Womens clothing

Women's cycling has finally come of age, and the range of womens specific clothing is extensive and of equal performance and quality to mens cyling clothing.

A wide range of technical and attractive garments are available for women cyclists so whether you are looking for the latest in racing gear or stylish comfortable kit for leisure riding you can be assured that there will be something to suit. With the wide range of clothing available there is no need to compromise on style or function.

Shorts

The single most important item of cycle clothing you can buy is shorts. Cycle shorts come with a synthetic insert known as a chamois (from the days when the inserts were made with real leather). Inserts are seamless, anti-bacterial and ergonomically shaped to prevent chafing and saddle sores, it is important that you choose a female specific short as the padding and cut is different to the men's version. If you prefer a more casual look several companies offer baggy shorts that have a lightweight tight short with insert inside. Another popular option is the skort - a cross between short and skirt -shorts underneath with a wraparound skirt over the top. Perfect for commuting, touring and leisure rides when you are going to spend time off the bike.

Base Layers

To stay dry and cool when exercising it is important to wear the right materials next to your skin. A cotton T-shirt may start off feeling comfortable but as you begin to sweat it will absorb the moisture and begin to feel wet and clammy which in turn can cause chaffing. Base-layers use specific man-made materials chosen for their wicking properties - the ability to transport moisture away from the skin. This keeps the skin cool and dry in the summer as it enhances the evaporation of sweat and in winter helps keep you warm by preventing dampness, which can cause you to feel cold and helps to trap a layer of warm air next to the skin.

Different base layers are available for varying temperature conditions, in summer lightweight string vests are best and in the winter long sleeve bases are available with Windstopper chests to enhance heat retention. Base layers need to be worn tight to the skin to be effective so a female specific fit is best. Sports bras and crop tops in lightweight wicking materials are also available. Another benefit of a base layer is that in the unpleasant case of a crash they can help to reduce the chances of road rash as your jersey will slide across your base layers and be less likely to case friction damage to your skin.

Summer Kit

All you need in summer - weather depending of course - is shorts and jersey. Cycling jerseys come in a variety of design, traditional jersey's have three rear pockets to stash your food, spares and tools and still allow easy access whilst you are pedalling. High collars and a long zip allow you to control temperature and if you are leaning forward over the bars on a race bike a tight fit up to the neck prevents any bugs getting in your jersey.

Women's jersey's are cut narrower on the shoulders and back and shaped to fit over your hips. Check that there is sufficient storage in the pockets if you use them, Camel. Opt for man-made materials, which describe themselves as having wicking properties. Don't let yourself down with your socks - to keep your feet comfortable, dry and free from blisters buy close fitting stretch cycle socks. Socks are also a style statement, traditionally, road racers favour white ankle socks but companies such as Defeet have a wide range of brightly coloured, patterned and humorous socks to suit all tastes.

Transitional kit for Spring and Autumn

As the seasons turn and weather becomes unpredictable it can be hard to decide what to wear, winter kit is too warm and summer too cool. For chilly mornings and cool evenings it's worth investing in arm and leg warmers - these are tubes of thermal Lycra material that can be easily pulled onto cover legs and arms. Grippers at the top hold them up and they can easily be pushed down or removed as you warm-up then tucked away in a pocket. Very popular with racers they are useful additions to any cyclist's wardrobe. Gilets are another essential item for between seasons, available in waterproof, windproof or thermal materials they keep your chest warm and protected but prevent over heating. A thin Windstopper gilet is ideal for tucking in a back pocket if temperatures are uncertain or if you expect to be doing long descents abroad.

Winter kit

Keeping warm and dry in winter is all about layering. Start off with a good thermal base layers and decent shorts, add to that tights and a long sleeve jersey and for really cold days a windproof training jacket over the top. For wet days a jacket made from Goretex will keep you dry.

Overshoes are a winter essential to keep water out of your shoes and keep your feet insulated. Neoprene won't keep out the water altogether but it does hold the heat even when your feet are wet. Goretex overshoes are thinner and lighter and keep your feet much dryer, Windstopper are a good option for dry but cold days but for all round use Neoprene is the favourite.

Gloves are essential, cold hands can't brake or change gear properly, cold hands and feet will make life a misery so invest in a decent pair of gloves. Gloves come in a variety of materials, thermal Roubaix is popular and very effective, remember thicker gloves aren't necessarily warmer and can make it harder to hold the bars comfortably. You loose more heat through your head than anywhere else so if you want to stay really warm cover your head. Even if you are a helmet wearer you can fit a Buff underneath to keep yourself toasty. Thermal bandannas and ear warmers leave the top of the head exposed, ideal if you are riding hard and don't want to over heat but still protect your ears from the chill.