As we speak I’m deep into building our best bib shorts for cycling buyer’s guide and it’s filled with big name brands. The quality is predictable and each name is both easy to find and easy to recommend. I want to make sure every single product in that list is a solid recommendation for as many people as possible and that means not taking risks.

Sea Otter is different. At Sea Otter boutique clothing brands have an opportunity to get in front of both me and consumers so they can share something different. These are a few of the boutique clothing brands for cyclists that I saw at Sea Otter.

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

Capo Cycling

Capo cycling is a small brand that’s got quite some history. Rob Carbone and Gary Vasconi started the company way back in 2002 and it gained popularity for a time. The company hasn’t been as well known in recent years but the same ideas from the early days still act as a guiding light — namely high-quality fabrics with Italian manufacturing and simple color block designs. If you like the idea of something with a name you won’t otherwise see, Capo uses Elastic interface for the chamois, always a good sign, and the fabrics feel great in hand.

For more information check out the Capo Cycling website.

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

Safetti

While Capo leans on Italian manufacturing, Safetti jets you across the world and hails from Colombia. The entire company calls Medellin, Colombia home and standing in the factory you can feel the passion that everyone involved imparts to the product.

Style-wise, Safetti also leans on Colombia. There’s a throwback vibe to some of the designs and there’s always a Colombian color palette. The brand isn’t as small as some of these, but it’s mostly unknown in the US making it something you aren’t likely to see on a local group ride.

For more information and to purchase check the Safetti website.

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

Peppermint Cycling Co.

I haven’t tried all the clothes in this roundup, but Peppermint is one I can confidently say I won’t ever try. That’s not a slight either. It’s simply not made for me; Peppermint is a brand specifically focused on women.

Peppermint describes the brand’s clothes as a “blend of technical performance, bold feminine style, and community-first spirit. Designed specifically for women’s bodies, with a distinctly Canadian edge. While other brands lean heavily into mountain culture and lifestyle, Peppermint brings a more versatile and athletic approach to the ride, spanning road, gravel, and MTB,with a sharper focus on sleek design, fit innovation, and inclusivity.”

In terms of features, the brand notes that the 2025 summer line includes “diverse fabric textures for added versatility and visual interest, while redesigning the silhouette of our signature jersey to embrace the curves of the female body, offering an even more flattering and functional fit.” There’s also a drop seat in the bib shorts making bathroom breaks easier, and the brand is getting rid of poly bags to reduce its environmental impact.

I can’t share much personal insight here but if you’d like to see what Peppermint is offering check out the Peppermint website for both road and mountain bike options.

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

Arcade belts

I might not have tried Peppermint but I was wearing an Arcade belt when I spotted the brand at the show. These are elastic belts and many of the styles are plastic only making airports a breeze.

I’ve been using mine for years and an elastic belt makes life better in the same way that elastic waistbands do. Easy travel is also a bonus for me but it’s looking like Arcade has some new options that add a bit of style through the use of a metal buckle. If you don’t need to worry about airports as much, that could be an option too.

Whatever your specific needs are, check out the Arcade website for the most comfortable belt I’ve worn.

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

(Photo Josh Ross/Velo)

Qeja Socks

I love to say socks should be tall and legs should be smooth. It’s just a bit of fun to make people laugh but it should also give you an idea that I pay attention to cycling socks. Because of that, I have a lot of them. Seriously, a lot.

I have so many cycling socks that I sometimes want to grab them for off the bike use. Unfortunately they tend to not work all that well. I often find cycling socks are too thin and don’t feel great without the airflow of a cycling shoe.

Qeja has a product specifically with that in mind. I have no idea how effective this is but I love the idea of a single sock that you can use for whatever.

If you are into the idea of one sock to rule them all, check out the Qeja website.