Best Clothing for Cycling | Markel (2024)

FAQs

What clothing do you wear for cycling? ›

Clothes for running or other sports may also be suitable. Depending on the weather, anything from a simple T-shirt or vest will do on your top half. If it's cold, layer it up with a long-sleeved thin hoodie or cardigan; this is better than a jumper as you can unzip or unbutton it if you want to cool down a little bit.

Cotton can be extremely uncomfortable. It soaks up moisture (sweat) and keeps it near your body while riding. Polyester fabrics provide breathability and help to wick or pull the moisture away form your body so you don't feel cold and wet as you are cycling.

For instance, long, flowy garments don't work too well on bikes, especially in the rain. Jeans work up to a point, but in temperate to hot weather, can quickly become uncomfortable. Tight non-stretch items don't work either, restricting your movement. So those skinny jeans are definitely a no-no.

These performance-driven designs help boost efficiency, cut down on drag, and amplify the overall biking experience. Protection: Cycling attire will also shield you against the elements, be it wind, rain, or UV rays, but it will also offer padding and support to combat chafing, pressure points and saddle soreness.

There's not much that you need to buy as a beginner - despite what the standard advice says. Other than a quality helmet, most other cycling gear can be substituted for items you already own. Just remember: Wear cycling shorts or leggings RATHER THAN jeans or fitted dresses.

Athleisure clothes and sneakers are the easiest way to look cool without trying too hard. For casual outings, I usually throw on some iteration of a T-shirt, leggings, sneakers, and sunglasses. You can also layer on a sweatshirt or tuck it into a bike basket for when it gets chilly.

Lycra clothing is designed to provide a comfortable, aerodynamic fit for cyclists, as well as to protect them from the elements. The majority of cyclists who wear lycra clothing do so because it is comfortable and allows them to ride efficiently, not because they are trying to be overly serious about their cycling.

The aerodynamic effect of clothing

One way to minimise this drag is to reduce the frontal area of the object. This is why cycling apparel is made of thin, elastic material which hugs the shape of the body. This helps the athlete 'cut' through the air and travel faster for the same power input at the pedals.

The basic equipment set out in the UCI technical regulation guide (Section 3: riders' clothing) includes a jersey with sleeves, a pair of shorts and possibly a skinsuit. Generally speaking, the typical summer cycling kit (whether racing or not) consists of: Helmet: head protection in case of a fall.

There are two main types of cycling shoes: flat-pedal shoes, which have flat bottoms like sneakers but also have some cycling specific features; and clip-in shoes (also known as clipless shoes) that clip directly into your pedals.

How to choose cycling clothing? ›

Choose the right fabric

Choose a cycling shorts made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. These fabrics ensure that sweat is quickly removed and your skin stays dry during cycling. In winter, insulating fabrics are great to keep your body warm.

Keep Your Muscles Warm

Compression gear lays snug against your body, keeping airflow away from the surface of your skin. By keeping your skin warm, your body doesn't need to send as much blood to the surface capillaries, leaving more blood available to warm your muscles and keep you comfortable as you ride.

Cycling jersey: covering the torso. Bib shorts or shorts for the lower half of the body and often includes pads for added comfort. Skinsuit, an alternative one-piece combining the jersey and shorts commonly used in time trials.

Do you wear anything under a cycling jersey? We recommend a cycle base layer to play an extra role in moisture wicking and body temperature regulation.

It must necessarily include a helmet, biker jacket with protection, gloves, plants, and gargles. If you prefer old-school look you may opt for a classic leather jacket (just remember that its main purpose to look good and not to provide reliable protection).

Why wear a bra while cycling? The main reason is the support it offers to the breast, but there are more advantages: Preventing pain. Although cycling is a low- to medium-impact sport, many women (especially those with larger breasts) report that the bouncing of the breasts causes pain and discomfort during exercise.