Behind the Scenes: Birds On Bikes Ethical Manufacturing
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Time to read 4 min
At Birds On Bikes, we take immense pride in creating high-quality cycling apparel designed for women who seek performance, style, and the perfect fit. Beyond the finished products our customers love, thereâs a dedicated process of craftsmanship, ethical manufacturing, and innovation happening behind the scenes. Letâs take you through the journey of how Birds On Bikes apparel is made in Australia.
The Vision Behind Birds On Bikes
Birds on Bikes was founded with a mission to provide cycling clothing that truly fits women of all shapes and sizes. Traditional cycling gear often overlooks the needs of curvier women, but we are changing that by offering inclusive sizing from 6 to 24. Our focus is on comfort, durability, and flattering designs that enhance every ride.
But itâs not just about fitâ ethics and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. Birds On Bikes is proudly Australian-made, and our commitment to ethical production has led us to achieve Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) accreditation. This ensures that every Birds on Bikes piece is made under fair working conditions in Brisbane, supporting skilled garment workers who are paid fairly for their expertise.
Designing for Real Women, by Real Women
The journey of every Birds On Bikes piece begins with thoughtful design. We listen to our community, engaging with women cyclists to understand their pain points, needs, and preferences. Whether itâs the demand for a higher waistband, better leg grip, or functional pockets, we incorporate these insights into our designs.
Barbara, the founder and designer of Birds On Bikes, brings her 20 years of experience in graphic design and fashion to every product. She ensures each design is not just visually appealing but also performs well on the bike. We use premium Italian and recycled fabrics, chosen for their breathability, stretch, and durability. Every material supports long rides, regulates temperature, and provides the right level of compression for all-day comfort.
Birds On Bikes Ethical Manufacturing in Australia
Unlike brands that outsource production , Birds On Bikes manufactures all apparel in-house at Ethical Edge Collective in Brisbane. This ensures high quality, fair labor conditions, and a lower environmental footprint.
Our team of skilled seamstresses and pattern makers work meticulously to cut, sew, and construct each garment with reinforced seams for maximum durability .Â
This craftsmanship ensures that our gear withstands the rigorus of cycling, wash after wash.
Pattern Making and Prototyping
Before full production, Birds On Bikes perfects each design through rigorous pattern making and prototyping. Digital patterns maximise fabric efficiency while minimising waste. Prototypes are then tested by real cyclists to ensure every detail is fine-tuned for performance.
Sustainable Fabrics & Ethical Choices
Sustainability is more than a buzzword for Birds On Bikes âitâs our commitment. Many of our products, including the Tourer 3/4 Knicks and Power Pocket Bibs, are made from recycled REPREVE polyester, a fabric derived from post-consumer plastic bottles . This helps to reduce waste and lower carbon footprints.
Additionally, we prioritise durable construction and timeless designs over fast fashion trends. Birds On Bikes apparel is made to last, reducing textile waste. By keeping production local, we eliminate excessive shipping emissions linked to overseas manufacturing.
We also carefully select eco-friendly dyes and sustainable packaging, ensuring that our environmental commitment extends beyond just the clothing itself.
Precision Cutting & Sewing
Once a pattern is finalised, production begins. The process starts with fabric cutting, done with precision to ensure minimal waste. Unlike mass production that cuts in bulk, Birds On Bikes ensures each piece is crafted for accuracy.
Our experienced machinists handle the sewing and assembly process with strategic panel placement to create a streamlined fit. Flatlock stitching prevents chafing, while wide leg bands keep everything in placeâjust another way Birds On Bikes designs for real women.
Each product is assembled with attention to small details, such as reinforced stitching in high-stress areas, making them last longer and perform better over time.
Strict Quality Control: No Compromises
Before any product leaves our workshop, it undergoes rigorous quality control. Every seam, zipper, chamois pad, and elastic band is checked to ensure durability and comfort. Our team inspects each garment for stitching flaws, fabric defects, and proper sizing, ensuring that when you receive your Birds On Bikes gear, itâs flawless.
Innovative Designs & New Features
At Birds On Bikes, we constantly evolve. Based on customer feedback, weâve introduced pockets in our bibs, upgraded chamois technology, and launched limited-edition prints to bring a stylish edge to cycling wear.
One of our latest innovations is the Traveller Long Cycling Tights, featuring eco-conscious materials and advanced chamois technology. This product was developed based on requests from our community for full-coverage, all-season tights .
Additionally, our Essential Pocket Capri has become a best-seller, praised for its perfect blend of style and function, making it an essential piece for any cyclistâs wardrobe.
Birds On Bikes: Supporting Women in Cycling
Birds On Bikes is not just a brandâitâs a movement. We proudly support initiatives like Sisters of the Saddle, promoting inclusivity and empowerment among women cyclists. We also organise body diversity photoshoots, ensuring that real women of all sizes are represented in cycling.
Furthermore, we work closely with cycling groups, ambassadors, and local events, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for women in cycling.
Why Choose Australian-Made?
When you buy from Birds On Bikes, youâre supporting:
Ethical labor practices and fair wages
Reduced carbon footprint with local production
Exceptional quality control
The local economy and skilled workers
Sustainable practices that prioritise environmental impactÂ
The Future of Birds On Bikes
Weâre always pushing forward. Our future plans include expanding recycled fabric offerings, introducing new prints and colours, and innovating new designs to enhance every ride. Weâre also growing our Ethical Edge Collective manufacturing arm to help other brands produce ethical apparel in Australia.
From design to production, every Birds On Bikes garment is crafted with passion, precision, and purpose. We remain committed to delivering the best in womenâs cycling wear, while staying true to our ethical and sustainable values.
Shop our collection today and experience the Birds On Bikes difference!Â
About the Author: Barbara Spooner
Barbara Spooner is the founder of Birds on Bikes , a brand dedicated to designing high-quality, Australian-made cycling apparel for womenâespecially those with curves. With a background in graphic design and ethical fashion , Barbara is passionate about creating inclusive, sustainable activewear that empowers women to ride in comfort and confidence. When she's not designing, sheâs advocating for ethical manufacturing and supporting women in business.