What to Wear Cycling in Various Weathers

May 24, 2024

The mental buzzer is blinking, telling you, “Hey, it’s time for a ride,” you’re sitting at home, unsure of what to wear. Sound familiar? It’s not just your cycling clothes that matter. It’s also the temperatures outdoors that determine what you should be wearing!

You need to choose the right cycling clothes based on the weather outside. For this, you need to keep your comfort and performance in mind.

You can’t be in an insulated jacket when it’s 40 degrees outside. Or, just a sports bra with shorts when it’s almost freezing.

You’ll never make the wrong choice of cycling clothes again, though. You’ll find out precisely what you should wear when it’s hot, cold, rainy, or anywhere in between!

The Best Cycling Clothes To Wear According To The Season

Summer – Keep It Light and Airy

When choosing your cycling clothing by temperature, remember that summer is all about bringing the heat down and keeping it cool. You don’t want to sweat twice as hard because of the wrong women’s cycling clothing, or worse, get dehydrated and dizzy because you weren’t protected enough.

This is where choosing cycling clothes that offer ventilation is important. Ventilation provides airflow through your clothes, giving you the breathability you need to feel comfortable. It’s also important to look out for moisture-wicking fabrics. These fabrics spread sweat through your gear, letting it dry instantly.

If you’re riding in peak summers or the afternoon, it’s best to choose women’s cycling clothes with mesh panels for extra breathability. This prevents overheating and excessive sweating, minimizing the sweaty stench.

Temperature Range: Above 70°F (21°C)

Opt for cycling clothes that give you airflow so your body stays cool and doesn’t get heat exhaustion.
Go for bra tops and t-shirts with antibacterial properties that prevent skin irritation caused by sweating.
Choose UV-rays-safe cycling clothes to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage, and your body doesn’t overheat.
Many cycling clothing brands recommend wearing caps to protect your head from the direct impact of sun heat!

Read more about why UPF sun protection in cycling clothes is so important!

Spring & Fall – Layered Up Cycling Clothes

When it’s moving from mild warm weather (spring) to gently colder weather (fall), layering your women’s cycling clothing is important.

You don’t want to feel suffocated, but you also don’t want your nose and mouth to feel like a popsicle when you’re riding.

Go for a baser layer of clothing with quick dry properties so you’re sweat-free, odor-free, and comfy. To protect yourself from the icy wind, wear a long-sleeve jersey. This locks your body temperature in, keeping you warm.

If you’re heading out on an early morning ride to watch the sunrise, protect your skin with arm warmers and a cycling vest. You can easily take these off and stuff them in your bag when the temperature rises.

Temperature Range: 50-70°F (10-21°C)

Always go for cycling base layer clothing that disperses moisture and offers thermal regulation so you’re sweat-free and warm.
Layer up your gear with a long-sleeve jersey that traps body heat so you’re warm and cozy on a chilly ride.
Add up arm warmers and a vest when the temperature goes from warm to cold or vice versa since they’re easy to take off and put away.
Cover your hands with lightweight, lightly padded cycling gloves. These give you a superior grip on the handle and protection without overheating!
Go for merino wool socks that ensure airflow in your feet. They dry the sweat quickly and give your toes and heels the support they need when paddling!

Winter – Stay Warm and Protected

When choosing winter cycling clothes, you need to make sure you go for insulated fabric that keeps you warm. Who wants to freeze their butt off, right? And that, too, when you’re sitting on the tiny seat on your cycle!

In addition, you should also look out for wind protection in your gear. The best options for this weather include thermal bib tights and a wool base layer that retains heat. This allows you to keep your body temperature warm.

Temperature Range: Below 50°F (10°C) for mild winters, below 32°F (0°C) for freezing temperatures.

Choose gear with a thermal base layer and insulation so you retain your body heat and stay warm.
Go for free-lined or windproof outer layers for that added protection against chilly winds.
Get a pair of insulated, suede palm gloves that not only keep your hands warm but also give you a fantastic grip.
Make sure you’re wearing wool socks or double your socks for more layering when the temperatures drop.

Check out the 10 essential cycling accessories you need in winter!

Rainy Weather – Make Sure You’re Dry

You might think that your rain clothing for cycling only needs to be waterproof. But you also need gear that has visibility-boosting elements as well.

Get cycling clothes for wet weather with sealed seams and durable water-repellent technology. This includes the windproof DWR jacket. This prevents water leakage through the clothes and keeps the outer fabric (and you) dry.

Temperature Range: Varies – Important Across All Temperatures When Wet

Go for waterproof DWR-treated bibs, jackets, and pants with reflective elements. This way, you’re dry and can see even through the rain.
Look for sealed seams to make sure the water doesn’t leak through your cycling clothes.
Get a waterproof cycling bag so you can keep your essentials, such as extra gear.
Invest in anti-fog goggles to protect your eyes and enhance your vision when it pours heavily.

The Bottom Line

Are you getting ready to hit the paddles again? Remember that choosing the right cycling clothes is essential for performance and comfort.

But you should look at more than just the clothes or cycling clothing brands. It would help to consider the weather and all its elements.

From riding through the summer heat to making your way through the tracks when it starts pouring, women’s cycling clothing is available for each type of outdoor landscape.

You must be adequately informed by the cycling clothing brands you buy from. As they educate you more about the gear, you’ll be able to get the right clothes for the type of weather conditions you’re braving.

Whatever the conditions, invest in high-quality, premium cycling clothes so that every ride of your life is a unique journey!

FAQS

What is cycling clothing made of?

Cycling clothes are made to improve a rider’s efficiency and speed when cycling.

Typically, a cycling kit includes gloves, jerseys, bibs, shorts, caps, and sports bras.

The best cycling clothes have moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and anti-odor features. These features are essential for managing sweat, preventing skin rashes and irritation, and minimizing that post-activity stench from your body.

Many cycling clothing brands design weather-specific clothes, so you’re comfortable no matter what the outdoors brings.

What do female cyclists wear?

Female cyclists go for women’s cycling clothes that give them a great fit, comfort, and overall improved performance.

A woman’s cycling kit typically includes sports bras, jerseys, leggings, shorts, and bibs.

The best cycling clothing brands have customized technology to give you sculpting and adapt to women’s physiques. They also have women-focused base layers that cater to your physical needs, helping you stay comfortable. This includes the exclusive 4-D fit around the chest area that helps women feel at ease when riding their cycles.

In addition, the quick-release drop tail designs, particularly women’s cycling clothing, also help women take bathroom breaks quickly and conveniently.

What kind of fabric is used in cycling?

Cycling clothes typically blend synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and Lycra. These fabrics work well because they are stretchy, which helps you with movement.

They also ensure breathability, allowing smooth airflow while cycling, helping you breathe easily and feel great.

In addition, they also have moisture-wicking properties, giving you superior sweat management. This prevents heat exhaustion.

It also keeps your cycling gear from getting drenched in sweat, especially in the summers, so that your kit doesn’t get heavy and uncomfortable.

Moreover, cycling clothes for winter also comes with thermal regulation fabrics, which help you retain body heat and stay warm in colder climates or on your breezy morning adventures.