Cycling’s UK plus sized savior Fat Lass (or Lad) at the Back has unveiled its brand new autumn/winter collection for 2016 to help keep curvier riders comfortable as we descend into winter wonderland worthy conditions.
The Yorkshire based brand cater for women sized 8 to 26, taking care to ensure that as sizes increase extra provision is made for the curves of a woman’s body – a dose of essential care and attention that causes larger busted women to heave a sigh of relief.
As well as adding some bright new and distinctive designs that are visible without being ‘flouro’, the brand has bolstered the range with some exciting new items that look set to banish the winter blues.
New colours
The 2016 autumn/winter range for women focus’ on blues, pinks, and a high-viz yellow that’s not glow in the dark. Inspiration came from the brand’s Facebook community and key fashion trends.
Speaking on the collection’s new bold colours designer Lynn Bye said: “Being seen is a key consideration for Winter riding so bright colours, high vis and reflectivity have underpinned our range. Personally I find high vis fairly ugly and so rather than using it as a solid base colour, have used splashes of bright colour and high vis on garments to ensure that we don’t compromise on safety or design. Riders can be confident they’ll be seen and look good.”
New winter warmers
Of the new additions, the ‘Jacksey’ – spotted at the Birmingham NEC Cycle Show 2016 – is probably the most exciting.
A blend between a jersey and a jacket, Fat Lass at the Back (FLAB henceforth) have combined quality Italian technical fabrics: a super lightweight, breathable, windproof Windtex membrane front combines with a ‘climate control’ roubaix microfibre back for protection where you need it and breathability where you don’t.
For those who prefer to go beneath the radar, there is an un-branded Stealth version which features reflective detailing to ensure all round visibility. Prices start at £79.99 and this one is available in a range of colours – with a ‘Na’ Than’ flower version for women who want to ride with a flourish.
Also brand new is the ‘Gaffer’ – it’s a lightweight version of FLAB’s 2015 Parky Winter jacket and is ideal for the transition period between autumn and winter. There’s room for layering, but this garment fits more like a jersey despite providing the protection of a jacket thanks to Windtex fabric. The fabric allows tiny sweat molecules out, but not the larger water or rain molecules in: ideal for warm but wet days.
The Gaffer also features a high collar and storm zip, plus drop tail and three large pockets. It comes in at £129.99 and is available in purple and blue or yellow and blue.
Speaking on the launch, ‘Fat Lad In Charge’ (or CEO/owner) Richard Bye said: “We have really upped the ante with our new autumn/winter collection combining even greater performance features such as reflective overlocking with bold designs to deliver our best collection yet.”
In a high number of the garments, including long and short-sleeved jerseys that continue in new colours this year, a graduated colour design has been used. Richard said: “When we first introduced the graduated body in the women’s collection in 2014 it was a new concept in cycle wear and it took a while for people to understand it, why it works and how flattering using colour in this way can be. Now that people have seen it on and how it makes them look, they absolutely love it and it’s a design that’s become synonymous with the FLAB brand.”
You can see the full range here. If you’re looking for more plus sized women’s cycling kit, check out our reviews and guides here.
