Sundried Clothing

Paul Horta-Hopkins

A preview of Sundried activewear, made from coffee residue and recycled plastic bottles.

I’ve just taken delivery of some clothing that has some remarkable eco credentials. Using recycled material from coffee manufacture and plastic bottles, Sundried are keen to produce ethically sourced and manufactured kit. You can work out happily, knowing you’re doing your bit!

What’s in the bag? Sundried have sent us some of their active wear to try out

Sundried was founded and developed by personal trainers and athletes and so have a good idea what athletes want from their clothing. One of Sundried’s biggest brand characteristics is their ethical ethos. They care about the environment and are passionate about charity work. The work closely with several charities such as Surfers Against Sewage, Havens Hospices, and Water For Kids.

I have one of their Les Diablons Muscle Tank vests. While not cycle specific, it is lightweight and sweat wicking and the sleeveless design will be good for summer riding. I tend to wear a base-layer at all times, my dad said it gives you a little more protection from road rash, and you never argue with your dad! Manufactured in Italy from a 63% Polyester, 37% Polyamide mix, it’s seam free Multi-directional stretch allows for a tight streamlined fit.

The Les Diablons Muscle Tank

Also in the bundle was a Sundried Olperer Men’s T-shirt. This t-shirt “provides advanced sweat-wicking and drying technology as well as UV protection.” The material produces a really lightweight and soft T that is perfect for any event. I can see it becoming a bit of a post and pre event favourite for me.

Both of these items are made using coffee residue and recycled plastic bottles. I can’t think of better use for all that coffee waste that us cyclists create. The coffee grounds usually end up in landfill, so this is a more responsible use for the waste we create.

The Sundried Olperer Men’s T-shirt

The coffee grounds are processed in a low-temperature, high-pressured environment to make them into yarn which is then woven into naturally high-tech fabric. This fabric also uses recycled plastic bottles in it’s manufacture. The coffee yarn has various benefits including odour control, sweat-wicking, and it dries over two-hundred times faster than cotton. It is also naturally anti-bacterial. Everything you want in cycle clothing

Sundried produce their clothing in Italy and Portugal and keep a check on the factories to ensure staff are treated and paid fairly. Every item they sell is uniquely coded, allowing you to find out about the product and its journey. You can relax knowing that Sundried are watching out for the environment and their workers.

I’ll be sweating over the summer and will let you know how I get on with these Sundried items.

Sundried

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