The bike industry is full of self-proclaimed “bike-nerds”, “weirdos”, and “misfits”… at the very least it is full of very colorful and unique individuals. It’s one, if not the biggest charm of this industry. That being said, let’s meet Curious Creatures, a new bike apparel company that makes clothes to ride bikes in that actually look and feel like clothes.
A Little History
Located in Bozman, Montana, Curious Creatures founder and designer Natasha Woodworth feels most inspired by the mountains. She’s led a pretty interesting life up to this point. After competitively ski racing in Europe and with the US Ski Team, she began her design career at Parson Design School in the Big Apple.
She worked in New York during Fashion Week runway shows and designing costumes for Lady Gaga. Then, “one humid night while hot gluing thrift store lace onto Victorian corsets at 3 AM for Marc Jacobs she decided it was time to get back to the earth, nature, and outdoor sports that made her feel whole.”
She then transitioned to California where she honed her skills designing at Patagonia. She was involved with everything from launching their own MTB line to highly technical full alpine systems for Patagonia’s top athletes. She finished her career at Patagonia on their advanced R&D Team.
While at Patagonia she was educated in sustainability and responsible design. She learned how to make extensive personal product testing an integral part of her design process. Being HQ’d in the mountains of Bozeman, she can simply sew up a short and pedal out the door to test a new fabric, concept, or pattern.
Let’s take a look at a few items.
Women’s Apparel
Marilyn Short
Retail: $130
The Marilyn Short is their “most innovative short in the line-up.” It is a high-rise, side entry short made for longer days in the saddle. The Marilyn Short was designed with durability and performance in mind using Bluesign-approved stretch fabric. Standing by their product, Curious Creatures would like to repair, replace, or refund any product you aren’t satisfied with.
Technical Stuff
- Slim fit with extra-high rise
- 12” inseam is knee-pad compatible
- One secure side pocket fits a phone, snacks, or squirrel skull
- Side entry zipper with double snap closure for 2 waist adjustment options
- Low-profile variable stretch waistband
- Minimal seams and a streamlined look
Textile Stuff
- 2-way stretch durable nylon fabric with PFC-free DWR finish
- Mid-weight plain woven fabric at 152 gsm with a soft natural hand feel
- Bluesign-approved fabric
Sun Dog Pant
Retail: $180
A lightweight, warm weather riding pant “for pedal pixies and loam ladies”. They used a majority polyester for this pant for three main reasons, performance, dry times, and the added bonus of it being easy to recycle. So, when your Sun Dog Pant reaches the end of its long and useful life, just send it back to Curious Creatures for recycling. Thus, supporting a circular economy.
Technical Stuff
- Regular fit with mid-rise pull-on knit waistband
- 29 1/2” inseam
- 2 secure zippered thigh pockets
- Back pockets with flaps and snaps to secure
- Drawcord adjust at inside waist
- Hanger loop at back
- Overlapping cuff secures tightly at ankle and vents when open
Textile Stuff
- 4-way stretch soft polyester fabric with PFC-free DWR finish
- 155 gsm 100% polyester extra soft midweight fabric with breathability and great dry times
- The Knit waistband is 4 way stretch single jersey, quick-drying fabric with a wicking finish – 230 gms 79% Recycled Polyester and 21% Spandex
- Bluesign-approved fabric
Ramble Scramble Short
Retail: $139
This is their “most premium short.” Using classic, timeless styling, it’s hard to imagine life in the mountains without these. The special bio-based stretch yarn makes the Ramble Scramble Short a singular content (polyester). This makes it easily recyclable at the end of its life – not true for most stretch products. This is also their most durable short, so it “should last you ‘till yer old and grey and obviously still sending!”
Technical Stuff
- Slim fit with mid-high rise
- 7” inseam
- 2 hand pockets and 2 rear pockets
- One drop-in side pocket with one secure zipper side pocket
- Drawcord adjust at inside waist
- Lightweight low bulk fabric used on all facings and pocket bags
- Hanger loop at back
Textile Stuff
- 4-way stretch durable polyester fabric with PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
- 240 gsm 100% polyester heavyweight twill with plenty of stretch makes this durable fabric feel light and moves with your body
- Bluesign certified fabric
Cottonwood Long Sleeve Tee
Retail: $85
A curious spin on a classic long-sleeve tee sporting a regular fit and unisex sizing. This long sleeve tee is made in the USA. Curious Creatures “found and partnered with a wonderful minority-owned and operated factory in LA”. And not only is the tee sewn here in the States, but the cotton was also grown here in the US.
Technical Stuff
- Rib at neck and cuff
- Logo patch at cuff
- Necktape at back and through shoulders for a lifetime of consistent fit
- Hanger loop at back neck
Textile Stuff
- 4-way stretch single jersey fabric
- Curious Creatures’ version of the standard American Tee
- 200 gsm 100% cotton with hand dyed tie dye artwork
- Cotton is grown in the USA!
Men’s Apparel
Eatin’ Grin Art Tee
Retail: $35
Curious Creatures logo Tee. Uses original artwork and printed just down the street from their HQ in Bozeman. Working with a local printhouse, Front Line Design in Bozeman, Curious Creatures is producing a small run of these premium printed shirts.
Technical Stuff
- Regular fit
- Rib-knit at neck for stretch and comfort
- Logo on chest
- Original Artwork on back
- Necktape at back and through shoulders for a lifetime of consistent fit
- Preshrunk to minimize shrinkage
- Printed in limited run locally in Bozeman Montana
Textile Stuff
- 4-way stretch mid-weight and lightweight 100% cotton
- Faded Buckthorn Brown is mid-weight at 5.3 oz
- Faded Buckthorn Brown is garment-dyed for that vintage tee look & feel
- White is a high-quality mid-weight at 5.3 oz
- Blue Stone is a tad lighter at 4.1 oz
- Blue Stone is a stone wash treatment because it looks sick