clothing
Active Travel Hub > Cycling > Clothing and Equipment > Clothing
Clothing
Having the right clothing for cycling doesn’t mean buying expensive lycra or dressing in a high visibility jacket. The best thing to do is look in your wardrobe and see what clothing you already have which is suitable. You can wear ‘normal’ clothes but there are a few things you can do to make cycling more comfortable. Cycling UK have some good tips on what to wear when cycling, while Cycle Sisters have written an excellent article addressing cycling in Islamic clothing, which is also useful for other faith groups or other particular clothing preferences.
Jacket
Having a good, waterproof jacket will help keep the elements at bay, keeping you warm and dry. Contrasting colours and reflective detailing can increase your visibility to other road users, particularly in low light conditions and at night.
If you have one, a lighter jacket combined with other thin layers can be more effective in allowing you to adapt to the conditions as you ride.
Layering
If you are cycling a short distance in town, then you can just wear your everyday clothing.
For longer rides, layering can be tricky to get right. Often if you set off and feel a little cold, after 5 minutes you feel fine as you warm up from the exercise. You will get hot going uphill, but might need a bit of extra warmth going down. It’s worth bearing this in mind when picking your clothing.
Legwear
Legwear that flaps around, or is in danger of catching in the wheels/chain should be avoided. If wearing trousers with loose ankles you can tuck them into your socks or wear a snap on ankle band to avoid them catching in the chain. If you want to cycle wearing a skirt this simple trick, using a penny and an elastic band, can help keep it out of the way.
Shoes
While you can cycle in any shoes if you are confident on your bike, there are a few things to consider for beginners. It is a good idea to use shoes with flat soles, so that you get a good connection with the pedals. It’s best to avoid things like slip on sandals, flip flops, and high heels.
Accessories
Buff
A buff is a great flexible piece of clothing which can cover your neck and/or head, keeping you warm when it’s chilly!
Glasses
People wear glasses to protect their eyes from sun glare, rain and spray from cars. If you feel like they would benefit your cycling then it’s worth getting a pair.
Gloves
Your hands are really exposed on a bike, and can get really cold, especially when it’s wet. A pair of water resistant, windproof gloves will make a massive difference on chillier days.
Headwear
In the winter your ears can also get really cold. You can wear a close fitting beanie hat under your helmet, or if you have a buff or neck gaiter you can pull it up to cover your ears.
Saddle cover
If you find the saddle that comes with your bike isn’t offering enough cushioning, a quick way to fix this is to buy a cushioned saddle cover which offers more comfort when cycling.
