When Chelsea Camarata launched Kaden Apparel, she wasn’t just designing jerseys, she was responding to a void that many women in the mountain biking world had silently endured for years. Kaden was born not from trend forecasting or market opportunity, but from a deeply personal frustration: why didn’t cycling apparel reflect the needs, bodies, and style of actual female riders?
What started as a side project stitched together during evenings and weekends quickly grew into something much more powerful, a brand grounded in authenticity, utility, and an understanding of what women truly want when they gear up to ride.
Redefining the Ride: A Brand Born on the Trails
Liz Donahey: Chelsea, thanks for being here! Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to start Kaden?
Chelsea Camarata: It really came from personal frustration. I started mountain biking around 2010 or 2011. My now-husband was riding with a friend and I thought, “That looks like fun, I want in!” But when I went to find gear, especially clothing, it felt like I was invisible to the industry.
Everything was either ill-fitting with unattractive prints or just seemingly “shrink it and pink it” versions of men’s apparel that didn’t reflect the needs and wants of women riders.
Liz: So you basically said, “Fine, I’ll do it myself.”
Chelsea: Pretty much. I had some basic sewing skills and zero fashion background, but I knew how I wanted to feel in my riding gear…confident, comfortable, and capable. I started making prototypes with the goal of better fit, function, and cleaner, more timeless aesthetics. Kaden officially launched in 2017 after a small but successful Kickstarter campaign.
From the Saddle to the Sewing Machine: Designing for Real Riders
The core of Kaden’s innovation lies in its attention to real-world experience. Chelsea doesn’t just design from a desk, she designs from the trail. Every seam, fabric, and fit choice is shaped by what happens on a ride, whether that’s a post-ride coffee stop or an all-day enduro session.
Chelsea: I remember early rides wearing non-bike-specific gear and feeling my shorts snag on my seat or my waistband clasp popping open on a descent. Those moments stick with you, not just physically, but emotionally. It interrupts your flow. And I wanted to create apparel that eliminated those distractions, so women could just ride.
Liz: That insight into the experience, how gear makes you feel on the trail, is something big brands often overlook.
Chelsea: Yes! It’s not just about how it looks or even how it performs technically, it’s about how you feel in it. Do you feel confident? Free? Like yourself? That’s the heart of it for me.
Fit. Function. Fabric. The Winning Triad
What truly sets Kaden apart is its dedication to fit, not just in terms of body shape, but in understanding how women move. Chelsea’s approach to fit is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and fluidity, recognizing that no two riders are the same, and neither are their bodies.
Chelsea: Women’s bodies are dynamic. They evolve with the sport, muscle mass changes, we get stronger in the quads and glutes, and our gear needs to keep up. Kaden’s designs use fabrics that stretch in four directions, with silhouettes that flatter and flex. Our shorts have a wide, seamless waistband that stays put without digging in. And some jerseys are cut with longer hems in back and shoulder mobility in mind.
Liz: And it’s not just about looking good, it’s about riding better. When the gear fits right, you’re more focused and less distracted.
Chelsea: Exactly. And I think that’s a performance advantage people don’t always quantify, but it’s real.
Slow Fashion, Fast Trails: Sustainability by Design
In an era of throwaway apparel and seasonal trend churn, Kaden stands out for its commitment to sustainability, not just in materials, but in mindset.
Chelsea: From day one, we’ve made all of our cut-and-sew pieces in the U.S. Not only does that reduce our carbon footprint, but it supports local jobs and lets us stay close to the process. We also don’t follow the typical fashion calendar. If something works, we keep making it. Our designs are clean and timeless so you can wear them year after year.
This approach to slow fashion isn’t just ethical, it’s empowering. It gives customers permission to invest in quality, to wear pieces they love over and over, and to feel good about their purchase in more ways than one.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Look
Liz: One thing I love is how wearable Kaden is off the bike, too. I feel like I could ride, go to the grocery store, and hang out with friends in the same outfit.
Chelsea: That’s intentional. The goal was always to blend function with versatility. You don’t need to change out of your kit to feel like yourself. And I think a lot of women today are looking for apparel that can keep up with their whole lives, not just their rides.
Liz: And for many women in our community, cycling isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. We live in our gear.
Chelsea: Totally. And your gear should reflect that. Whether you’re mountain biking, hiking, traveling, or lounging, Kaden is built to move with you.
Small But Mighty: Community as the Cornerstone
While many brands focus on growth at all costs, Chelsea has prioritized something more enduring: connection. Through her ambassador program, event sponsorships, and charitable initiatives, she’s built a brand that riders want to rally around.
Chelsea: We’ve had ambassadors across the country who host events, contribute content, or just spread the word organically. I’ve donated kits to scholarship beneficiaries and given portions of sales to local charities such as food banks and flood relief efforts. We may be a small brand, but we can still show up and make a difference.
Liz: It’s refreshing to see a company that truly lives its values, especially in the outdoor industry, where authenticity matters.
Advice to Women Founders: Stay Curious, Stay Connected
Liz: What advice would you give to other women trying to break into the outdoor or cycling space?
Chelsea: Talk to people. Be curious. Collaborate. There are so many resources out there, local business grants, women’s networks, even city programs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. And don’t wait for perfect, just start. Even if it’s small.
Liz: That’s powerful. We need more women building brands that reflect the reality of women’s lives.
Chelsea: And more women supporting each other in the process.
What’s Next? The Future of Kaden
Kaden’s story is far from over. With new products on the horizon, including a long-awaited mountain bike pant designed for versatility across trail types, Chelsea is taking her time to get it right.
Chelsea: I’ve been working on a pant that can function across disciplines, trail, enduro, downhill. It’s been in the works for a while and I hope to launch it in 2026. I want to make sure it’s dialed in before we go to production. Meanwhile, I’m excited about new partnerships and continuing to build this brand with intention.
Riding With Purpose
Chelsea Camarata didn’t set out to be a fashion designer or a disruptor, she just wanted to ride in something that worked. But in doing so, she built more than a clothing company. She built a platform for women riders to feel seen, supported, and stylish, on their own terms.
As the outdoor industry shifts to become more inclusive, sustainable, and thoughtful, Kaden is quietly leading by example: proving that bold design, real-world performance, and grassroots community aren’t just compatible, they’re essential.
Stay tuned this August as MTB Girls Magazine puts Kaden’s best-selling gear to the test, features their summer product line-up, and gives away free gear at the Hella Joy Ride on August 17th. And, stay connected. Follow Chelsea on Instagram.
This feature was created in partnership with Kaden Apparel.
