Normally, when someone says they’re wearing coffee, it’s because they’ve just spilled their morning addiction all over their suit. In good news for the coffee obsessed (read 99.9% of ultrarunners), Australian cycling apparel brand OORR is launching the ‘OORR Cafe’ range on Kickstarter today – pro level Athletic And Cycling Apparel enhanced by the addition of coffee to the fabric.
So what’s it all about?
- ‘Coffee infused’ cycling jerseys and activewear
- Bib shorts incorporating Frog Skin nanotechnology
- Research based design, enhancing rider safety
- 30-76% recycled materials used across the range
- Vision to create industry wide demand for use of more sustainable materials
- Commitment to South African children’s charity Velokhaya
Why Coffee?
Creating coffee infused cycling and athletic wear unashamedly taps into the strong coffee culture steeped in the industry for the last decade or more. Polyester yarn is infused with coffee in a patented process, then blended with recycled polyester (from PET bottles) during fabric knitting. Coffee enhances the fabric by improving moisture management and sun protection – and because it’s coffee, it’s highly effective at controlling odour. Known as ‘OORR Cafe’ this coffee infused fabric dries up to 50% faster than its competitors’ Athletic apparel, has 250% greater odour resistance and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. The ‘OORR Cafe’ fabric is used in cycling jerseys, caps and activewear.
What’s ‘Frog Skin’ Nanotechnology?
Scientists found that a healthy frog living in filthy conditions secreted peptides that actively and instantly killed bacteria, keeping it safe. They mimicked the microbes, creating a nano-particle to do the same thing. Originally intended for use in the medical industry, it claims a kill rate of 99.99% of harmful bacteria and microbes – far superior to the more commonly used silver ion nanotechnology, and permanent. OORR incorporates these nanoparticles, labeling the fabric ‘frog skin’. The biggest benefit here is odour control – increasing wear life well beyond the normal ‘stink up’ zone. Thanks to the clever use of recycled post industrial nylon, bearing a surprisingly soft skin feel and superior abrasion resistance to polyester, the bib shorts are extremely comfortable, built to last, permanently odour free and eco friendly.
How do they know it works?
The products are tested by a dedicated team that includes World Tour Pro Cyclist Loren Rowney. Rowney’s input, along with multiple other OORR ambassadors, has been vital to creating a world class product. This elite group of riders, runners and triathletes go hard, and have shared their experience and advice through multiple stages of development, refining OORR’s products to exceed their strenuous demands.
OORR uses between 30-76% recycled content in all of its apparel, though you wouldn’t know it. The ultimate goal being to educate consumers about the huge potential for fashion to reduce global carbon emissions and waste by using recycled materials in production. Each OORR cycling jersey contains approximately five recycled plastic bottles, saving them ending up in landfill or the ocean.
OORR is also dedicated to the African cycling charity Velokhaya. It donates a portion of its profits to the organisation and is preparing to contribute dozens of cycling ensembles to this inspiring cause. The first AUD$85K raised through kickstarter triggers a significant donation –dozens of cycling ensembles to kit out the Velokhaya racing team. Following that, each US$85K thereafter a much-needed bike for the athletes, or something of equivalent value will be donated.
Kickstarter launch
OORR is launching its Kickstarter campaign today, the 31st October, 2016 at midday. Early backers receive great savings on cycling kit and activewear that is highly functional, fashionable, and achieves far more than just profit. Products can be shipped all over the world including (but not limited to) the US, UK, Europe and Australia.
