The chart is a guide only. If you fall in-between sizes, the right size for you will depend on your body shape and how loose or tight you like to wear your clothes. Measurements refer to your body not the garment. Jackets and baggies are sized to fit over under-layers - so you should be the same size in both. It's no hassle to swap an item, if your first choice is not the best fit.
Men's vs Women's Sizes
If you're struggling to find exactly what you need in the Outskirts™ women's range, check out our men's products for further size options. Jackets, tights and baggy tops often fit both men and women equally well.
This colour/size is temporarily out of stock. For orders placed today we'll get one to you in about a week... or consider another colour if you can't wait.
Layer the Isotherm under your favourite cycle top to warm you from the inside out. WindFoil™ softshell fabric up front blocks chilling head winds while the Heatwave™ Merino wicks away hard-earned sweat to keep you warm and dry.
A bi-component thermal fabric combining merino and polyester yarns. Superfine 18.5 micron merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Mid weight and machine washable.
It absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres, mopping up excess sweat rather than letting it settle and cool on your skin.
However high-aerobic activities like cycling will often overload ordinary merino. Heatwave's polyester component repels moisture to avoid total saturation of the fabric - so it dries faster to keep you toasty.
Heatwave™ Merino tops are intended to hug your body, ensuring the fabric sits against your skin to wick sweat away - keeping you dry and not chilling out.
As a single garment Heatwave™ Merino regulates your temperature through a wide range of conditions. Delivering comfort in all but the hottest climes. Yet it is versatile enough to layer under a WindFoil™, microFoil™ or HydroFoil™ shell in winter.
WindFoil™ combines the insulative benefits of a polyester micro-fleece liner with a smooth, water resistant, softshell exterior. A totally windproof, yet highly breathable membrane is sandwiched between the inner and outer fabrics providing effective protection in cold, dry conditions.
For short trips in stable weather conditions, a Ground Effect composite top lets you travel light and fast with just a single thermal layer. These designs combine a WindFoil™ front with a breathable Thermostat™ fleece or Heatwave™ Merino back. A long front zip for ventilation allows you to manage your body temperature through a wide range of conditions. Apparently you can have your cake and eat it too.
Ground Effect tops are cut with extra length in the back... and in the sleeves too. So when you stretch out in search of the perfect downhill position, neither your shirttail or sleeves will ride-up to expose your back or wrists to the elements.
Ground Effect clothing is crafted right here in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Has been ever since we started back in 1994. Manufacturing locally works for us. We operate a quick-response system - holding minimal stock of any one item, but churning out a few more quick-smart when the pile gets low. The upshot is that we are seldom caught with our shelves empty, so orders get despatched the same day you place them.
Heatwave and Lightwave combine the comfort, warmth and low-odour properties of merino wool with the durability of polyester. Merino wool absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene. This makes it very effective in dealing with excess sweat - it is absorbed into the fabric rather than settling (and cooling) on your skin. The polyester component repels moisture which avoids total saturation of the fabric - helping it to dry faster. The strength of the polyester also maintains the shape of the garment and minimises wear 'n' tear and pilling.
The Baked Alaska, Popsicle and Hot Toddy are intended to be used as a stand alone cycle top in cool, as opposed to cold, conditions.
The Thermos, Isotherm, Ristretto, Submerino and Inferno are all base layers - best worn directly against your skin.
The Berglar, Flying Nun, Median Strip, Hula, Neopolitan and Lozenge are riding jerseys, with additional features including rear or hipster pockets. For use in both hot and cold climes and versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in winter.
All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwiseor Aware.
Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellent finish.
We value your feedback. If you're stoked with your Ground Effect kit then you might like to share it (the review not the gear) with your mates. Thanks again.
well fitting warm fronted vest means that it will not only be useful for cycling but also for running in Winter. It looks good enough to be worn with nothing over the top.
pretty Happy!