Less is more is our design philosophy, you can see that idea through our Phantom Bib Shorts, Phantom Lightweight Vest, and Lightweight Jersey. At Vertex, we always try to take those unnecessary seams and panels out to make the structure of our products simpler as possible. How to make the best use of a fewer piece of materials and yet deliver the specific functions we need is always the topic on the top of our list. It is not only an artistic issue, but an issue involved highly engineering knowledge.
Simple can be more complicated than complex. As every each of the details can serve a particular purpose, we must find a solution to combine the rest of the details if we want to take some details out. That is often the start of our procedure from complex to simple. Let’s take bib shorts as an example, more panels allow a better, more contoured fit, but every panel need more seams, more seams create more friction points and more material. As panels and fit are two key factors on bib shorts correlating and also contradicting each other in many cases, if we want fewer panels, we must find a way to keep the fit. Solving a contradicting situation like that takes time and resolve, as there are frequently involved solving many issues at the same time.
At Vertex, we express ourselves through lines and shapes. We believe simplification is not only a process of style but a perspective and choice towards many aspects of life. We adopt this same attitude to our logo. For many businesses, logo means branding. However, more branding does not always equal a stronger brand. As more and more brands are spending time on branding rather than the product itself, we want to refocus on the strength of the outputs. We tend to use less logo on our products; we believe that the character of a product stands out only when there is nothing else to distract. With the effort of our high-level R&D team, we can explore the possibility of new material, methods and solutions to the new ideas, it also allows us to come up a series of unique products which never exist in the market before. We hope when people purchase from Vertex; they are buying the product itself, not for the name of a designer or branded logo.
Discover Vertex Phantom Bib Shorts +
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For many, a pair of fingerless leather gloves evokes a romantic image of cycling. Track mitts first appeared in the era of Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali in the 1940s and 1950s and were later worn by such greats as Eddy Merckx and Felice Gimondi. The oily lanolin aroma of the leather, the beautifully stitched piping, and the airy yet close fit of the backs seem to be a particular memory of that specific time in history.
It’s hard to resist the charm of a nice pair of fingerless leather gloves. They are unique to cycling, a true icon of this sport. However, most leather gloves are just for show, without any practical purpose. Is it possible to combine a timeless piece with true functionality? Once again, we were brought back to the ultimate conundrum: how to unite fashion and function.
Our goal was to create beautiful gloves that remind us of the glory of the golden age, modified by simplification and aesthetic modernism. To achieve this marriage of beautiful leather gloves with a functional purpose, we needed more than just an idea. Here are some actual stories behind the Vertex Classic Gloves.
1. Premium material for maximum comfort and the easiest care
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Vertex Classic Gloves are made from the finest African hair sheep leather, which is acknowledged as the best leather for gloves. This material is soft, durable, and supple, providing lasting comfort and ensuring a proper fit. With tactile sensitivity and exceptional softness, the leather is treated with particular water- and perspiration-resistant technology that permanently protects the leather fibers without blocking its natural breathability.
2. Excellent shock absorption
Padding represents the soul of a pair of gloves, serving the very critical function of absorbing shock and vibration from the road that would otherwise carry straight through your palms to your arms and shoulders, causing harm to your shoulders, neck, and back. The soft contouring material we use for the padding of Vertex Classic Gloves is made from XRD® Technology, which absorbs up to 90% of the energy at high-speed impact.
3. Easy care
One of the main reasons that people prefer fabric or synthetic leather gloves over classic leather gloves is ease of maintenance. A common misconception is that leather products are hard to care for, but this is no longer the case. The leather we use for our gloves is treated with a unique finishing process that makes for easy care in almost all cases. Simply wash the gloves in lukewarm water with mild soap flakes, rinse with plenty of clean water, gently squeeze out any excess water, reshape the gloves, and leave them to dry naturally. It is that simple.
4. Built-in sweat wipe
Another issue holding people back from trying leather gloves is the lack of a sweat wipe. Imagine yourself on a long ride under a burning sun, sweat dripping down your face and stinging your eyes, smearing on your glasses and impairing your vision. What can you do about it? Your instinct is to wipe the sweat away with your hand, so that’s why we made a built-in sweat wipe on the thumb that adds essential function without sacrificing the classy look.
No matter what functions fit your needs, we all agree that you can’t go wrong wearing a nice pair of leather gloves when you hit the road!
Discover Vertex Classic Gloves +
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Is it possible to have a cap that is both water repellent and breathable at the same time? Or a windproof vest with excellent ventilation? These trade-offs are inevitable in life—we gain something good only to lose something just as desirable. Compromise is unavoidable, even with our cycling kit. But have you ever wondered if you could have it all, without the compromise?
At Vertex, we continuously challenge ourselves to resolve issues that appear impossible to others. We believe a trade-off is simply a technical problem, and if we can improve the current technology, we will succeed in fixing the problem.
It was with this confidence that we approached a question commonly posed by cyclists: Why wear a cap that doesn’t achieve the purpose for which it was made? Okay, it keeps the sweat and rain out of your eyes and shields you from the low-lying sun in the spring and autumn. But when sweat starts building up after a long ride or your cap is completely drenched after a rain shower, you start questioning the point of wearing a cycling cap at all.
Cycling caps are made from cotton as it was once considered an ideal material for absorbing moisture. However, as cotton soaks up liquid, it becomes heavier and eventually is saturated. That is the nightmare situation most cyclists have experienced at some point: The heat and wet keep building upon your head, and the unabsorbed sweat rolls down your face and into your eyes. Yes, we’ve all been there.
Don’t blame those poor cycling caps too much though—they’re mainly a promotional tool for sponsors and the ultimate souvenir for cycling fans. For a sponsor, the opportunity to broadcast their brand on a cyclist’s head is no doubt worth the cost of producing thousands of hats per year. However, costing down for each cap is inevitable. The result is lower-quality cycling caps throughout the market, with less and less money spent on new materials or improved quality.
We started to wonder if we could replace the traditional cotton material with a technical fabric that is lightweight, windproof, and water repellent but still breathable. It was more like mission impossible at the beginning when we were finding that improving one feature would negate the good qualities of another. Manufacturers used to apply a coating to the fabric to make it windproof or water repellent, but this came at the cost of breathability. A coated fabric can’t breathe as its porosity is compromised.
Discover our caps collection +
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August 2, 2016 I VERTEX LONDON
Here’s a question — what’s the first thing you ask yourself in the morning? Bingo! It’s usually about what to wear for the day.
Whether we’re into vibrant orange or a peaceful green, color is the key to understanding personalities and representing ourselves. Color can influence our emotions, our actions and how we respond to various people, things and ideas. Much has been studied and written about color and its impact on our daily lives.
When it comes to cycling and sports, hot, bright colors have been around for a few decades and as fabric and dye techniques have vastly improved, ultra-bright colors have become more prevalent in recent years. “It's definitely having an impact on what people are buying," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone. "I think that just like most trends, they have their moments," she continued. "It's just a given in the fashion world that a trend can only last so long. The consumer will eventually look at fluorescent colors as ho-hum."
In order to create classic and eye-catching items, Vertex wants to be a pioneer in combining fashion and sports by following global color authority Pantone on a vivid journey through fashion and adding revolutionary reflective materials to reform a timeless product. “Vertex wants to stretch limits and touch realms that haven’t been explored yet,’’ says Pantone’s chief designer. “Pantone’s aim in this season is not just to put together some colorful pieces, but to deliver the attitude that sports are a part of life. You can be classic, trendy, and fashionable — not necessarily limited to just being sporty.’’
Rose Quartz
With its gentle pink essence, this is a stone of the heart, a crystal of unconditional love. It carries a soft energy of compassion and peace, tenderness and healing, nourishment and comfort. It’s a gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure, like a serene sunset, flushed cheek or budding flower. It reminds us to reflect on our surroundings during each paddle and be cheerful and lighthearted.
Peach Echo
A color that beautifully represents summer and gives the impression of warmth. “A shade that emanates friendlier qualities, evoking warmth and accessibility,’’ according to Pantone. That would definitely be due to its ability to communicate a celebratory vibe!
Lilac Grey
This was the color of the moment back in the Nineties, but it's finding its feet once more as a natural partner for the ever-popular shades of grey. As its name suggests, this color looks exactly like freshly-cut lilac blooms. The icy purple petals are cool and crisp, and this glorious grey-purple hue will contrast perfectly with the clean, all-white tiles and fixtures.
Wild Lime
Gorgeous spring palette soaked with the hues of nature. The combination of juicy light green tones and natural browns will enliven your style without altering its classic look. These shades will fit perfectly in the wardrobe of any fashionable cyclist.
Lucite Green
This is the color in today’s fashion which transmits luminosity, serenity and happiness. Its lightness offers a sensation of space and it also has a connection with nature and tranquility. Lucite can feel either earthy or elegant. You can't go wrong with neutrals like navy and tan. It's one of the most pinned hues.
Limpet Shell
Limpets are plentiful and easy to find on rocky shores that are rich in algae. Because of the cup-shaped shells, the small gastropods, most of which reach only a few inches in size, are easily recognized by their beautiful green tones. Suggesting clarity and freshness, a shade of aqua that leans toward the green family, this hue is flattering on everybody and looks perfect with almost any other colour!
Teal
This is a medium-saturated, blue-green color, similar to medium green and dark cyan. It gets its name from the colored area around the eyes of the common teal, a member of the duck family. Dig deep into the eyes and you will see what's special within you. Infinity.
Dried Herb
An olive green once thought of as strictly for safaris or military gear, this is perfect for matching with reflective bullet. Dried Herb elevates clothing so it looks sophisticated and chic. Closely related to nature, this organic shade is redolent of nature’s earthy fragrances. Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast to other hues.
Choosing colors is a challenge which isn’t meant to paralyze you. It should be fun and help you discover who you are. Stay tuned and hold on tightly guys. Let Vertex guide you on this vivid journey.
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July 25, 2016 I VERTEX LONDON
The invention of polyester, nylon, and spandex in the post-WW2 era revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry and changed the way designers, and manufacturers made sports apparel, including cycling clothing.
Soon after, Castelli first introduced Lycra to the cycling world in 1977, and it became the new promising material for the highest standard of quality for cycling clothing. With features that included lightweight, smooth, superior fit, and quick drying, Lycra became an ideal material that was perfectly tailored to the demands of bike riding.
In recent years, Lycra has been improved upon by the latest technology. It has become even stronger, smoother, and more flexible than it originally was. At Vertex, we use fabric made from highly innovative LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ technology, which makes our jerseys tougher so they can resist fading and continue to hold their shape for wear after wear. Our fabric also provides a long-lasting fit and resists heat and sunscreen lotions up to 10 times longer than unprotected fabrics.
As today’s “athleisure” style is on trend, more clothing is being designed for workouts and an active lifestyle. That has led to new fibers being developed specifically for odor control, higher wicking, greater stretching ability for a better fit, and better breathability to allow air in and out. Lycra has also extended their collection to more function-oriented products, such as LYCRA® SPORTS, LYCRA® ENERGIZE™, and LYCRA® beauty.
Many premium brands have used these special fiber blends in their fabrics to create all those amazing products, from yoga clothes to cycling apparel, swimwear, and even socks. At Vertex, Lycra is in our DNA; we simply have it applied to all our product collections to ensure we get the best results for our customers.
We have reason to believe that there will be more and more technical fibers coming out to meet this new trend. But no matter how the trends may change, one thing we know for sure is that people are always looking for clothing that can bring them comfort no matter what they’re doing.
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July 28, 2016 I VERTEX LONDON
Men’s fashion of the 1920s was the start of menswear as we know it today. It was a time when the suit was the only item of clothing that every man wore on a daily basis. Back in those days, suits mostly consisted of neutral colors and simple patterns. But one style has kept its charm from fading for decades: the pinstripe.
Some claim that the style originated from banking uniforms, with each bank having its unique stripe style. Others say these stripes were inspired by the sports world, more specifically from the boating suits of seamen working in regattas in the 1890s. In both cases, these stripes have long been the domain of an English elite. Later the pattern was made famous by men such as actor Cary Grant and UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill until it became an iconic image of class and a must-have style for gentlemen.
In recent years, we have seen more and more designers adopting a pinstripe pattern for many occasions—transforming it and coming up with a lot of variations, both for the fashion conscious and for business attire. At Vertex, we always thought there was a missing style in the cycling world to represent the elegant gentlemen, which brought us the idea of applying the pinstripe to the cycling jersey and the concept of connecting a timeless element and the rich heritage of cycling culture. This season, we have selected two timeless pinstripe patterns to bring a new but classic look to those most stylish riders out there. (Discover more about Vertex’s pinstripe jersey.)
As the vintage trend appears to be continuing, we can be sure that the pinstripe is going to keep its place in men’s wardrobes for quite a while.
Discover our pinstripe jersey +
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July 19, 2016 I VERTEX LONDON
As the old proverb goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” For cyclists, feet have an important role, as they are where the power is delivered to the pedals and ultimately to the road.
It is normal for cyclists to search for the ideal pair cycling shoes. Most of them know they should always wear padded cycling shorts. They also understand the importance of padded cycling gloves and helmets. But a large number of cyclists underestimate the importance of cycling socks, unaware that they can have an impact on their level of comfort, and ultimately their performance.
According to studies, those who wear ordinary socks as a substitute for cycling socks may not notice a difference over short periods of time, but after a long-distance ride, they will feel muscle pain, which reduces their cycling efficiency and increases perspiration. Many people think this is a consequence of excessive movement, but the real “culprit” is the pair of ordinary socks the rider is wearing.
Well-designed cycling socks are high wicking, breathable and provide muscle support. At Vertex, we build our socks with two different innovative fibers for the inner and outer socks to maximize wicking capabilities, odor control, and comfort. In our reflective collection, we apply the latest reflective technology to our socks and take reflective fashion to a whole new level. (Learn more about our reflective technology)
There are details that can make a huge difference for socks other than material. Let’s break it down more specifically here:
Thickness
When you are pedaling your bike, your feet are subjected to a lot of pressure, and in time, they become swollen. Thick socks leave little room inside the shoes, which lead to foot pain after a long day of riding. Thanks to the TACTEL® fibers, we can make our socks thin and strong.
Seams
Unlike most socks, which contain a visible protruding seam where the toe area of the sock is sewn closed, at Vertex, the ultimate toe closure eliminates the friction and irritation that other socks inflict on the sensitive toe area while riding.
Discover our new socks collection +
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July 12, 2016 I VERTEX LONDON
In 2014, 21,287 cyclists were injured in reported road accidents, including 3,514 who were killed or seriously injured. About 70% of cycling injuries occur at night when there is little natural light in the sky. However, the use of reflectors has reduced the rate of injuries by 50%. As the headlights of other vehicles fall on a reflector, the wearer becomes visible from roughly 500 feet away. Even the tiniest of safety reflectors have the power to make a person who's decked up in black from head to toe more visible than someone who's wearing all white clothing. If you study data related to bicycle crashes, you will know that poor visibility is the main culprit behind most accidents. By improving the visibility of cyclists, we can lessen the number of accidents by a significant amount.
At Vertex, we care about being stylish both on and off the bike, but safety is always at the top of our list. In years past, reflective gear was often limited to neon safety vests, while garments designed for security usually miss the mark aesthetically, making people reluctant to wear it. We wanted to take a different approach to traditional reflective products and explore the possibility of combining fashion and function, making hi-visibility products that could also be stylish and trendy. By introducing reflective products that have stylish elements, we aim to encourage people to wear more reflective products, which will hopefully improve safety. However, making those old, silver reflective elements stand out and look fresh is not an easy job.
The old, reflective material has its limits about elasticity and colour, which make it difficult to design complicated patterns. After a few tests, we decided to start from searching for the right material; something with more elasticity and more colours. We soon found ourselves lost. Those tiny glass beads embedded on the surface of the reflective material shine light back to its source, but it was also the reason the material lacked elasticity and why it can only be in silver.
Our R&D team spent several months trying to solve this fundamental problem until we found a revolutionary solution. A new reflective material with enormous elasticity and colorful application is coming out! With more elasticity, it can be applied to our favorite lycra fabric and technical socks without breaking or being uncomfortable for the rider. The multi-color application makes it possible for our designers to make sophisticated designs on the garments and take reflective fashions to a whole new level.
Discover our reflective socks collection +
Discover our reflective caps collection +
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What makes a product popular? What turns a style into a timeless trend? What allows a brand to survive for ages without fading away? Classic is never a phase; it’s an aesthetic perception that has been forged in our culture forever.
Classic can only be judged after enough time passes to transform something into a timeless icon that is accepted by the majority, serves as the established standard and has significant and lasting value. As Coco Chanel once said: “Fashion changes, but style endures.” Such style is what we may call it classic.
When it comes to cycling, Vertex aims to bring new life to those elements that are old but forever epic. Remember those classic but simple jerseys from the golden age? At that time, everything was purely simple about lines, shapes and colour blocking. From our perspective, the difference between Classic and Cliché is not the style itself but a way to demonstrate the details that make the garment come alive.
This season, Vertex wants to share these visions with you through a whole new approach:
Who says sports can’t be elegant? It’s all up to you, isn’t it?
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