preloved items, and check out Vinted.
And for biking gear itself, trawl eBay or search for ‘preloved motorbike gear’. You can even find boots and gloves.
Here, at TC Towers, the glorious Jane would love to know if you have any more advice for women biker clothing, or if there’s anything you would love to see on the TC rails. Come along and talk to her at TC’s upcoming events.
Sandra Stafford is a writer, editor and long-time Trash Chic customer.
To view TC’s range of preloved clothing, return to the Shop where you will find a comforting selection of all manner of clothing. Also check out the Facebook page where items are uploaded on a more regular basis.
