As a cyclist, you would always want flexibility, speed, and comfort during your rides. You would have always seen riders wearing sleek-fitting clothes instead of regular, loose, everyday clothing. Here’s why cyclists wear tight clothes:
Although everyday clothes can provide you with style and be more affordable, loose, baggy clothes create a glide effect while you ride. It reduces ride performance as well as increases danger while riding. So, cyclists often wear tight, firm-fitting, sleek clothes to prevent chafing, have better sweat handling, and have more aerodynamics and better speed and comfort. Loose clothes also create a safety hazard as the fabric can get caught in the bike’s drive chain.
Here are some things that you should consider while choosing cycling clothes for yourself:
When And Why Do You Need Cycling Clothes?
Cycling in everyday clothes works for the most part. However, your everyday clothes won’t make you feel comfortable if you intend to go on regular long rides (more than 30 minutes), so you will want to consider buying a new cycling kit.
Cycling clothes differ in many ways. Here are a few things to consider:
#1 Provides A Proper Fit
Cycling Leggings have a higher back waist, and jackets and shirts have a longer back to cover your lower back.
This is because cycling clothes are made to fit properly when you lean over the handlebars.
Sleeves are longer, and legwear is shaped with bends so that your wrist is not exposed and pedalling is not obstructed.
#2: Handling Sweat
Cycling clothes allow water to evaporate from your skin. This keeps you warm and wicks the sweat away.
If it rains, they do a decent job of keeping you dry while allowing water to evaporate from your skin.
At the end of the day, no breathable fabric can transmit the amount of sweat produced by a cyclist while working hard. That’s why cycling clothes have vents, which are generally located in the underarms or back flaps to let out warm, moist air.
Cycling gloves have a patch of towelling fabric too, to allow you to wipe your face or nose. This proves to be helpful when it is too hot and sweaty.
Lycra and merino wool are popular cycling fabrics. They dry faster than cotton and provide a proper fit, so your clothes aren’t covered in oil or get stuck while you pedal.
#3 Padded Cycling Shorts
Cycling shorts have a foam padding in them, which is essential for long rides from a comfort as well as health standpoint.
As anyone who has cycled consistently can tell you- the saddle really hurts your pelvic area and glutes in the beginning and having padded shorts is definitely very helpful.
Secondly, it helps reduce road shock to your pelvic area, which over time may be harmful and cause perineal damage. From personal experience- padded cycling shorts are a must have.
PS: You DO NOT wear underwear underneath your cycling shorts, unless you want severe chafing.
#4: More Efficient
Cycling clothing is more aerodynamic. It is tightly fitted, so there is no extra fabric flapping in the breeze, Allowing you to ride faster.
For instance, cycling shoes have stiff soles to reduce energy waste trying to flex rubber over your pedals. This makes pedalling much more efficient.
#5 Muscle Compression
Tight clothing compresses your muscles. The arteries dilate, and the vein walls constrict. which in turn increases blood flow towards them by reducing muscle fatigue. It improves the distribution of oxygen as well as nutrients, decreasing vibrations in the muscles as well as the body.
Since the blood flow increases, the lactic acid and oxygen-depleted blood reach the heart at a faster pace, reducing muscle pain and increasing recovery time by preventing lactic acid from building up in your muscles.
Moreover, since the muscles are compressed, they get stabilised, increasing your capacity for longer rides. Compression further reduces vibrations caused by hard exercise, making longer rides more effective and comfortable the next time you are in the saddle.
#6 Helps To Prevent Chafing
Lycra stays in place while riding, which prevents chafing. If you wear loose trousers, there’s a good chance your thighs will rub together while riding the bike, causing chafing by the end of the ride.
Trust me…I’ve been there.
Oh and at the risk of repeating myself- please don’t wear underwear beneath your padded cycling shorts!
How Should My Cycling Clothes Fit?
Your cycling clothes should not be too loose or too tight. Here are some things to consider while buying your new cycling kit:
Base Layers
Base layers are a winter cycling must have, and act as the first line of defence against sweat, keeping your skin comfortable and dry.
They should be snug yet tight and are available in a variety of fabrics. Here’s one I liked on amazon. While you’re at it, you should also get a lower base layer, like this one.
Jerseys And Jackets
Your cycling jersey is determined by your fit and body type. Read the garment description before buying because different brands offer different cuts based on the type of jersey.
Common cut names include club, race, and pro/aerodynamic.
To check whether you have gotten the perfect size for you, you can begin riding an indoor trainer in your jersey. No skin on your back should be visible when you turn around or lean forward on the handlebars.
Cuffs on long-sleeve jerseys should be used to keep air out.
Make sure your jacket fits close to your body so it won’t flap in the wind.
Lower back pockets are preferable, so it is easier for you to reach them. You won’t use the pockets if they are unreachable.
Make sure to check your chest, shoulders, and sleeves. Elastic sleeves bands come in a variety of (some material) widths. However, they should be spacious enough to not restrict or cut your arm, and they should have a light grip.
Pro Tip: Always inspect your cycling clothes before going on a ride- just as much as you’d inspect your bike. One time, I put a banana and my house keys in the back pocket of my jersey and went on a ride. 30 mins in, I realised I still had the snack, but my keys weren’t there anymore! I had a tiny hole in my back pocket where I’d placed them and they fell out. Definitely ruined my ride that day!
In terms of recommendations, here’s mine for:
- Club cut cycling jersey
- Race cut cycling jersey (expensive but well worth it!)
- Thermal cycling jersey for cold weather.
Cycling Tights Or Shorts
Shorts are made up of body-shaped panels that are sewn together. More panels increase the cost of a tailoring.
Bibs (suspender straps) can be added to shorts and tights as per personal preference. Experienced riders prefer them as they make the rides more comfortable and keep them upright.
There should be no extra material catching in the saddle to prevent chafing. If this is the case, go down a size or experiment with different brands.
Leg bands should be soft and comfortable. It should have extendable leg bands that are not too tight.
Since chamois is available in various densities, thicknesses, and shapes, do not forget to read the product’s description since many brands rate them as per the number of riding hours.
This one on amazon is highly popular for men, and this one for women.
How To Care For Your Cycling Kit
Here are some tips to keep in mind to increase the lifespan of your cycling kit and to ensure it is more durable and remains in better shape:
- Don’t use fabric softeners since they can block pores on the clothes, making them ineffective.
- Ensure the hooks and loops (velcro connectors) on each clothing piece are functional.
- To avoid dark and light colour bleeding, set the washing machine to cold.
- Use a gentle, mild detergent on the clothes to wash them.
- To ensure durability, wash your clothes as soon as you get back from a ride.
- Hang them to air dry instead of placing them in the dryer/against the radiator.
Do Everyday Clothes Work As Cycling Clothes?
If your riding distance is considerably short, like for school or work, everyday clothes can work as cycling clothes, although you need to be careful when choosing them.
Here are some things to consider:
- Choose comfortable clothing that allows greater flexibility, ensuring you can move your arms and legs freely.
- Some clothing, like trousers and jeans, is tight and can restrict muscle movement, causing more pain since the heavy, bulky material can rub against your skin and cause discomfort. Moreover, do not wear anything with a tight waistband since you should be able to breathe while you ride.
- Avoid wearing wide or flared trousers or dresses since they get caught in chains or the pedal while you ride. I recommend buying a pair of reflective ankle bands if you commute in everyday wear, a lot.
- Jogging bottoms with a tapered ankle or simple leggings form an appropriate everyday attire for riding.
- A simple T-shirt or vest will work on your upper half, depending on the weather. Layer it with a long-sleeved, thin hoodie or a cardigan if it’s cold. Avoid using a jumper because you can’t unzip or unbutton it to cool off. A thin, waterproof coat can keep you dry when it rains.
- Running or other sports attire may work well as well. But do not forget to add some reflective elements to these to ensure proper visibility for the traffic.
- For footwear, consider purchasing trainers with Velcro instead of loose-laced sandals or other footwear. If no other option is available, remember to properly tie them so that they don’t get entangled while you ride.
FAQs
Do you wear a bra underneath your cycling jersey?
Though not necessary, it is recommended to wear a properly fitting sports bra since any sports activity, including cycling, can lead to bouncing, causing discomfort in your breasts. However, women with smaller breasts can wear a properly fitting base layer top under their jersey.
Should you wear anything underneath your cycling shorts?
No, you shouldn’t wear anything beneath your cycling shorts, as the chamois inside is designed to fit next to your skin to prevent chafing. Made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics, they are intended to be worn without anything underneath to reduce friction while managing moisture.