Route Clothing are a relatively new firm from Scotland with a nice line in handmade cycling accessories. They specialise in cycling caps, and the emphasis is on sustainability - they use organic Fairtrade cotton and Scottish Harris Tweed, and each Route cap is made to order in their Glasgow studio.
Route have kindly sent us one of their caps to review, but even before seeing the product I'm drawn to their logo, a stylised 'R' which simultaneously evokes a sweeping hairpin bend and a needle and thread. It's a nice piece of design, and it's no surprise to discover that Route's founder, David McNeil, is not only a cycling fanatic but also an art school graduate. My review cap comes packaged in a brown manila envelope neatly stencilled with that logo and sealed with a small sticker bearing the same emblem.
Happily, the cap that falls out of the envelope bears the same attention to detail. Route's caps are based on the classic casquettes worn by cyclists in the decades before helmets, back when men were men; stylish, albeit occasionally concussed, men. True to those halcyon days the Route Organic Cotton Classic Cap is a proper traditional cycling cap constructed of lightweight cotton. The version I've been sent is black with a black stripe - an understated look, but Route also offer a range of hues and stripes to choose from so the less gothically inclined can let their colours shine.
The cap features the typical stiffened peak, which you can wear flipped up or down depending on how your day is going. I've recently become a cap convert while cycling, and find them really useful worn under a helmet to channel rainwater away from your face and protect your eyes from that glaring low sunlight you sometimes find even in winter. To the rear of the cap, offset on the right, is a discreet reflective label bearing the 'R' logo which is a nice touch.
A cycling cap is a simple enough item of clothing, and this cap epitomises a simple, elegant design executed to a high standard. The stitching is perfect, not a loose thread to be seen, while the elasticated rear ensures a snug fit, and the neat label adds the finishing touch. It's a cap you'd be happy to wear off the bike too, and since we're at that time of year I'll suggest it would make an excellent Christmas gift for the cyclist in your life. I'm sure you know who I mean.
As well as the cotton caps Route also do a range in Harris Tweed which look very smart. It doesn't get much more local than a Scottish tweed cap handmade in Glasgow. All their caps are available in two sizes, large and small (I chose the latter, which fits my 57cm noggin nicely), and a range of colours with a selection of optional stripes to allow you to add a personal touch.
Route also offer a small range of printed t-shirts, knitted merino bobble hats (perfect to keep you warm while cheering on your mates at the cyclocross) and some great looking musettes for just £12. The cut-off for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Friday 5 December, although we are assured they'll do their best to fulfil all orders in time for the holidays.
Organic Cotton Classic Cap, £25 from www.routeclothing.com.
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