Commuting Tips: Normal Clothes for Biking (2024)

FAQs

Commuting Tips: Normal Clothes for Biking? ›

If your commute is relatively short, you could be just fine in your normal work clothes. In temperate dry weather, you shouldn't get too hot or too cold. You may not have time to work up a sweat and the best bikes for commuting now include plenty of electric bikes, which help to keep you that bit cooler.

Choose comfy clothes that don't restrict the movement of your arms and legs. Cycling in clothing like jeans, or tight-fitting dresses or trousers, can restrict how you use your muscles. Some clothes have thick and bulky seams which can rub and make you sore. Also don't wear something with too tight a waistband.

Some people choose to carry in their day's clothing. For this you'll need panniers or a rucksack. The former has the added advantages of keeping the extra weight on the bike rather than you and avoiding a sweaty back. But if you want that fancy road bike to double as a commuter cycle you'll need a rucksack.

If you practice sweat-free cycling techniques, you can wear what you wish. However, if you're going to cycle in your suit; it's best to invest in accessories like trouser straps and pannier bags. Most of us are going to get at least a little sweaty when cycling to work, however.

You can save on bike clothing by wearing almost any comfortable outdoor or athletic clothing (think breathable, moisture-wicking) when you ride, though you'll want to add some reflective wear or reflective elements if you do. This is less of an issue where vehicles aren't around, like on a mountain-bike-only trail.

You can cycle in normal jeans, of course, but there are a few reasons you might not want to. Comfort tops the list: a thick seam in the crotch combined with a narrow bicycle saddle can make you sore. Then there's durability: denim wears through at the sit bones after a while.

The thicker your clothes, the more you sweat because your body sustains heat. Wear light, breathable clothing when you're biking to work. Avoid woolen clothes, and if it's particularly cold, wear a windbreaker. Another thing that can help you is wearing a tank top underneath.

Get the weight off your back - If you are carrying stuff on your bike, you'll be a lot less clammy if you use a rack and panniers rather than a backpack. Dress Down - Remember that if you're cycling, you should dress for around 10 degrees colder than you normally would. This alone will minimise sweating.

If you wash the shirt and wear different pants or skirt and accessories, you could wear it two days in a row or a couple of days later. It somewhat depends on where you work, though. A white business shirt for a man could be worn every day or a month if it's in good shape and worn with different ties and pants.

All clothing should be clean, ironed and in good shape. Refrain from wearing clothes that have tears, rips or holes, even if it is the current fashion. All employees should maintain an acceptable level of bodily hygiene to ensure that interactions with other staff and clients remain positive and pleasant.

What are the layers for bike commuting? ›

The first layer is the base layer and is worn directly on the skin. It should keep your skin dry by wicking away your sweat and as a result helps regulate the temperature of the body; 2. Layer two is the midlayer and aims to provide insulation while still breathing well, i.e. wicking away sweat, as well.

But if you are concerned with performance, then it should be tight, but not so snug that it restricts movement. A loose jersey will catch the wind and slow you down. Loose jerseys also bunch and chafe and are less comfortable on long, challenging rides.

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.

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.

Wear skirts or dresses that are knee-length and above. The shorter the hemlines are, the less there is risk of getting tangled in chains. Choose breathable and stretchy fabrics like cotton blends or jerseys for comfort.

Dressing in your normal clothes to ride a bike is absolutely fine for short journeys and when you won't sweat too much, but if you have a long or hard commute, wearing cycle specific clothing will help you feel more comfortable.

Can't I just wear basic workout socks and be done with it? Yes, you absolutely can. But, just as there are welcome details like subtly padded zones in hiking socks, certain characteristics in cycling socks make them more comfortable when you ride.

In cool or cold conditions, layering and ventilation are your friends. A moisture-wicking layer and a waterproof cycling jacket with good ventilation usually provides enough protection. Hardshell waterproof jackets will block wind and water, keeping you warm and dry.