The nominations came thick and fast, and we are happy to announce the finalists in the Cycle Clothing Brand of the Year category brought to you by Twenty3c for the Total Women’s Cycling Awards in association with Velo Vixen.

The range of kit available for women in cycling has come forward in leaps and bounds this year. There really is more choice than ever before, whether you are a mountain biker, commuter or road cyclist. Happily, the choice includes more colours, more technical fabric, more options for different budgets, and more high-level performance kit. These are the finalists, nominated by Total Women’s Cycling readers.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Total Women’s Cycling Awards ceremony at The London Bike Show in February 2015 – stand by for more info.

Voting is open soon, so make sure you have your say on which finalists in each of the 11 categories deserve to be crowned winner. Don’t forget to spread the word online!

Vote for your Cycle Clothing Brand of the Year here

Giro

Giro, the cycling accessories company known for helmets and gloves, branched out into apparel with the striking, functional and downright cool Giro New Road range. Designed for those cyclists and road riders who want kit that performs, but isn’t all about skin tight lycra, it combines technical fabrics, finishes, and merino with flattering designs. Jackets, shorts, merino base layers and super-soft zipped jerseys that look as good off the bike or even in the office as they do on it.

dhb

Proving that accessibly priced kit needed compromise on quality or styling, dhb have brought out a vast range that covers road, mountain bike and commuter cycling. Every conceivable cycling garment is featured in the range, from arm warmers and socks to bib tights and jackets. Whether you want a practical black or something a bit brighter, there’s plenty to catch your eye, and the new Goldline products are made from high-specification technical fabrics, perfect for races and events. And of course, dhb produce the kit for Wiggle Honda, so you can get replica team kit too.

Zimtstern

A mountain bike brand with bags of style, Zimtstern have raised the bar when it comes to producing shorts and jerseys that look good, fit well and crucially perform under the harshest of conditions. Featuring unusual fashion-forward colours and designs, the kit has a level of quality and a raft of technical features that’s sadly usually rare in women’s MTB gear. The trail shorts and downhill shorts they produce have scored well on Total Women’s Cycling reviews, and if you like your kit bright, Zimtstern are the brand to go for.

Sugoi

Producing kit for road cyclists, mountain bikers and triathletes, Sugoi kit is distinctively performance driven, with some cool and quirky design elements. It’s a clothing brand that means business, with a sprinkling of fun. The full range includes caps, socks and some rather awesome arm warmers, as well as practical bib-shorts, jerseys and jackets.

Pactimo

They may hail from the United States, and be a relative newcomer to these shores, but one thing that’s not in doubt is the reaction Pactimo kit gets with our reviewers. They love it. Pactimo are rare in that produce nearly piece for piece equivalent mens and women’s products, so their range is extensive. The garments themselves are highly technical, with exceptional fit. They also do custom and team kit, allowing customers to design their own jerseys, which is perfect for clubs and teams.

Rapha

A brand that needs little introduction, Rapha have gone from strength to strength this year. With the debut of their new City range in 2014, including cycling jeans, stylish leggings, and gorgeous jerseys, they’ve firmly established themselves as purveyors of the finer things in cycling. The Rapha Bib Shorts have reached legendary status for comfort and fit, and they certainly impressed our reviewers too. They’re noteworthy for extending beyond simply selling clothing, creating an identity and running events such as the Rapha Women’s 100 that bring together the cycling community.

Vulpine

Vulpine have literally exploded across the cycling world this year. Already well established, 2014 saw them on sale in CycleSurgery, giving them a presence on the high street. Their clothing combines cool, casual style, without sacrificing on the technical details, and works happily on and off the bike so scores points for practicality as well. Their support for women’s cycling extends beyond producing great kit; they’re one of the main sponsors of the Matrix Fitness Pro-Cycling Team, the only domestic team to ride in this years Friends Life Women’s Tour in the UK.

Polaris

Whether you want a great pair of trail shorts for mountain biking, or a cosy windproof jersey for road cycling, Polaris has got your back, and is easy on the pocket too. Their range of clothing is exceptionally well priced, making quality cycling kit accessible to all. Happily, Polaris score well on the style and functionality stakes too. They’ve been working hard to bring out new products, and they’ve got more new women’s kit for 2015 in the pipeline too.