Home >
Buying Guide: Clothing
We wouldn't suggest that you need to suit up like a Tour de France rider every time you get on your bike,
but for longer rides where you’re getting a decent workout, a quality jersey will be a great help.
Most modern jerseys use a zip closure which comes in different lengths. A short zip is fine for mild
weather and a three-quarter length zip gives you the option of opening a jersey without it coming undone
and flapping as you ride. Full-length zips are brilliant for very hot days because you can open up your
jersey when climbing, allowing the breeze to cool you down.
Look for jerseys with multiple rear pockets. Pockets will allow you to carry your essentials like keys,
phone, wallet, a snack, multi-tool, puncture kit and mini-pump. Pockets are usually open topped but some
quality jerseys do have a secure zipped pocket for more expensive items.
On modern jerseys cooling methods include the use of mesh and perforated fabrics to promote airflow. Many
jerseys also feature materials that have a sun protection factor (SPF) to reduce burning. Many summer
jerseys will also be made of fabrics that draw body heat and moisture away, while drying quickly.
As you can imagine, clothing that’s designed to be used while exercising can get a little whiffy, so
manufacturers have looked to fabrics enhanced with carbon, which has a natural anti-bacterial property,
to help reduce smells. Louis Garneau's Elite Carbon jersey uses just such a fabric and also benefits
from a special surface treatment called 'Coldblack' to reflect the sun’s rays.
Jerseys are available in a multitude of fits, from a super-close fitting pro-style jersey to a more
relaxed fit for more leisurely pursuits. Brands like Assos, Castelli, Louis Garneau and Endura all offer
ranges with fits tailored for different riders. Louis Garneau's Course Superleggera is designed to be
both lightweight and very close fitting, whereas their Transit jersey has what they call a semi-pro fit,
which has a more relaxed shape for us more average shaped riders. Legendary Swiss brand Assos have
recently introduced their Cento S7 jersey range, designed for endurance and long distance rides (so a
great choice for sportive riders). It’s cut a little more relaxed than their usual super-close pro fit,
but still uses the very best fabrics around.
On cooler spring days, you may want to opt for a long sleeve jersey for a little extra warmth. Most
brands offer long sleeve versions of their top selling jerseys. Though the choice isn't as wide as with
short sleeves, you can find some clever and versatile long sleeve options. Castelli's Gabba Windstopper
is a top quality, warm choice for chilly spring rides, which features a windstopper membrane under the
fabric. Many winter and spring long sleeved jerseys feature wind blocking material on the front to
prevent chilling wind getting through.
A mountain bike jersey is a versatile piece of kit. Depending on the weather, a jersey can be worn on its
own, within a layered system of clothing (like over a base layer), or under a jacket.
Mountain bike jerseys tend to follow one of two styles – tighter lycra jerseys (which get their
inspiration from road bike jerseys) and baggy jerseys, more favoured by downhill and enduro riders.
Lycra jerseys should have a close fit to help them wick sweat away and stop them flapping around. They’ll
often have a quarter or full-length zip, along with pockets on the back to carry tools, pumps or
nutrition.
Baggy mountain bike jerseys will have a loose, stylish fit, and will tend not to have pockets or zips.
Their extra room often allows space for body armour underneath.
Both lycra and baggy jerseys will come in short and long sleeve options, depending on the season.
A base layer may not seem like the most important piece of equipment for cycling, but don't underestimate
the need for this essential piece of clothing. The best base layers are made of highly breathable
lightweight fabrics. A base layer works two-fold: in warm conditions a short sleeve base layer will draw
moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. In colder conditions, a long sleeve base
layer is a great way to keep warm because the open weave of the fabric traps warm air, helping to
insulate you from the cold.
Quality base layers use intelligent fabrics with high stretch and a very close fit - the closer the
better. Some even use natural fabrics like merino wool, which as well as breathing well in the heat and
keeping you warm in the cold, also prevent the build-up of smells that some manmade fabrics are prone
to.
Base layers are either made from man-made fibres, such as polypropylene, or natural fibres like bamboo
and merino wool - such as Endura’s Baa Baa base layers.
If you spend any time outdoors, it’s inevitable that you are going to get caught in the rain. A good
water resistant coat doesn't have to be a baggy, flappy cagoule, not when plenty of modern cycling
jackets offer a close fit and exceptional water repelling fabrics.
A cycling jacket can be a lightweight shell (easy to stuff into a pocket when not needed), a heavier
garment (to keep you warm), or even a combination of warmth, water resistance and comfort from a soft
shell jacket.
There’s nothing worse than being caught out in the wrong kit when the weather turns nasty; it pays to be
prepared when riding. With the proliferation of super technical materials for all purposes, it’s never
been easier to find a jacket that can keep you warm, dry and comfortable no matter the climate throws
up.
A great example of a packable jacket for unforeseen and changeable conditions is Sportful's Hot Pack 5.
The tall collar, dropped tail and close fit makes it great on the bike, while the ultra-lightweight
fabric packs down small enough to fit in a pocket. Like many packable jackets, it will still keep the
wind at bay and is resistant to rain.
It’s a good idea to have a quality rain jacket in your arsenal. Rain jackets vary in cut, style,
materials and design. Some are light enough to fit in a jersey pocket, while some are warmer and more
substantial. All will combine layers of fabric that add waterproofing, with breathability aided by vents
or zipped openings to help regulate body temperature.
Nobody claims to have created the perfect rain jacket, because anything that allows your body to breathe
isn't going to be 100% waterproof. Just as anything 100% waterproof isn't going to be breathable. That’s
not to stay some jackets don't come close to perfection. Top quality jackets use a combination of highly
rated fabrics with protected seams and zips to maximize their water resistance.
Taped seams - Taping is used to seal the inside seams of a waterproof jacket. They add bulk though, and
reduce breathability. When buying a jacket, inspect the taped seams for bobbling and imperfections,
which may causes leaks.
Breathability-- It’s no good keeping rain out if you get soaked by sweat from within. Different fabrics
have different water vapour transfer rates but cut, lining and vents all make a significant difference
to how dry you stay from the inside.
Care - The worst enemy of your wet weather gear is your washing machine. Detergents strip off waterproof
coatings and conditioners will clog the pores and fibres that help fabric wick and breathe. Always read
washing instructions.
Features - Think about what jacket you need. Do you need pockets? More pockets, means more seams – and
potential leaks – and more bulk. If you’re doing lots of night riding, check for reflective detailing as
well.
Softshell jackets differ from traditional rain jackets because rather than using a stiff outer fabric,
they’re made of a softer, more flexible material. A softshell tends to be warmer than a standard shell
jacket. The water resistance is gained by sandwiching a membrane between the outer and inner layers that
prevents water from soaking through to your body.
Softshells tend to use zipped venting to help you regulate your temperature and prevent overheating. Top
quality softshells like Endura's Equipe Exo bolster their water resistance by using ultrasonically
welded seams, a water resistant-treated outer layer, flexible elastic waterproof membrane and a fleece
inner. Fully waterproof zips also keep the rain at bay.
Waterproof jackets have a tough job because they need to keep you dry from the outside and dry from the
inside. That means they need to keep the rain out, and be able to breathe so your sweat can escape.
Many manufacturers, such as Endura will use their own in-house waterproof fabrics, especially on cheaper
jackets, while big-name fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent can often be found on pricier models.
Generally speaking, pricier jackets will have improved waterproofing and better breathability.
As the wetter months generally coincide with the darker ones, many waterproof cycling jackets will also
feature reflective detailing, such as Altura’s Night Vision and Night Vision Evo jackets.
In addition to the fabric, look out for taped seams, which improve waterproofing. A close fit is
preferable to stop the jacket flapping around or snagging on bushes and trees, and many jackets designed
for riding in will be cut lower at the rear to keep your bottom and back dry. A lot of waterproof
jackets feature ventilation options such as underarm zips and vents across the back - a useful aid for
keeping you cool on the bike. Waterproof zips or storm flaps add an extra defence against the rain.
For commuters, we’d recommend a jacket with plenty of elements to make it visible. Perhaps the ultimate
in visibility is Altura's legendary Night Vision Evo jacket, which combines high water resistance with a
dazzling fluorescent finish and loads of reflective details. The Night Vision range also extends to
jerseys with long and short sleeves.
If you’re looking for something that can be worn in the office, then Endura's urban range includes a soft
shell hooded top, long sleeve jersey and even a collared shirt smart enough for any office meeting.
Sometimes it’s not cold enough to need a jacket, but is still a little cool for just a jersey. In
conditions like this, a gilet or vest is ideal. Simple and easy to pack into a pocket, a good gilet is a
godsend for cool morning starts or when the weather changes.
Historically, when riders in the Tour de France reached the top of a mountain climb, they would grab a
newspaper from a roadside fan and stuff it under their jersey to keep out the wind chill on long, fast
descents. Today, you’re more likely to see them reach into their back pocket and grab a gilet to put on
prior to heading downhill. A simple gilet is a true essential for the serious rider.
A gilet or vest makes sense for commuters too, because they’ll keep you warm during cold morning starts,
and a fluorescent gilet is perfect when returning home when the light is starting to fade. A quality
gilet like Louis Garneau's Nova is available in super bright Hi-Viz yellow so not only will it keep you
warm, it'll help you stay safe too.
A good pair of shorts is the single best investment you'll make in your cycling wardrobe. Good shorts can
range from as little as £40 up to hundreds for the very best pro-level examples. Whatever your budget,
the things to look for remain the same.
Shorts are available in two main designs: bib shorts, (which use braces to hold them up) and a simpler
waist design, just like a regular pair of shorts.
The advantages of a waist short are the ease with which you can take a comfort break and they can even
be worn under a regular pair of shorts. Bib shorts are used by pro and serious cyclists, and these have
no elasticated waist, so they are much more comfortable when bent over in a riding position.
Body hugging, Bib shorts are made from a range of materials, usually based around Spandex/Lycra. A
body-hugging fit means there isn’t excess material in the shorts, which will reduce the chance of
chafing and help the materials wick sweat from the skin properly.
The basic principal of compression is that it increases blood-flow in the muscles; transporting oxygen
rich blood more efficiently and also removing lactic acid quickly. Wearing compressive clothing after
exercise is said to aid recovery. Compressive clothing can also better control muscle oscillation from
external forces like bumps, reducing fatigue.
The most important part of a bib short is the quality of the pad inside. The pad is often referred to as
the chamois because the first bicycle shorts used a chamois leather insert for padding. The best lycra
shorts use pads constructed from a combination of foams or gels to provide cushioning and shock
absorption.
It’s common to find that the top shorts have a high-tech pad that combines an outer layer of soft foam
sitting on top of a firmer absorbing gel or high-density foam, all wrapped up in a highly wicking and
breathable fabric to manage moisture levels. Pads can also be designed for different uses - from minimal
lightweight pads for lighter riders to thicker dense pads designed for long distance, sportive style
riding.
To prevent the legs of shorts from riding up and causing uncomfortable bunching around the crotch,
companies have long used silicone grippers integrated into the legs and hems. Increasingly, tighter
stretch laser cut elastic materials (sometimes infused with silicone) are being used because they reduce
bulk, increase comfort and also result in less overall weight. The Louis Garneau Course Superleggera
short uses such technology in its laser cut leg cuffs.
One of the biggest sources of chafing in shorts comes from the stitching, so always look for shorts that
avoid placing stitched seams in high friction areas such as the inner thigh. Flat stitching is also
worth looking for, as this also reduces the chances of discomfort. It’s worth looking for pads that are
bonded to the fabric or externally fixed. Mavic's HC shorts are designed using body mapping technology,
so the seams sweep and curve away and around any areas of potential high-friction risk.
Mountain bike shorts are paramount to your comfort on the bike, given that they’re the main barrier
between you and your saddle. Shorts are one of the hardest working pieces of mountain bike clothing
because they’re constantly moving, rubbing on saddles and likely to take the brunt of crashes.
Most trail riders will wear baggy shorts over the top of bib or liner shorts. Tight fitting lycra or
liner shorts will act almost like a second skin and should prevent skin rubbing and chafing. Often
they’ll have a padded chamois to further aid comfort and they should be tight, without being
constrictive. Wearing bib shorts under mountain bike kit can also be a good choice, as the braces will
keep them firmly held in position.
Baggy shorts will allow unrestricted movement and act as a layer of protection in a crash. Baggy shorts
will often be made of material that’s tougher than lycra so in the event of a crash, they should offer
some resistance to tearing and ripping, which should protect your skin.
The best baggy shorts should be able to stand up to life on the trail – that means they'll be resilient
to brushes and scrapes. Many baggy shorts will feature pockets and vents. Some, like the Gore Alp-X 3.0
shorts, will also be made of waterproof material or will include a waterproof panel to keep your bum dry
on wet rides.
Best Selling Shorts & 3/4 Lengths
Sometimes the weather isn't great for shorts, and for cooler conditions you may want to opt for a
three-quarter length garment. These extend the length of the leg beyond the knee and halfway down the
calf, making them perfect for keeping your muscles and knees warm on cooler days. Some, like the
Castelli Velocissimo, combine a three-quarter design with an insulating fabric, in this case Thermoflex,
to keep chills at bay.
Both road and mountain bike riders wear tights, though often MTBers will wear baggy shorts over the top.
Tights are basically full-length lycra shorts or bib shorts. They will be thicker than summer lycra
shorts and offer a surprising amount of warmth to your legs, making them your best option if you want to
continue riding in the colder months.
Tights can feature the same technology as shorts, so expect quality pads and compressive fabrics. You can
also find tights with windproof membranes and water resistant treatments for wet conditions.
If you've already invested in a top quality pair of shorts, you could look for a simpler set of tights
without a pad, which will be available at a lower price - something like Altura’s Stream tights are
designed to be worn over your normal summer shorts. For extreme weather, Endura's Thermolite Pro bib
tights use the highly insulating Thermolite fabric, coated with a Teflon HT treatment so they'll keep
you warm and dry.
Tights are basically full-length lycra shorts/bib shorts. They will be thicker than summer lycra shorts
and offer a surprising amount of warmth to your legs. Full-length tights may also come with wind
blocking material across the shin and thigh area at the front. Some will also offer a degree of
waterproofing.
Best Selling Tights & Trousers
Mountain bike trousers are baggier, but also add warmth. They should have good Velcro ankle cuffs to
prevent them getting caught in the chainrings of your bike. Some mountain bike trousers will be made
from waterproof materials, such as the Vaude Spray Rain pants, which also make them ideal for commuting.
For less than ideal conditions we'd recommend an over-trouser. Over trousers are great because you can
wear your riding shorts underneath, and they can be stored in your riding bag when not needed. They will
offer you protection from the rain, and plenty are designed specifically for commuters. Altura's highly
regarded Night Vision Overtrouser is a good example – it’s made of waterproof material and features
highly reflective print all over, so you can’t fail to be seen when riding at night.
Some over trousers have extra features that are especially useful for commuters. Endura's mountain
biking-derived Humvee zip off trouser has the added advantage of being convertible. The lower legs (just
below the knee) zip off, so they’re usable come rain or shine.
Endura also offer a range of commuter clothing that’s designed not only to be ridden in, but also worn
around the office. The Endura Urban trousers look like a stylish pair of slim-fitting trousers, and even
come with a belt. Hiding behind the style is a fabric with a water resistant finish and four-way
stretch. Subtle touches like a low cut front and raised back make them comfortable on a bike too. They
even feature a loop to hold your D-lock and benefit from subtle reflective details.
It’s obvious why you need a good pair of gloves in the winter – to keep your hands warm and dry. For
warmer days, you might want to use mitts. The best riding mitts will have a well-padded palm, covered in
super soft leather or man-made fabric which will help with grip on the bars – useful if you have sweaty
palms.
A quality mitt will also have some means of shock reduction either from a gel or high-density foam pad.
Having a barrier between your skin and the handlebar will also reduce the chance of blisters or
abrasions from holding the bars. In the unlikely event of a fall, padded mitts will also protect your
palms from cuts, which is always a good thing. When choosing a pair, look for a close fit with good
quality palms with some padding. Neat details like a terry cloth panel on the back is also ideal for
wiping your brow as you ride.
Some riders prefer a lightweight full-finger glove, like the Louis Garneau Creek. When you need maximum
feel for control but conditions are adverse, like in a cyclocross event, a lighter full finger glove can
be the best choice.
Mountain bike gloves are important because not only will they keep your hands warm, they’ll also save
your skin in a crash. Most mountain bikers will wear gloves, but fingerless mitts can be an option when
the weather heats up.
Gloves either come with or without padding on the palms. Un-padded gloves will have improved feel at the
bar and padded gloves will be more comfortable. For use in winter, insulated or waterproof gloves, such
as SealSkinz All Weather gloves will keep your hands warm and dry, meaning you won't have any loss of
control because of cold, numb fingers.
For use in the summer, you want to look for ventilation either through the palm or upper to prevent your
hands from getting too hot. It’s important to get a pair that fit properly because if they’re the wrong
size, the material can bunch up and/or restrict movement.
Arm, knee and leg warmers can be used to adapt your summer kit for use in cooler conditions.
Arm warmers are close fitting sock-like garments for your arms. They can be simple lycra affairs or
fleece-lined for extra warmth. For high summer, you can even get arm coolers that prevent sunburn and
cool your skin thanks to the nature of the weave of the fabric.
Knee warmers fit underneath the hem of your shorts and cover your knees down to mid-calf level. They’re
ideal for when your ride starts early in the morning, before the sun has had chance to warm things up.
Leg warmers are full-length and designed to be worn underneath your shorts to offer protection from the
elements.
The big advantage of using these accessories is that they all pack down small enough to be stuffed into a
pocket, so on days with changeable weather, they are a better option than a full-on tight that you'd
otherwise be stuck wearing in the warmth of midday.
Best Selling Arm, Knee & Leg Warmers
If your riding is generally gravity-fuelled, wearing body armour could be a great idea. In the event of a
crash, mountain bike body armour will spread the force of an impact and absorb it, reducing the potential
for injury. Body armour is available for different areas of the body including the chest/torso, arms,
legs/shins and neck (in the form of neck braces).
Mountain bike body armour isn’t just for downhill riders though; it’s common to see many trail riders use
kneepads such as the popular Fox Launch Enduro Knee Guards. With kneepads, padding is as important as
comfort, as many riders will choose to wear them for the full length of their ride. As with all mountain
bike kit, you want to make sure your armour stays in position while you ride; getting the right size is
important to prevent armour rubbing and moving around.
You might want to commute in your everyday clothes, in which case it can be a good idea to add some Hi-Viz
accessories, and there’s a large choice available from Evans Cycles including Hump Hi-Viz bag covers, to
Altura Night Vision gloves, Hi-Viz ankle and arm bands, to even Hi-Viz socks!
View all Clothing