Designing Climbing Clothes: Input Needed

I am going back to school for Fashion Design and what I would like to focus on is clothes for both men and women who climb, specifically. I know we all wish there was a universal helmet (next project) out there but I love climbing and I want to hear from climbers what they think is most important when it comes to the clothes they choose to climb in. I want to know every detail from fit, to colors, to accessories, to fabric, to form and function. For example, if you think collars are important or v-necks or long sleeve. Of course, this is weather dependent, but just throw out any ideas that come to mind. Thanks.

Robert

seriously, did you see that discussion a couple of weeks ago about clothes for bigger climbers? you should look that one up.

Um, lets see. I get my shorts from Mervyns, and my T-shirts from Wal-Mart. Climbing clothes? Huh?

It's a real pain when jackets, shirts, etc that are being worn under the harness become untucked from it. They obstruct viewing of the gear loops and expose my gut to chilly breezes. Some Patagonia stuff comes with a crotch strap that kind of prevents this, but often causes problems of it's own.

I agree with theREALangray about prices. A pair of Dickies costs $20 and lasts way longer than any fancy climbing brand pants. My girlfriend buys men's polyester pants from the thrift store for $5.

Also, hoods kick ass

Don't make shirts. No one will wear them.

Pants should come already rolled to mid-calf.

"Hardman" should be tattooed on buyer when said clothes are purchased.

Separate iPod pocket.

And of course, a wool hat for those summer days.

Seriously, a lightweight, longsleeve t-shirt would be great, with a tightish fit. Like pointy said, loose clothes just get in the way. Make 'em tough, make 'em cheap.

2 words for ya, "spandex crotches". You'll make a fortune.

You should make pants that come in long, small, sizes for girls who are skinny, but have long legs. Also, if you could use some kind of material that doesn't shrink after one wash, that would be great!

Patty : )

Long and lean shirts. Too many of them are short and wide, which results in the cold air creeping up. Might as well not wear a shirt in that case...

Pants where there isn't interference with the harness - no zippers, pockets, etc. where the straps lie. Pockets in the legs would be good.

And like others said - affordable.

don't make clothes that fit big dumb bubbas. burly fabric so they dont' blow out after one day climbing.

freedom of movement. big crotch adn loose legs. if tighter, articulated knees (but not so much you have to crouch whilst standing.

i am becoming more partial to shirts that don't untuck while climbing.

i think you should identify your market more: trad v sport v boulderer. i know i have slightly different needs between these.

I would like pants that have an inner air block at the ankle, not visible from the outside. Almost like a hidden gaiter that you could roll down to the shoe if need be. Keep the drafts off my skinny legs.

Thanks for all your responses. I wanted to know from bwillem, could you ellaborate on the different clothing preferences among sport, trad, and bouldering? What would you wear sport climbing that wouldn't be ideal trad climbing? etc. Anyone else, please feel free to jump in.

Personally, I prefer the knee-high boots.

How bout something sleek yet elegant & ready for action (PG-13 rated):

mystique

Pants: draftproofing at hem (inner cuff, maybe), which should be optional--you sometimes want a breeze, and sometimes not; sub-leg loop pockets, big, with secure closure; double butt, double knee; crotch gusset; comfy waist; no stupid built-in belts. 2-way zipper, or at least bottom-up.

American flag lycra tights with a little padding in the crouch. Seriously though bring back the lycra, I've been looking for a good pair for some time now.

Ryan, I don't think you googled enough. spandexwear.com/ Not sure if it was that site or another, but i did find a stars and stripes piece like you described.

Seriously, I don't think sport climbers need or want as bullet proof of pants. that being said i am always bummed when my stuff wears out. lighter fabrics, more fashionable. something you might wear to get coffee or the bars.

boulderers. it is all about style. it helps if it is functional, but i don't think required. prana and patagucci have come up with styles for these markets. climbing features but look like street clothes.

Not quite sure what you mean by "universal helmet". Petzl makes one that has a huge range of adjustment to fit any head.

I like to wear medical scrubs for pants (free for me) and polypro t-shirts or long sleeve. The stuff should not be too baggy so you can see your feet and the shirt doesn't get clustered with your gear. Think of pockets that will not interfere with the harness, maybe cargos would be cool for that.

Good luck with your endeavors.

Much like everyone else, I'd like a shirt with arms that are longer and are leaner through the body. I have to buy XL shirts to get the length of the arms and body right, but then I'd need to gain 60lbs. on my belly in order to get the midsection to fit.