Reflection on the Meanings of Kits

I am a roadie and almost always ride in a kit. The most important reason for this is that cycling clothes are comfortable and utilitarian. I need the back pockets in my jersey to put my pump, inflator, snacks, and asthma inhaler. I store the clothing I end up shedding mid-ride there as well. The tights or shorts have a chamois which helps with saddle soreness and wick sweat away. Although I did want to point out that wearing a kit is sensible, this piece is not meant to be an advertisement for cycling duds. Instead, I wanted to reflect on what wearing a kit means.

I started out curious about why it is called a “kit.” I found out that the terms us mainly used in the UK for “the particular clothing worn by a sports team.” I couldn’t find the etymology of that specific meaning although kit as referred to that of "outfit of tools for a workman" is from 1851. Before I was a cyclist I had never heard the word kit used in that way.

When I wear a kit, regardless of which one, I am saying, I belong to the clan of cyclists. When I am in my kit other cyclists (also in kits) nod or say hello. If I am stopped for some reason, inevitably another cyclist will stop to find out if I need help. There is a sense that cyclist will look out for each other. I have helped many other cyclists mostly with changing flats and providing extra tubes. There is a sense of community among road cyclist and the kit is the uniform.

Now specific kits convey certain information about me and my associations. For instance, I belong to two clubs and obviously each club has a kit. This can be awkward at times for me. I was wearing the kit of one club and a member of the other saw me and was aghast. Now there are good reasons why I belong to two. The club I started with is like a family to me however, that club doesn’t have a developed woman’s program. When I decided to try to race, I wanted a club with a well established women’s program, so I joined the second one. But wearing the kit is saying I belong to this one and eyebrows are raised when you have two. However, I am used to this, being mixed-heritage Asian American. I have always felt I travelled in two worlds (at least).

I also have a kit from Stanford where I got my MA, as well as kits from rides I have done. These kits also elicit reactions from other cyclists. I was wearing my Stanford kit when another alumnae came up to me and started asking about my experiences there. There is a way that the kit creates connection among cyclists and communicates belonging not only to the sport but to specific organizations.

I want my kit to express me. It is, in part, a “fashion” statement. I like my Japanese cherry blossom kit because it reflects my Japanese heritage. I also like my “Wild Things” kit with the monsters on it from the Shel Silverstein book The Wild Things. It reflects my playful side and the fact that I read that book a zillion times when my daughter was young.

However, the kit is not unproblematic as an outfit. It is spandex and tight. I don’t usually mind this, however I can feel like I am being objectified, especially by those outside the cycling community. I have had guys in a truck suck their teeth at me while I was on my bike and men whistle or come up and try to talk with me. It is an issue I will explore more in another piece, but it makes me uncomfortable at times and scared at others. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to worry about this, but in this one I do.

Overall, however the kit is not only utilitarian but also a communication – about belonging, about association, about connection, and about personality