Emma's Guide To Women's Cycle Clothing | What Cycling Kit To Wear?

Bibs or waist shorts, half zip or full zip jersey? And as for the accessories... Choosing cycling kit can be tricky, so Emma's here to explain what clothing options are available, specifically for women cyclists.

In association with ASSOS.

There are lots of things about cycling that are just the same for men and women. But one thing that can be quite different, is clothing. Which is kind of obvious, really, because there are some quite fundamental differences in body shape.

So what should you bear in mind when choosing your kit? I get so many questions from other women who are getting into cycling about what’s the best kit to wear on the bike. And there is so much choice of women’s cycling kit out there these days that it really can be pretty confusing. Sometimes the advantages and drawbacks of certain kinds of cycling clothing aren’t all that obvious until you’ve been for a few rides!

So here’s the lowdown - well, ok, MY lowdown! - on the kit options for women.

The clothing you wear on the bike is one of the most important things affecting your comfort. So if you want to enjoy cycling, it’s absolutely crucial that you feel good in it. Part of that should be looking good too - because all cyclists want to look good - but for my money, looking good is not as important as being comfortable.

Your kit is what’s in direct contact with your skin, of course, and especially the chamois - padding in the shorts - that makes it the first thing you notice.

Plus, your clothing protects you from external influences - be that rain, snow, UV, or (hopefully not) the road, if you crash. And most cyclist have had a little tumble every now and then (I seem to have one crash a month at least!).

Cycling clothing that you don’t find comfortable, or which doesn’t protect you from the elements, will leave you feeling miserable on the bike.

It’s a hugely personal choice though: what IS comfortable at all? So let’s dive into some detail!

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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

Let us know about your kit choices and be sure to share this with a friend who's getting into cycling 👍

[inatick]

Hi Emma, can you please cover in a video the more awkward questions women may have about cycling? Eg. periods, bras, how women toilet on long rides/races

[hawkrider]

Miss Emma...not only is she a champion but she's well spoken, knows her stuff and is very relatable. Bring her back please!!

[luisgallo]

Never getting tired of those National Champion & World champion stripes! I love you emma! Great video btw.

[MegaSirPhoenix]

I'm a dude and I'm watching this vid... idk what the title says, if it's GCN it's an instant watch

[Beckyzumbanorwich]

For summer as a road cyclist I have some key bits I love; jersey snoods, yellow/high VIS gloves, any sort of trainer sock and any sort of gym shark flex short. This is because I've had cycling shorts in the past and they have a gel on the seam which prevents movement yet tries to ride up at the same time which can cause a bit of a pinch on the thighs! Sunglasses are an absolute must, and interchangeable coloured lenses are a really nice feature too. I find that jerseys are great but if it is for day to day use and you're not keen on the tight fit, a sports bra and tank is adequate, covered with a 360 degree lightweight waterproof jacket/gilet. I always like to be prepared for a weather change as I have been caught out before. For the winter I highly recommend the cycling caps (without a peak), a jersey and a fleece snood, with reflective bag cover and helmet cover. This is is a commuting cyclist so for races this may not apply. I'd also highly recommend getting a couple of pairs of gloves, so that if you do get caught in the rain then you can put dry gloves on for your next ride. Obviously you will need some waterproof trousers and jacket, if the back pockets are an option get those as it is so easy to grab your keys and lock up your bike.also for winter, long sleeved gym tops are amazing for lightweight warmth. I'd love to see more videos like this out there, but with less brand names thrown in.

[angela]

Thank you, Emma. It is great getting more info that pertains to women. You’re the best!

[stephenmoore]

Another couple of very useful accessories to add to your kit are toe warmers for when an overshoe/bootie is a bit excessive for the conditions and the versatile buff which you can use as a neck warmer/scarf/ face protector or even as a hat under your helmet.

[D.Eldon_]

*Sun protection* -- Some of the summer jerseys have mesh panels that let too much sun through. If you've had skin cancer (like me) or have sensitive skin, you should consider covering up. You can get cool sun sleeves and leggings to cover your arms and legs. And a summer balaclava to cover the sides of your face, ears and neck. For added sun protection under a jersey, try a summer wicking base layer. Generally speaking, darker colors usually block UV better than light colors. And some black jerseys and shorts are available with features like "black ice" to enhance cooling.

*Bibs vs shorts* -- Another benefit of bibs is that they provide more coverage and stay up. When you sit up or stand, you won't expose your tummy when the front of your jersey pulls up. This is especially important if you are tall -- I know many tall cyclists who insist on bibs for this reason alone.

[minervali]

Cycling kits are so expensive I cannot afford any. I've been cycling with casual clothes for 3 years now and haven't got any problem.

[MochaandMarieRescued]

Thank you. You answered many of my questions about what to wear and why. Keep them coming!

[AllIsWellaus]

Cheers. I'm currently looking at my first kit. Back when I was a cycle courier I wore an array of clothes just not this. At 45 my days of turning to professional sport are way over but hey, it's still great to have fun with what you're wearing.

[keriezy]

I buy men's tops but women's bottoms. I am a girl after all I just have a long torso and appreciate the pockets and sleeves being in the right place.

[petinka]

Colors who fit the bike and GCN clothes is perfect by that way for me!

[florencewhiteley]

Loved this, I’m well into cycling but this was still really informative

[geoff]

My ex's cycling club didn't have jerseys in a size that would fit comfortably, which was really discouraging for someone trying to get into cycling. There are a few companies like Machines For Freedom and Fat Lass at the Back that make women's cycling clothing that isn't designed primarily for slender figures, and have really good looking designs too.

[stephentuthill]

Awesome video, Emma, and very informative... Whatever gender you are it is worth knowing the difference in kit, and why it is there. After all, if you get into a relationship with another cyclist, it's worth knowing (as a man) what she feels comfortable in and why.

[markwatson]

Very helpful advice even for a bloke, I had often wondered about under vests and when to use them. Great vid, many thanks.

[ronbell]

Thanks Emma, my wife looks great in her "Terry" kit! She does not like bibs because of the bathroom think though. Just sharing her thoughts on that subject.

[primarymedworks]

I’m in South Florida, I have to consider heat and occasional rain. Usually ride with one piece sleeveless trisuit covered w half Jersey. Sunscreen on face and legs with arm covers, too.