THE UNIVERSAL COLOURS DEEP DIVE

Universal Colours are a brand with a mission. An ethos, which dictates how they make their products and the efforts they must make towards them. Their goal? To make some of the cycling worlds finest, most effective cycling performance apparel, all while minimising their effect on the environment and giving back, in all the ways they can. Who Are Universal Colours?

Universal Colours (universalcolours.com) are a brand based out of London, having officially come onto the market only two years ago in 2020. Despite being a relative newcomer, the brand has been able to carve out its own spot in the marketplace, thanks in no small part to its visually appealing apparel and dedication to environmental sustainability. Universal Colours work exclusively with factories audited and renowned for their care for the environment and their workers, and work hard to use recycled materials as often as possible when making their products.

Looking after the environment is also accomplished by the brands collaboration with nonprofits dedicated to nature conservatism and giving access to cycling, as well as a commitment to making high quality products that will stay out of landfill and in the wardrobes of cyclists.

We looked at a few of Universal Colours products, to see if they truly reflected the brand’s values, and to see if this dedication to environmental safety can be balanced with high quality, visually appealing products.

Recycled Materials

Using recycled materials in their products is one massive way that Universal Colours is able to run sustainably. While the brand will be the first to admit that using recycled materials reliably is still a work in progress, and needing to develop more in the cycling industry, Universal Colours are committed to testing and redesigning their products to perfection, until their vision for sustainability and passion for design can meet in the middle to create fantastic products.

Mono Women’s Bib Short

One product which follows this design philosophy, for example, is the Universal Colours Mono Women’s Bib Short. All of their mono bib shorts, both mens and women’s, are made almost entirely from recycled fabric. The shorts are incredibly comfortable, with elastic straps to support the waist and keep the shorts snug and secure. It would be easy to assume that cycling shorts made mostly from recycled materials may be at a disadvantage, but for Universal Colours, this is not the case.

The shorts are abrasion resistant and sun protective, meaning they are guaranteed to last an extended period of time. And with additional added reflective logos, you are also certain to be seen by other cyclists and motorists, and so can keep your eyes safely on the road.

Of course the shorts have also been designed with rider comfort in mind, with built-in foam cushioning designed to eliminate saddle sores and allow

any ride, no matter how long, to remain comfortable. The fact that these shorts contain so many fantastic elements, whilst also being made from mostly recycled components, is a testament to Universal Colours commitment, and their willingness to work outside the box in order to maintain their brand ethos.

Mono Neck Warmer

Another product made from recycled materials is their Mono Neck Warmer. This product, which is made completely from stretchy recycled materials, has been brushed and tailored for a sleek design, with a reflective trim to boot.

It does a phenomenal job at holding in warmth on cooler days, with a cross-shaped design to allow for breathing that won’t fog up glasses or dampen the inside of the warmer. The design is also very fashionable, with the cross design seen often in alternative and street fashion.

In fact, Universal Colours inspiration from contemporary fashion oozes from this product, while still being efficient in its purpose.

Sustainable Production

While Universal Colours tries as often as possible to use recycled materials in their products, sometimes this is not a reality that can be easily achieved. However, just because a product doesn’t use recycled materials does not mean it cannot be produced ethically. When ethically managed and resourced factories are involved in product production, not only are jobs being provided and workers being properly treated, but environmental factors are being actively considered, and pollution and waste are being actively reduced in comparison to other big-business factories.

For example, one of the brand’s major manufacturers, LTP, is a bluesign® approved factory. The bluesign® is a set of guidelines existing to limit the health and environmental impact of textile factories, with textile manufacture easily able to produce waste and particles that can endanger both the lives of those involved and the wider ecosystem at large.

By working with this manufacturer, who Universal Colours describe as “Open-minded, progressive and flexible”, as well as a critical part in the creative process, the company is able to create truly unique products for all cyclists.

Mono Women’s Long Sleeve Jersey

One of my favourite products that we were able to try was the Mono Women’s Long Sleeve Jersey, one of the products made at the LTP factory in Lithuania. As well as the Green Daze colour pattern, giving the jersey an almost sci-fi look, it is soft, yet sleek, and lightweight yet warm. The material is somewhat thin, meaning it is ideal for layering with other products, yet on its own is perfect for warmer weather, thanks to its soft inner lining.

The zipper on the jersey is made of completely recycled material, and gives you further options for cycling in warmer weather. The jersey also has multiple pockets including a waterproof internal pocket for small valuables, meaning your things will stay safe and are easily accessible.

Sci-fi green and grey not really your style? Fear not, because Universal Colours have drawn on their cycling apparel knowhow to provide a variety of colours, all of which serve as phenomenal bases for other products, or as great statement pieces on their own.

locations which contribute to oceanic microplastics or environmental damage.

By creating long lasting products, Universal Colours are able to keep their products from such fates. To do this, however, they must create products that are not only durable, but innovative, understanding the needs of the contemporary cyclist and catering to them.

Mono Lightweight Gloves

A perfect example of this comes from the Universal Colours Mono Lightweight Gloves. As described, the gloves are light, opting for a blend of recycled nylon and elastane as opposed to wool or cotton. This has been done, in part, to allow for versatility, allowing the glove to be worn for grip and safety in warmer months, and as a base-layer for thicker gloves in the winter.

The thinner material also allows for a tighter grip on your handlebars, aided by the silicone grips dotted across the palms and fingers, of which are designed to the Universal Colours logo, as a beautiful small touch. The gloves have also been designed with the modern cyclist in mind, utilising touch sensors across the thumb and index fingers to allow for the use of phones and other touch-screen devices without having to remove the gloves.

It is this understanding of today’s cyclists that allows the gloves to stand out from the crowd, and be likely to stay a part of any cyclists set-up. This, alongside the gloves’ durability, makes them a clear example of Universal Colours philosophy, that a well designed product is a product here to stay.

Whether you prefer darker colours like a warm red or bright and bold colours like lime green, these jerseys offer something for all. The logos on the jerseys, much like many of the brand’s other products, are also reflective-meaning further additions to safety, which is always an essential for any cycling accessory.

Chroma Insulated Unisex Gilet

Another LTP produced and bluesign® guided product that proves the effectiveness of ethically manufactured cycling apparel, is the Universal Colours Chroma Insulated Unisex Gilet. It has been designed similarly to the jersey, with inner and outer pockets and reflective logos, but stands out due its physical makeup.

Designed to be layered atop one of Universal Colours jerseys or other base layers, the gilet has been designed with Comfortemp® insulation, which efficiently uses the rider’s body heat to cool and warm the jacket. This means it can be worn any time of the year, and will perform optimally to the weather conditions.

Despite the high-tech insulation, the gilet is still light and flexible, having been made with a blend of nylon and recycled nylon that allows for freedom of movement around the Comfortemp® insulation. This results in a gilet with all year use and comfort potential, making it a likely candidate as an up and coming staple in any cyclist’s wardrobe.

Product Innovation and Durability

Making products designed to last is key to reducing a brand’s environmental footprint. So often, cheap products are tossed aside after only minimal use, bound for landfill or other

Rain Cap

Similarly, innovation to encourage longevity can also be seen in the Universal Colours Rain Cap. The cap is less rigid than the average cap, allowing it to be easily folded and carried, however do not let the thinness of the material be mistaken for cheapness or lack of durability. The cap has been made with three layer Sympatex waterproof woven nylon blend; a blend approved by bluesign®, and designed to keep your head dry as a bone.

For spring and autumn time, when rain comes in short and frequent bursts, this cap is perfect, being easy to store and even easier to use. Say goodbye to bulky rain caps and thick hoods overcrowding your cycling bag.

Charity Work/ Schemes

The final way Universal Colours follow through with their ethos is through their charity work. The brand is part of 1% for the Planet – a scheme where companies donate 1% of annual sales profits to charities and nonprofits dedicated to reducing and reversing climate change. Having worked with charities that work towards nature conservation, as well as charities like Outride, that encourage kids to get on their bikes for the sports positive impact, Universal Colours are able to not only encourage cycling, but encourage positive impact on the environment.

Statistics have shown that cycling, as opposed to cars and public transport, is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint. Being part of this scheme not only encourages cycling, but allows nonprofits to continue their extremely valuable work, to keep the world we love cycling in as clean and healthy as they can.

Mono Merino Socks

As such, encouraging this message of reducing your carbon footprint through products is also an aid in forwarding this message, and can be seen with products like the Universal Colours Mono Merino Socks. The sock has been stitched with an inscription reading ‘Reduce Your Footprint’ on the inner cuff; a detail present across all of Universal Colours socks.

The phrase is an echo of the company’s dedication to helping the environment and creating products which are forward thinking in their effects on the environment. This, on its own, is fantastic, however there are far more to these socks than just an incentivising engraving.

The socks come in a variety of colourswe received ours in a dark brown colour, with orange stitching on the logo, around the top of the sock, and on a brilliantly designed pattern designed to denote where the big toe should go.

The socks are made from a thick yet breathable mix of Merino and Nylon, making them perfect for rides in any weather. This mix of materials also deter moisture and bacteria, meaning sweaty or smelly feet after a ride are now a thing of the past.

The socks have been designed with padding around the toes and heel, allowing for maximum comfort and protection during long rides. No longer do you need to worry about your socks wearing down or getting holes, as the extra padding is designed excellently to take on the additional strain.

In conclusion

Universal Colours commitment to change is not just something written in words. It is something that can be seen across their products, in their transparency and honesty in the materials they use and the partnerships they make. At every corner, their ethos can be seen, and every business decision made is done with the knowledge that it will minimise environmental impact.

Yet despite those restrictions, their products are high quality, comfortable, and fashionable. Every piece they create has its place in a cyclist’s set-up, and with all the additional benefits Universal Colours’ products bring to the table, this is not a brand to be slept on.