Our Guide to Buying: Hats and Caps
Why do I need to wear a cycling hat or cap?
In a nutshell
Hats and cycling caps can be worn under bike helmets or on their own to protect your head from the elements. Hats come in a huge number of styles, from the quintessential roadie retro cotton cap to the wool beanie or skull-cap. Keeping your head warm in winter and cool in summer is an important job and we have a hat for every task.
Caps & Hats
Should I use a cycling cap all year round?
The roadie cycling cap is a versatile piece of kit and near essential to every road cyclist’s wardrobe. In the winter it adds an extra layer of warmth and the peak helps to keep rain out of your eyes. In the summer the peak will shade your face and protect your head from the sun.
What are the best cycling caps for winter?
Caps come in a huge range of materials, whilst traditional cotton caps are the ultimate in retro styling, you can also buy peaked caps in waterproof or thermal materials for the coldest of winter days. A peaked cap is a great way of hiding helmet hair during your café stop and with many colours, you can mix and match with any outfit for the ultimate in sartorial cycling style.
Skull Caps
Is there an alternative to caps for cyclists?
Caps aren’t for everyone, if you don’t like the roadie styling but want a layer of warmth a simple skull cap will help keep your head and ears covered without the peak getting in the way. Great for winter mountain biking.
What is the best headwear for cycling to work in the winter?
Balaclavas are a winter essential for the dedicated commuter who is out the door every morning regardless of cold weather chills. Pulling the fabric up over your mouth and chin protects your face and warms the air that you inhale.
Breathing in cold air can make you cough, especially if you suffer from asthma, so a balaclava or neck tube pulled up over your mouth can really help when cycling to work.
What if I overheat while cycling? How can I stop this?
If you are the kind of rider who overheats then a head band to hold back sweat and cover your ears might be the ticket as it leaves the top of your head exposed. If you prefer to wear a cap, you can soak the cap in water on especially hot days and the evaporation will help to keep you cool.
Even if you don’t wear a hat on your bike, a beanie is the number one comfort item for everyone’s kit bag. They cover up your damp helmet hair for post-ride relaxing whilst preventing you from cooling down as your sweaty hair dries out. Great for après-bike chilling in the pub or café.
