Cycling outfits: what to wear in any season and weather

Riding your bike year-round is one of the best ways to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, save on commuting costs—and reduce your carbon footprint. But knowing what to wear in different climates can feel like a dark art.

Whether you’re looking for winter cycling gear to protect you from the rain and cold, or trying to stay cool at the height of summer, the right cycling clothing can make or break your ride.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to dress for cycling whatever the season—from winter and fall cycling clothing to summer outfits for the hottest conditions, including how to choose the best bike shorts for you. And to keep your kit in the best condition, you’ll learn how to wash cycling clothing properly.

Fall cycling clothing: style and functionality for backroads bike tours

The transitional seasons are tricky when it comes to cycling clothing, especially fall. Dressing too warm means you’ll overheat and experience sweat build up, which makes you feel colder—whilst underdressing with no spare layers can ruin a bike ride altogether.

Fall cycling clothing should cope with changeable conditions and variable temperatures. Adaptability is essential, so consider arm and leg warmers, and lightweight gilets if the weather changes over the course of your ride.

Small accessories like neck gaiters and gloves also help to regulate body heat, and are often considered essential items for your stash of autumn cycling clothing.

Winter cycling clothing: face the cold with determination

The secret to great winter cycling clothing is balancing insulation with breathability. When the temperature drops, smart layering means you can ride in rain, frost or wind.

A sweat-wicking base layer pulls moisture away from your skin, preventing damp clothing that can give you a chill. While cycling base layers for summer are lighter, winter versions provide extra warmth. Adding a thermal, long sleeve jersey provides more insulation, and the wind and rain can be shielded with a windproof or waterproof jacket.

Swap your summer cycling shorts for thermal bib tights, and don’t forget to look after your extremities with gloves, shoe covers, and warm headwear. Thermal cycling gloves are particularly important, as cold hands can make changing gear or braking difficult.

A note of caution though—don’t overdress. A good mantra for winter cycling clothing is ‘be bold, start cold’. Beginning your ride feeling a little chilly means you won’t overheat once the effort of pedaling raises your core temperature.

How to dress for cycling in spring

Much like autumn cycling clothing, dressing for spring is all about layering.

Start with a cycling base layer for summer, then add a breathable long sleeve jersey—or something more thermal if it’s cooler—and a windproof jacket you can remove as temperatures rise.

Summer cycling shorts can be matched with leg warmers for flexibility and comfort, and accessories for your extremities allow for adaptability and temperature regulation in changeable conditions. Gloves and neck gaiters are easy to pack and surprisingly effective additions to your spring cycling clothing collection.

Summer Cycling Clothing: Stay Cool and Comfortable

Hot weather riding demands a different approach when it comes to summer cycling clothing.

The goal is to keep yourself cool and dry while protecting yourself from the sun, so choose a thin, hot weather cycling jersey made from ultra-breathable fabrics, and make sure it provides UV protection. Pair it with well-ventilated, padded cycling shorts to maximize airflow and increase saddle comfort.

Your summer cycling gear can also be levelled up with ventilated helmets, mesh base layers and lightweight socks. Comfort and breathability should be top priorities when the temperature rises—and don’t forget sunscreen!

Padded cycling shorts: Prostate friendly essential comfort for long distances

If you’re cycling for longer distances, comfort is key—especially for men concerned about prostate health.

Cycling shorts are designed with ergonomic chamois pads that reduce pressure on sensitive areas, helping to prevent numbness and discomfort. The chamois pad also minimizes friction and road vibrations, improving endurance and overall ride quality.

When considering how to choose cycling shorts, focus on fit, the chamois pad, and fabric performance. High-quality cycling shorts use breathable, moisture-wicking materials to keep you cool, whilst a lycra-based construction will provide a snug fit.

For more relaxed rides, it’s worth remembering that using a Selle Royal saddle with Royalgel inserts can offer a similar amount of comfort to well fitted padded cycling shorts.

How to wash cycling clothes: tips for caring of cycling clothing

High-performance fabrics require gentle care to maintain their lifespan. Here’s how to wash cycling clothing the right way:

1. Turn garments inside out.
2. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener.
3. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle.
4. Air dry to preserve elasticity and fit.

If you’re unsure when to wash padded bike shorts, clean them after every ride—whatever the distance—to remove sweat and bacteria. This will help prevent the risk of saddle sores.

Whatever the season, whether you’re caring for your winter cycling clothing or your summer cycling gear, keeping it clean with a gentle wash cycle, and only air drying your gear, will extend its life for many seasons to come.