Kit and Ace was founded five years back by Lululemon family members Shannon Wilson and her stepson J. J. Last year, CEO George Tsogas bought the company and moved direction towards a line of quality technical apparel for the modern commuter.
If it can work on a bike (rain or shine), it’s likely made its way into the Kit and Ace collection. Their clothes allow freedom of movement so you can bike to work, sit in on meetings, grab a coffee – even board an overnight flight – all while wearing the same outfit.
Kit and Ace pieces include hidden pockets everywhere, lots of technical details while providing stretch and easy care. Finding the answers to problematic design issues in everyday wear is a source of pride for this Canadian company.
The team continually test-drives every product, searches for the best technical fabrics and creates design solutions to make your active lifestyle (particularly that on a bike) as easy-going as possible.
These Navigator Ride Slim-Fit Pants are made water-repellent using 3X Dry Swiss technology, meaning they’re water-repellent on the outside, quick-absorbing on the inside and quick to dry overall.
They have a stretch waistband for comfort, a double-layered gusset for durability, reflective bands at the cuff to stay visible and a ton of other cool features, including:
– Locking zipper at the fly for a no-slip closure
– Hidden waistband pocket designed for your phone to lay flat against your body
– Belt loops that help customize the fit at the waist
[A handy hidden zipper on the back]
The Navigator Rides are available in Black, Dark Navy, Cove Grey (what I’m wearing), Ivy, Field (olive greenish), Charcoal, Petrified Oak, Toffee and After Dark, sizes 0-14. CAD $168.
Note there’s also an ankle-length version of these available (in four colours).
The O.T.M Boyfriend Button Up pairs nicely with the Navigator pants. They’re constructed with flat seams to avoid skin irritation when biking, a tight-knit construction that naturally releases wrinkles, and a dropped back hem designed to “cover your bum”.
The soft Supima cotton feels so smooth against the skin, with added four-way stretch due to the Micro Pique fabric (53% polyester/47% cotton).
[Rolling up the sleeves reveals cool detailing]
It comes in four basic colours to work into your wardrobe: Deep Navy, Grey Chambray, Cherrywood and Deep Forest, sizes XS to XL. CAD $128
Last but not least is one of the softest relaxed-fit t-shirts I’ve ever come across: the Good Feels Brushed Short Sleeve Crew! The soft brushed terry is slightly warmer than a regular cotton t-shirt, so it’s perfect for fall layering.
It too is bike-friendly, with four-way stretch and easy to wash and care for. The breathable fabric blend (62% Acrylic, 28% Modal, 5% Wool, 5% Spandex) hangs away from the body so you avoid arriving to work in a sweaty state.
Good Feels is available in Black, Bone White, Heather Fawn (beige-pink), Heather Moss and Toffee, in sizes XS to XL. CAD $78.
Kit and Ace has worked hard to achieve a balance between reasonable price points and uncompromising quality. If you’re a fan of design detail, this may very well become your new fave athleisure brand.
Kit and Ace ships within Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Hong Kong and Japan.
In Metro Vancouver, find Kit and Ace at 2235 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, in Gastown at 165 Water Street and at The Village at Park Royal in West Van. Other locations include Calgary, Toronto and Oakville. Visit Kit and Ace online for the entire collection (men’s and women’s).
