OUR HISTORY

75 YEARS OF INNOVATION IN EVERY STITCH

OUR HISTORY

75 YEARS OF INNOVATION IN EVERY STITCH

FOR 75 YEARS WE HAVE SET THE BENCHMARK FOR COMFORT IN THE SADDLE. 

FOR 75 YEARS WE HAVE SET THE BENCHMARK FOR COMFORT IN THE SADDLE. 

Kaizen – an approach of improving daily, always evolving and progressing, to create revolutionary outcomes over time – is what drove our founder, and what continues to drives us day in and day out to create gear that creates happier, drier, faster, warmer, and safer, more comfortable, and more confident riders.

Kaizen – an approach of improving daily, always evolving and progressing, to create revolutionary outcomes over time – is what drove our founder, and what continues to drives us day in and day out to create gear that creates happier, drier, faster, warmer, and safer, more comfortable, and more confident riders.


1950

HERITAGE

1950: THE BIRTH OF PEARL iZUMi

The journey of PEARL iZUMi began in Japan, with founder Kinji Shimizu crafting the first jersey in 1950. Driven by the Japanese concept of Kaizen, meaning continuous improvement, PEARL iZUMi has been obsessed with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, innovating and perfecting our products every day.


1983

SYNTHETIC CHAMOIS

1983: A SYNTHETIC CHAMOIS REVOLUTION

The introduction of the synthetic chamois in 1983 revolutionized chamois technology and set a new standard in cycling apparel. By replacing leather with bio-suede, chamois instantly became more convenient, comfortable, and affordable for everyday cyclists.


1993

LOBSTER® GLOVES

1993: INTRODUCING THE LOBSTER® GLOVE

In 1993, we set out to create a unique, now iconic solution to a simple problem: making sure riders can feel and use their fingers on cold weather rides. The Lobster Glove® combines the warmth of mittens with the control of gloves, protecting riders’ hands without sacrificing grip and dexterity.


1999

CHAMOIS COMFORT

1999: ENHANCING CHAMOIS COMFORT, ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

In 1999, our approach to our chamois changed, and the game changed with it. By integrating multi-density materials in our design, PEARL iZUMi helped relieve pressure where it’s needed most, and provided varying levels of support across the chamois platform.


2010

WOMEN'S BIBS

2010: THE WOMEN'S DROP TAIL BIB DROPS

In 2010 nature called, and we answered. Recognizing the needs of female cyclists, we introduced the Women's Drop Tail Bib, designed to help female riders take easier nature breaks without sacrificing the benefits of bib shorts.


2013

MTB SHOES

2013: DEVELOPING THE X-PROJECT MTB SHOE

In 2013 PEARL iZUMi teamed up with Colorado State University’s Sports Science program to help us break away from conventional thinking by rigorously testing different designs for optimal performance, and creating a MTB shoe that blends stiffness for efficient pedaling with flexibility for walking comfort.


2015

BIOVIZ™ SAFETY BEGINS

2015: THE BIOVIZ™ SAFETY INITIATIVE BEGINS

Even more so than performance or comfort, safety is paramount when it comes to cycling. Which is why PEARL iZUMi created BioViz™, a design strategy that relies on fluorescent colors and strategically placed reflective markers ensuring cyclists are seen from at least 100 meters away, day or night.


2017

ALL-WEATHER TECH

2017: ADVANCING COMFORT WITH TECHNOLOGY

In 2017, PEARL iZUMi became the first cycling company to use a wind tunnel for optimizing comfort. With the help of the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel in Ontario, our Advanced Development team simulates a wide range of weather conditions to ensure our gear keeps riders comfortable no matter the environment.



1950

HERITAGE

1950: THE BIRTH OF PEARL iZUMi

The journey of PEARL iZUMi began in Japan, with founder Kinji Shimizu crafting the first jersey in 1950. Driven by the Japanese concept of Kaizen, meaning continuous improvement, PEARL iZUMi has been obsessed with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, innovating and perfecting our products every day.


1983

SYNTHETIC CHAMOIS

1983: A SYNTHETIC CHAMOIS REVOLUTION

The introduction of the synthetic chamois in 1983 revolutionized chamois technology and set a new standard in cycling apparel. By replacing leather with bio-suede, chamois instantly became more convenient, comfortable, and affordable for everyday cyclists.


1993

LOBSTER® GLOVES

1993: INTRODUCING THE LOBSTER® GLOVE

In 1993, we set out to create a unique, now iconic solution to a simple problem: making sure riders can feel and use their fingers on cold weather rides. The Lobster Glove® combines the warmth of mittens with the control of gloves, protecting riders’ hands without sacrificing grip and dexterity.


1999

CHAMOIS COMFORT

1999: ENHANCING CHAMOIS COMFORT, ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

In 1999, our approach to our chamois changed, and the game changed with it. By integrating multi-density materials in our design, PEARL iZUMi helped relieve pressure where it’s needed most, and provided varying levels of support across the chamois platform.


2010

WOMEN'S BIBS

2010: THE WOMEN'S DROP TAIL BIB DROPS

In 2010 nature called, and we answered. Recognizing the needs of female cyclists, we introduced the Women's Drop Tail Bib, designed to help female riders take easier nature breaks without sacrificing the benefits of bib shorts.


2013

MTB SHOES

2013: DEVELOPING THE X-PROJECT MT SHOE

In 2013 PEARL iZUMi teamed up with Colorado State University’s Sports Science program to help us break away from conventional thinking by rigorously testing different designs for optimal performance, and creating a MTB shoe that blends stiffness for efficient pedaling with flexibility for walking comfort.


2015

BIOVIZ™ SAFETY

2015: THE BIOVIZ™ SAFETY INITIATIVE BEGINS

Even more so than performance or comfort, safety is paramount when it comes to cycling. Which is why PEARL iZUMi created BioViz™, a design strategy that relies on fluorescent colors and strategically placed reflective markers ensuring cyclists are seen from at least 100 meters away, day or night.


2017

ALL-WEATHER TECH

2017: ADVANCING COMFORT WITH TECHNOLOGY

In 2017, PEARL iZUMi became the first cycling company to use a wind tunnel for optimizing comfort. With the help of the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel in Ontario, our Advanced Development team simulates a wide range of weather conditions to ensure our gear keeps riders comfortable no matter the environment.


PRESENT DAY: THE CHAMOIS JOURNEY CONTINUES

As technology progressed, so did the performance and comfort in our chamois. Our current line features three levels of chamois, each designed using pressure mapping technology to identify where more support is needed while eliminating unnecessary bulk and constructed with materials that stretch to move with you.

CONTINUAL COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

From our first jersey to the latest technological advancements, PEARL iZUMi remains driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and dedicated to improving the cycling experience. Feel comfortable and confident in the saddle with PEARL iZUMi, where decades of innovation and commitment to pushing boundaries goes into every stitch, every pedal, and every mile.

PRESENT DAY: THE CHAMOIS JOURNEY CONTINUES

As technology progressed, so did the performance and comfort in our chamois. Our current line features three levels of chamois, each designed using pressure mapping technology to identify where more support is needed while eliminating unnecessary bulk and constructed with materials that stretch to move with you.

CONTINUAL COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

From our first jersey to the latest technological advancements, PEARL iZUMi remains driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and dedicated to improving the cycling experience. Feel comfortable and confident in the saddle with PEARL iZUMi, where decades of innovation and commitment to pushing boundaries goes into every stitch, every pedal, and every mile.