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  • Zero Gravity Boxer Shorts

    Zero Gravity Boxer Shorts

    Whilst developing Grizzly Wears Boxer Shorts to work incredibly well for all sports, I realised I had created Zero Gravity Boxer Shorts. This is a completely unsubstantiated claim and has not been tested. At this moment. My supporting theories definitely hold up well. The laws of physics do suggest I am correct.

    In the event anybody has a trip to space or a flight on the vomit comet booked. I will send you free items in exchange for photographic evidence to support this claim. Until disproven it must be true. Results of testing carried out by Grizzly Wears Boxer Shorts owners, that I can publish to back up my theory will be rewarded.

    Presently, you can get a pair of zero gravity boxer shorts in my online store.

    Grizzly Wears Bamboo Boxer Shorts

    Grizzly Wears Bamboo Boxer Shorts

    Premium quality bamboo boxer shorts. End of Line Stock Release Pricing (per pair): 1 £7.50 : 3+ £6.50 : 5+ £5.75 : 10+ £5

    Original price was: £15.00.Current price is: £7.50.
    Shop now

    What is the theory ?

    My theory is that Grizzly Wears Boxer Shorts keep you supported in Zero Gravity and prevent “fallout”. This is a very simple explanation. Don’t fear, the long complicated version is coming.

    Firstly, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When contents of your boxer shorts try to float away (an action) they are met with the elasticity of the bamboo fabric (reaction). With mass of the average underwear cargo being 190 grams: (2 x 15) + 160. This is not enough to overcome the gentle but firm spring back action of the fabric. Additionally, for the purposes of this theory, I calculate the average contact surface area to be 38cm². This may seem like a lot but it is average. 1 inch square is equal to 6.54cm². Furthermore, with increased mass there is increased surface contact resulting in a greater push back effect. Leading to the conclusion that size doesn’t matter. At least we’re led to believe this is true.

    Secondly, entering a reduced or zero gravity environment results in weight (not mass) being reduced. As spring back remains a constant force, its effects are maximised. Under those circumstances, when you need it most, Grizzly Wears Boxers will keep you more supported, safe and secure.

    If gravity increases, what happens ?

    On the contrary to effects of zero gravity, there is the opposite effect when gravity increases. This could be centrifugal force from an aggressive manoeuvre. My theory has not pin pointed the exact point at which cargo weight overcomes spring back. Elasticity is intended to be comfortable without restriction under normal operating conditions.

    The average person becomes unconscious at 5G. If we take the previous calculated average mass of 190g and multiply it by 5… 5 x 190 = 950. Carrying 950g in your boxer shorts is not advisable. I am indeed confident that Grizzly Wears Boxers can take this strain. The tensile strength of steel is 247MPa. Bamboo fabric used to construct zero gravity boxer shorts is 262MPa. Meaning you are safer and comfier in a pair of these than encasing yourself in steel.

    What about Black Holes ?

    Uncertainty around what happens in black holes makes this hard to theorise. Knowing that there is a stretching effect coming in to play when crossing the event horizon adds a new level of complexity. Coupled with the extreme compression inside a black hole, this gets even harder to calculate. Too many factors are at play for me to predict what will happen accurately. Objects may appear smaller in a black hole. This is due to extreme gravity and cold. Be sensible, stay safe and don’t be sucked into a black hole.

    Zero Gravity Boxer Shorts - Image courtesy of NASA
    A Black Hole

    For more information on black holes you should absolutely check out Professor Brian Cox. Definitely not me.

    What else is good about your boxer shorts ?

    Grizzly Wears boxers have many great features. They are sustainable, responsibly sourced, made from Bamboo and seamless. In essence they are great for any activity, even space walks.

    Pick up a pair of Grizzly Wears Boxer Shorts and take them on all your adventures. You can rely on them to stay supportive and comfortable all day long. Soft, smooth bamboo fabric reduces all the friction where you want no friction. Zero gravity compatible and zero chafing. Henceforth, no matter what activity you’re doing, we’ve got you totally covered !

    Testing Zero Gravity Boxer Shorts

    Finally, if you have an experiment to test the performance of a pair of Grizzly Wears boxers, I would love to hear from you. Please fill out the product tester form, mention zero gravity in the description and I’ll be in touch. Remember we need the evidence to prove the science. Help me prove that natural fabrics can have super powers.

    Lastly, as always, support me by buying the products in my online shop.

  • Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes ?

    Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes ?

    Riding mountain bike in the UK often means you will get plastered in mud for at least 11 months of the year. It isn’t good to put your bike shoes in the washing machine constantly. What are the consequences of giving them a heavy dose of bike cleaner and a quick rinse ? Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes ?

    For the purpose of this test I used my favourite bike cleaner. Peaty’s Loam Foam. Not only is this stuff great because it’s super effective and reduces bike cleaning effort. It is also eco friendly. The spray bottle is a great design. You can pick up a cheap concentrate refill to keep topping it up too. I’ve tried a few other bike cleaners but because of all the boxes this one ticks, it is my current favourite.

    Peaty’s Loam Foam – Matches my Bike !

    After a quick rinse with the hose pipe followed by a quick covering with loam foam to get the stubborn dirt. I like to leave the foam to dwell for a while. Finally followed by a good blast with the hose to remove the remainder.

    Getting my shoes dirty.

    Firstly I had a good ride, got my shoes loaded up with mud. As per usual. I strongly believe with mountain biking that if you don’t come home covered, you aren’t doing it right.

    Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes - my muddy shoes !
    Shoes prepared for cleaning

    The Wash Cycle

    Secondly, I gave my shoes a good coating of Peaty’s finest product. Then I gave it a few minutes to do its thing, soak in, loosen that mud.

    Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes - Foaming Action
    Foaming Action

    The Revealing Rinse

    Finally, I turned the hose back on my shoes and gave them a good rinsing to wash away that biodegradable foam and the mud with it. Look at that effortless finish. Saved water, detergent and the washing machine by throwing my shoes in it.

    Can Bike Cleaner Clean Shoes - Amazingly well it turns out !
    Good as new !

    I won’t lie, cleaning my bike shoes is probably the last thing on my mind after every ride. They quite often get left plastered because its only going to happen again. However, this is probably the cleanest they have been since new and it took me 2 minutes whilst cleaning the bike anyway.

    So Can Bike Cleaner Clean Bike Shoes ?

    100% Yes. Is it a good Idea and will it damage your shoes ? I’ve no idea. I could probably do with a new pair anyway as these have had years of use. I wonder what else I can clean with this miracle stuff. Next time I will try doing the laundry with it !

    As usual, If you found this useful, informative and possibly the answer to a question you never asked, please support by visiting my shop. If you tried this out and found it works miracles, drop me a comment. If your shoes dissolved, I take no responsibility. For updates and news check my Instagram.

  • Benefits of a Morning Run

    Benefits of a Morning Run

    I don’t always leap out of bed at 5am with enthusiasm. Definitely not always enthusiasm for running. However, sometimes when I wake at an unsociable hour, I like to get hydrated and cash in on the benefits of a morning run !

    A timelapse of the sun rising from one of my early awakenings !

    Are you a morning person ?

    Confidently, I can declare, I am not a morning person. Furthermore I’m probably not an evening/night person either. My peak arrives in the middle of the day I would say. If you are a morning person you should absolutely have no trouble running early on a morning. Those who are inclined not to love mornings similar to myself, will probably gain even more benefits from a morning run !

    Battling with my busy schedule to find time to run mid day often means I miss runs. With all the best intentions it can be too easy to play the “too tired” card on an evening and miss out again. This is where dragging myself out of bed, going straight for a drink, then a run comes in to play. It does not matter how far, how fast, how long. The aim is to have achieved something before breakfast. Furthermore, these are the days where I find I can accomplish most.

    Common sense would indicate a morning run will make you tired, however this is absolutely not the case. Consequently, running on a morning gives you a boost into the day. I always feel more energised after a run than before.

    What are the benefits ?

    Most importantly, the benefits of a morning run, to me are:

    • Firstly, an achievement before breakfast. Already 1 step ahead and nobody can take that away !
    • Waking up much more quickly.
    • Feeling ready to take on the world.
    • Increased energy levels to start the day.
    • Already burned some calories.
    • The paths/trails are all yours. Nobody else is in your way.
    • It’s cooler in summer
    • Improved mental health (According to NIMH)
    • Better sleep quality.
    • Helps to manage blood pressure.
    • Reduced stress

    Firstly, we all get frustrated at times on a weekend when everybody else is using our paths. You’re going for that PR on Strava and a group of people is in your way. Maybe next week. At 6am they are definitely still in bed. Secondly, in summer its hard to run in the heat of the day however if you’re up before the sun gets hot it is refreshing.

    Additionally, starting the day by putting yourself first is great for your mental health. Coupled with lowering blood pressure this is a great thing to do for your own wellbeing. Prioritising yourself and starting the day in a positive way can put you on your A game for the rest of the day. In essence you have already achieved something positive and you’re one step ahead. Follow on with a relaxing walk in your lunch break and keep the momentum going.

    Benefits of a Morning Run
    Benefits of a Morning Run
    Benefits of a Morning Run
    Benefits of a Morning Run

    An even greater benefit if you run through scenic places is seeing amazing sunrises. Take a camera or your phone and get an awesome picture that most people haven’t got motivated enough to witness.

    To conclude why I run on a morning

    I run on a morning because it helps me start the day. The likelihood of something preventing my run is lessened. Before breakfast I have burned calories, improved my mental state, already achieved.

    My run has happened. It was relaxing, quiet and focused.

    I don’t usually run with headphones in as I like to find space for my thoughts. However the world is quieter early on a morning and I find more focus. Essentially there is less happening in my head because less has happened today.

    If you love a mindful run on a morning, make a statement and do it in one of my Yoga Bear t-shirts !

    I hope you found this insightful and motivational. Get up early and get out running !

  • Bamboo Running Clothes

    Bamboo Running Clothes

    Approaching everything with a balanced point of view, Bamboo Running Clothes are no exception. I test a lot of fabrics. Firstly because it helps to identify where they are best used. And secondly, you wouldn’t build a bridge from jelly (jello in the US).

    What does fabric for running have to do ?

    Fabric used for high intensity activities must perform highly. I treat running as a top tier activity demanding highest levels of performance over a long time. Importantly this makes running our go to activity when it comes to initial testing. When fabrics pass the running test it means they are good for almost anything.

    Bamboo is what I would class as a nearly there fabric. The features that make bamboo great are…

    • Very strong.
    • Incredibly durable.
    • Super soft.
    • Retains heat when wet
    • Regulates temperature
    • Antibacterial (Open to debate)
    • Odour resistant
    • Moisture wicking

    There is one attribute that prevents me from using this fabric for running. It does not dry fast enough. When real world testing products, t-shirts made of bamboo tend to absorb sweat and not let go. This means as you run and sweat the t-shirt gets heavier. With a t-shirt covering a huge surface area, its job is to remove heat and sweat. Furthermore when running, lighter is better. However, I am not finished with bamboo for t-shirts forever, when time permits there will be more testing around bamboo-cotton blends.

    Lastly the industry standard for running t-shirts is Polyester. As a business I can not make an inferior product which has this setback. There are other brands who are happy to sell bamboo running t-shirts but I don’t believe it is the optimal use for this fabric.

    What is the optimal use for Bamboo in Running clothes ?

    Boxer shorts.

    Bamboo Running Clothes - Boxer Shorts
    Grizzly Wears Bamboo Boxer Shorts

    When used to create underwear, all of the positives of bamboo really come into play. The softness and smoothness reduces friction, they hold their shape really well. They give support. Boxer shorts made of bamboo are so good for running you forget you’re wearing them !

    Finally, you may wonder why the drying issue isn’t a problem here. Using a lighter weight of fabric prevents as much sweat being absorbed. The main job of the underwear is to provide comfort and support rather than transitioning the heat and sweat away.

    Underwear made of polyester is far less comfortable than bamboo. The fabric is rougher and not as comfortable over a longer duration. Cotton tends to lose its shape and not spring back like bamboo does. Meaning Polyester and Cotton can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Bamboo does not chafe even when wet and after hours of running, retains its shape as if fresh out of the washing machine.

    Will there be more Bamboo Running Clothes ?

    Yes. I will keep testing blends of bamboo to find the best solutions. Already looking towards shorts. Still searching for an optimal blend for t-shirts.

    As I said earlier Bamboo is a great fabric. In addition it is eco friendly and sustainable. It is part of the longer term Grizzly Wears plan. Using a range of fabrics over the entire catalogue is how I will balance sustainability. As time goes on I will update this blog with my findings.

    Help support me to do more research into alternative and sustainable solutions for sportswear by buying some of my current products.

    T-Shirt sales do help and the money goes towards research into new and exciting sustainable materials and how to use them best in the future. To see some of these great, innovative fabrics created by hard working, clever people who think outside the box become mainstream would be fantastic.

    Lastly, check out my Instagram and follow me for updates and news !

  • New Items for March 22

    New Items for March 2022

    Having so many new lines coming, out for testing, in development I thought it would be good to drop them all in one place. This is about Grizzly Wears new items for March.

    With the countdown to the National Running Show getting close, all of my effort has been diverted towards this. April’s update may be very similar !

    Running Gear

    When the opportunity came up to launch at the Running Show I took it. New items were already being tested and in the pipeline but this has given me a challenging deadline. As I write this the first batch of 100% recycled men’s tees is in production. Women’s will follow directly. Unfortunately I can’t provide all sizes and colours I ultimately want to due to lack of warehouse space so colours will be done on rotation and sizes will expand over time.

    Following on from testing we don’t think Bamboo has the properties required to be used for running. This does not mean our efforts have been wasted. Following on from the tests with Bamboo fabrics we have decided it would make a much better base layer.

    Mountain Bike Gear

    Following on from the running tees quickly, will be a long sleeve 100% recycled polyester top. The cut may not be perfect for riding but it will be an affordable, sustainable, versatile piece of clothing. Being in early development there are no current deadlines or dates but this may be developed through summer and released for autumn/winter.

    Boxer Shorts

    Boxer’s arrive April with production expected to complete this month. Upon arrival they will immediately be added to the website. All of this first batch will be blue with sizes ranging from S to XL. After nearly 5 months in design, prototyping and testing I am nearly there !

    New items for March

    Stay tuned for April’s update. Intention was to update this post throughout the month. I’ve decided now to just leave it to reflect back on. I will use these monthly updates as a way of building up a timeline !

    https://www.instagram.com/grizzlywears/

  • The National Running Show 2022

    The National Running Show 2022

    I may have mentioned once or twice that Grizzly Wears will be at the National Running Show South. As a small business and a fresh start up this is a big challenge and a big deal !

    For those of you who have not booked your tickets yet, head over to https://nationalrunningshow.com/south and use the code GRIZZLYWEARS at checkout to get your tickets free of charge. It would be great to see you there so come over, say hello, buy some of our awesome sustainable clothing and support me. Help me make the most of this show and lets have a great couple of days. I will be there all weekend, right by the main stage.

    https://www.instagram.com/grizzlywears/

    On with the Show

    When I booked the stand at the show, I definitely was not ready or prepared. As I write this there are only 64 days left before showtime. The last few weeks have been extremely busy. But I am on track. Being a fresh start up working on a new range of sustainable running clothing there was nothing in stock. There still isn’t on my website. On the plus side, the men’s t-shirts are being made as we speak. Boxer shorts are being made and will arrive on time. Women’s t-shirts, vests, and a couple other items have a slot booked in and will be here. I’m not entirely sure how I pulled this one off but now I have headroom and can relax a little.

    Furthermore, as a business that has nothing this is a big challenge, I need transport, hotels, helpers and all important stock. There is no experienced events planner here leading me to believe there will be a lot of lessons to take from this show. Either way I intend on making the best of it and hopefully doing a few more !

    What will Grizzly Wears have at the Show ?

    Grizzly Wears Clothing will have:

    • Men’s Boxer Shorts !
    • Men’s and Women’s running tees
    • Women’s racerback vests
    • Women’s crop t-shirts and hoodies
    • Some cotton t-shirts

    This is what I hope to definitely have available. I will try and think of some exciting competitions that don’t get me into trouble too. The last part of that sentence is the bit I am struggling with.

    Updates

    7th March

    Getting closer and closer, time is ticking away now. But definitely on track, Men’s products to be printed soon. Women’s are due to be ordered this week. I should definitely put some effort into making the show stand !

    15th March

    Waiting for first batch of clothing ready for the show, this will go live, test stuff has been sent to testers & ambassadors. still have that to-do list to blow through. Yesterday was busy busy. Today, I’m getting hydrated and going for a quick morning run to gain that productivity boost.

    Women’s stuff all here and in preparation.

    4th April

    So… I completely lost track of time and forgot to update this weekly !

    It has certainly been a busy few weeks. We have our men’s recycled running tees available, women’s is in progress. Boxers are in transit. I have loads of freebies and promo items ready for the show. It seems like times is getting tight but I am definitely on track. Most things are all in place and ready. I definitely need to make a stand though !

    18th April

    With less than 3 weeks to go I feel I am nearly there now. Everything is ordered and/or in transit. The show must go on !

    Somehow I feel like I have pulled back a little time and can relax a little. I definitely need to take a few more photos of items and get them put on the shop. Hopefully I can get round to this week. Currently I am waiting on other people getting things here on time so most things are out of my hands and I just need to remain positive. I’ll do this by running and riding in the nice weather.

    27th April

    Into the last 2 weeks before the show, 1 week before we need to start packing and getting ready to head down… I am very nearly ready, pulled everything I can think of together. Few final touches to things and some sorting to do but we should be ready to arrive and give 100% on the day. Fingers crossed nothing goes wrong, I definitely need to get organised and get the counters finished. This was well underway at the weekend but I found some ducklings and had to rescue them so got a little behind. I’ll make the time up this week, get back on track and maybe even have some time to sleep.

    30th April

    One week today… I really need to get on with finishing everything off, thankfully the weather is sunny so I can get out and do some painting. All there is to do then is label everything, organise where it goes and load into van accordingly. I haven’t injured myself running or on the bike so just need to not do that now. I am totally on track for once. Hopefully no more wildlife in need of help turns up today. I believe everything is in hand and we will get to this show with everything in order and kindof planned for.

    If you see me at the Running Show, come and say hello. Hoping it will turn out to be a great weekend and although it wouldn’t be the worst thing to be rushed off my feet the whole time, it would be nice to see some more of the show. Later this week I will remove all stock from the website, If you wish to order anything online, now is probably the time.

    If you can’t make it to the show, here are the latest products which are available to buy in my online shop now:

    I will definitely add to this blog as the countdown to the show gets closer. And finally, there will be some awesome guides to running for you to read in the run up !

  • Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava

    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava

    Strava is a fantastic tool. It is great for tracking fitness progress, seeing how you compare against friends and measuring how far you have been. Although Strava also has a dark side. Thieves can locate your address and use this information to steal your bike. Here are a few tips to Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava.

    *For the purpose of writing this Blog I have taken screen shots from my account on https://www.strava.com

    What is the Risk ?

    Using Strava for years and only hearing of a few bike thefts this way, I would say Strava is fairly safe. Unfortunately there are opportunistic thieves out there who will take a chance. I have not had anything stolen myself but have avoided using Strava often because of this risk. The last thing anybody wants is to have their beloved bike taken from them. With a few tips, I will show you how to reduce the risk even further. Due to an increasing number of people taking up mountain biking and cycling there is likely an increase in the number of bike thieves.

    Bike thieves will attempt to track down your address via the location in your maps and listing what gear you have is like giving them a shopping list. With many bikes being well over £1000 in value there is a great incentive for bikes to be stolen. The best way to stop thieves is by making information unavailable or harder to get.

    Strava Privacy Controls – Where you appear

    Firstly, Privacy Controls are your best starting place to secure your account. You should see a number of different settings when opening this section. Each section contains permissions for where your activity can be viewed. I like to set all my settings to “Followers”. In turn this means someone must follow me to be able to view my activities and personal data. Limiting the number of people who can view your information is the first step towards securing your account.

    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava
    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava – Where you Appear

    You will also see settings for Activities and Group Activities. I also set these to “Followers”. Local Legends and Flyby are slightly different. These will only make your time on a particular section visible to everyone when left open. The main risk is someone being able to track your home address. This leads nicely into the next section…

    Strava Privacy Controls – Additional Controls

    Second on the list is Additional Controls. Although most importantly these controls can prevent your address being shown altogether. Map Visibility is the key section where you can keep your home address hidden. In my settings I like to hide all activity within 1/4 mile of my home address and other addresses I commonly ride from. If you often ride from a friend’s house it is worth adding their address to. Although a better outcome for you, you don’t want to be the reason they are targeted. Furthermore to improve safety I also Hide the start and end points of every ride by 1/8 mile. Meaning a fellow riders address is hidden by default when starting there. Also your car/van is not shown if you drive somewhere to ride.

    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava
    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava – Additional Settings

    Now that you have limited activities only to followers and hidden the start and end points of your rides there is one more important piece of information. The shopping list…

    Strava My Gear

    Finally, it is every mountain biker and cyclists god given right to boast about how awesome their bike is. Tell your friends in the car park, the coffee shop, the pub and remind them every time whilst your riding. Do try and avoid telling potential bike thieves.

    If you are a runner, the likelihood of your running shoes being stolen is minimal. I don’t think many thieves target used footwear. To itemise all of your expensive cycling gear and make it public knowledge is not a great move. Don’t give thieves a reason to target you. For this reason, put your running shoes on there, not your bike. Advertising an ultimate spec, high end bike on here is going to make you very attractive to thieves.

    Keep Your Bike Safe on Strava – Checklist

    To summarise and keep it short:

    • Limit who can see you to Followers.
    • Be selective about your Followers.
    • Hide your home address
    • Add your friends, families or other addresses you often ride from
    • Conceal your start and end points.
    • Don’t publish a shopping list !

    In conclusion, follow these steps and make sure your bike stays safe. Keep your insurance provider happy. Every so often I see posts about bike theft. Above all else, nobody wants their bike stealing so make sure you aren’t next. For fear of somebody coming along, tracking you, invading your privacy, keep your data and your bike safe on Strava.

    In the meantime, if you found this helpful – check out my other posts. Follow me on instagram to stay up to date. Lastly, support me on my mission by buying some of my sustainable clothing. There will be more mountain biking/cycling/sportswear coming soon !

  • Best Running Clothes for Sweating

    Best Running Clothes for Sweating

    We all sweat, there’s no hiding or denying it if you’re working hard enough. So what are the best running clothes for sweating ?

    To put it simply, sweating is your bodies way of getting rid of excess heat. The longer and harder you push yourself, the more heat you need to get rid of. Essentially, longer and harder means more sweaty (Yes – I am well aware of how that reads !).

    Generally you want clothing to accelerate your bodies ability to get rid of this heat. Any sweat needs to be soaked up by your clothes and pulled away from your skin, taking the heat with it. Furthermore the clothes need to dry quickly and get rid of the sweat they have soaked up. These two factors make up what we call “breathability”. This is how your clothing gets a cooling effect. On the other hand is this the effect you want all the time ?

    How much should clothes breathe ?

    This is a difficult one. We assume that more breathable is better but it does not always work that way in the real world. Firstly the temperature can play a huge part in how much breathability is right for you. Secondly, we aren’t all equal and some of us sweat more than others. On the other hand remaining dry is definitely an advantage, especially at colder times of year. Some fabrics do retain heat better when wet and if you sweat heavily in winter, these are not a bad choice.

    Which fabrics breathe best ?

    Polyester. The undisputed champion of that near perfect balance of breathability. In a virgin state this material is far from sustainable. However, I strongly believe that recycled polyester is a great tool for tackling climate change. You can have all the advantages of virgin polyester and make use of otherwise waste materials. Be sure to check out the recycled range in my online store !

    Bamboo is an intermediate fabric. It wicks well but does not dry so quickly. On the other hand it does retain heat well when wet so if you are considering running in cold weather and taking a few breaks, this is not the worst choice. When used as a base layer underneath another garment it does seem to stay warmer, reduce chafing and further insulate.

    Sheep’s wool is often disregarded as a performance material but does have some fantastic qualities. Not only an insulator but also an effective regulator of body temperature. This material retains heat very well, even when wet. I am yet to do some testing with this material but it is something I would be looking to use in the future.

    Running Clothes for Sweating in Summary

    Often running clothes do come down to personal preference. What works for one person may not work for another. One day something may work well for you and another day it may not. Weather does play a huge role but I would recommend recycled polyester for its fast drying in most conditions. Cotton is the fastest drying natural fabric but it doesn’t retain heat when wet and doesn’t dry fast enough for this to not be an issue in my experience.

    Give our recycled polyester range a try. It is soft, smooth, hard wearing, quick drying and each T-Shirt diverts 8 waste plastic bottles from landfill and into a circular economy !

  • Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing

    Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing

    In this Post, I will try to explain my view on the Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing. 

    My definition of sustainable clothing is not the simplest. When starting Grizzly Wears I thought this was a simple yes/no statement but could not have been more wrong. It seems for every positive there is a negative. This lead me to look at sustainability as a balanced scale, not a tick box. 

    Likewise, when Identifying potential new fabrics it is important to assess the good and bad impacts. Looking further across an entire range enables you to balance these impacts. For example cotton requires land to be grown on, recycled polyester does not. By using these fabrics to their best application it’s possible to counteract the bad and maximise the good. This is my theory anyway !

    Lastly, it is difficult to fully assess where manufacturers are along this balanced scale. Good, internationally recognised certifications are a start. Sometimes words and phrases are used in a broad term and although partly true, can be stretched to fit. Despite having clearer labelling than ever, it is still not perfect. Let’s get on with it… 

    What makes a fabric sustainable ?

    Firstly we will look at good properties. Lets start with positives and see where we go. 

    In order for a material to be sustainable it should come from a renewable source in strong supply. Materials which can be grown are good. These can be renewed and farmed to meet demand. Waste due to go to landfill is also a good source. Preventing more landfill waste is a great achievement. Coupled with closed loop production this is an ideal way to create sustainable materials. Infinite recycling.

    Not wanting to go into too much into the details as I have covered this in other blogs (and it’s likely I will again). These are the key things that make materials sustainable from a certain point of view. 

    Social factors also play into making sustainable fabric. Looking at fair pay and treatment of workers is also important. This is where good accreditations for responsible sourcing comes into effect. 

    What makes materials unsustainable ?

    This is the decisive part. The part to make you think more. 

    Often considered to be sustainable, farming on an industrial scale can be harmful. When clearing mile after mile of natural land to farm raw materials for fabric on a large scale, it is harmful to the environment. Animals lose their homes. The eco system is disrupted. Shifting towards recycled materials is how we can counteract the effects of large scale farming to some degree.

    Materials produced from non-renewable sources such as oil are not sustainable. There is a limited supply of oil and it’s being used at far greater rate than can be replaced. However, the last thing we should do is discard everything made of plastic. Again this leads to recycling. 

    The sun rising over the North York Moors. Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing
    Sunrise
    A sustainable world. Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing
    Sunny Day
    Sunset behind the trees. Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing
    Sunset
    The world we live in

    Why is sustainability important ?

    I did believe “you can’t stop a force of nature” for a long time. Now I think with modern technology this is an achievement we should not have tested. Being in the UK we take our climate for granted. Furthermore we are protected by the gulf stream from most extreme weather. The gulf stream is now at its weakest state in recorded history. Losing the benefits we get from this could be catastrophic. I have read that we may only have 20 years of the gulf stream left and once the effects are lost they may never come back. 

    Everything we can do to reduce our impact during our time on this planet is important. The world can go on without humans, but not bees. 

    The Most Sustainable Materials for Clothing

    Here are the ones I like in a list, in no particular order

    • Cotton (Organic is better)
    • Bamboo
    • Recycled Polyester (Anything Recycled for that matter!)
    • Hemp
    • Linen (Flax)
    • Wool

    This is a summary and not a comprehensive list by a long way. Fantastic work is being done by dedicated people to create more innovative sustainable materials. A lot of these are utilising what we already have such as waste from industry or farming. This is the way.

    Finally, If you loved this article, support Grizzly Wears in identifying the best materials for their applications. Buy Sustainable Clothing 

  • Vegan Alternative Fabrics

    Vegan Alternative Fabrics

    Firstly I would like to be honest, I am not vegan. Although I eat little meat, I do still eat it from time to time. This blog about Vegan Alternative Fabrics is written from the point of view that labelling something vegan, doesn’t mean it is good for the planet. The two statements are not mutually exclusive. In addition this is why I have chosen currently not to display “Vegan Friendly” logos. These types of logos are licenced and do have to be paid for. It seems to me like they are not always used appropriately.

    With some products being based on materials such as acrylic they are vegan. Acrylic is a cheap, single use plastic which is an alternative to wool. It is definitely not environmentally friendly. I feel as though using vegan labels on acrylic products is greenwashing. The aim being to distract from the problem by highlighting an unrelated benefit. In my opinion the vegan label should be used on products made from sustainable alternatives to traditional fabrics that would be produced from, or using, animals. When listing items on my store, I will highlight whether something is vegan for clarification. Lastly, adhering to strict guidance around sustainability means most Grizzly Wears products are vegan friendly.

    This list will probably expand over time and I will add to it as I discover new materials. To get off to a start, here are some of my top Vegan Alternative Fabrics…

    Cotton

    Lets get this out of the way. Fair Trade and Organic cotton is the best but cotton is fairly good anyway. Naturally growing as a fibre and requiring little processing makes this a top choice. Organic farming does make all the difference when it comes to true sustainability.

    Tencel/Lyocell

    This fabric is made from wood cellulose. It produces a soft, smooth fabric which can be used for a large number of applications. Tencel produced using closed-loop technology meaning chemicals and water are re-used and not released into the environment.

    Hemp

    Natural and biodegradable. Hemp is often blended with other fabrics and has no need for pesticides to grow. This makes it ideal for organic farming. It is breathable, cool and antibacterial.

    Soybean fibre

    Free from petrochemicals and entirely biodegradable. Having properties of Silk and Cashmere makes for a great, versatile fabric. it is commonly used as an alternative to wool.

    Linen

    Requiring no chemicals at all this is absolutely a good choice. Linen is durable and gentle on the skin.

    Pineapple Leather

    Alternative to real or vegan leather. This is a great innovation made from left over pineapple farming waste. Furthermore, no PVC is involved, making it sustainable and better for the planet.

    Woocoa

    An innovative material created from coconut, hemp and oyster mushrooms. Not widely commercialised but an important development. Woocoa is a wool like fibre.

    Bamboo

    If you’ve read any of my other blogs this is probably no surprise. Bamboo can give some fantastic properties. Try to stay clear of Rayon which is the most chemical intensive form. Bamboo is softer than silk but stronger than steel.

    Recycled Polyester and Nylon

    Also probably no surprise to readers of my other articles. This diverts waste from landfill and uses significantly less energy to produce than virgin fabrics. Lastly, Nylon and Polyester can be recycled again, creating a closed loop eco system.

    Vegan Alternative Fabrics in Summary…

    To conclude, there are many great vegan alternative fabrics either available now, or in development. Over the coming years we will definitely rely more on these. Great innovations will come to the market. Importantly we will see less reliance on plastics. Transitioning to more eco friendly vegan fabrics is a great thing. As a brand, Grizzly Wears will be testing some of these fabrics to put into clothing. Furthermore, as a consumer you can look for some of these fabrics. Increased demand means production will have to catch up. Lastly please be wary of greenwashing. Greenwashing hides problems and does not move the industry in the right direction.

    Thank you for reading and I hope this was of some use. Likewise if I have raised a little awareness this was worth the time to create. Above all I like to highlight there are people working hard to make a difference and be innovative.

    Finally, if you find my blog useful, support me on my quest by buying a T-Shirt or checking out my products.