Best cycling clothing for women 2023 (2024)

Table of Contents

What cycling clothes do I need? Best cycling clothing for women 2023 Best lightweight cycling top: Cycology Frida Aqua Cycling Jersey BUY IT NOW: Best arm warmers: Stolen Goat Hot Sauce Orkaan Arm Warmers BUY IT NOW: Best cycling gloves: Proviz Classic Cycling Mitts BUY IT NOW: Best cycling tights for women: Adidas The Padded Cold.Rdy Cycling Bib Tights BUY IT NOW: Best bike computer: The Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS bike computer BUY IT NOW: Best women’s cycling clothing brand: Kandescent BUY IT NOW: Best cycling helmet for women: Lazer Sphere MIPS Helmet BUY IT NOW: Best cycling gilet for women: Stolen Goat Fuse Lava Orkaan Gilet BUY IT NOW: Best women’s cycling shorts: Triban 500 Bibless Cycling Shorts BUY IT NOW: Best indoor cycling bike: Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer (£1099.99) Best long-sleeve cycling top: TRI-FIT Sykl Pro Earth Long Sleeve Jersey BUY IT NOW: Best cycling cap: VeloVixen Cycling Cap BUY IT NOW: Best cycling bib shorts: Sundried Apex Bib Shorts BUY IT NOW: Best cycling shoes for women: Specialized S-Works Ares Road Shoes BUY IT NOW: Best cycling jacket for women: Rapha Trail Lightweight Jacket BUY IT NOW: FAQs References

Blaze a trail with our pick of the latest performance-enhancing cycling clothing, accessories and kit for women in 2023…

If you’re a complete newbie to cycling, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when searching for the best cycling clothing for women. You might’ve assumed your trusty 10-year-old trainers and gym kit would do the trick, but if you’re serious about becoming a cycler, you’re going to need to invest in some quality kit.

What cycling clothes do I need?

At the most basic level, cycling beginners will need a top, some shorts or tights, some socks and shoes, plus a safety helmet. However, if you want to enhance your performance and get the most out of your rides, you should look to buy some head-to-toe cycling-specific kit. Here’s a checklist of the best clothing, kit and accessories women should look for when starting their cycling journey…

A helmet (safety first!)
A lightweight, sweat-wicking and fast-drying cycling top, tank or jersey
Some sweat-wicking cycling shorts, bib shorts or leggings. Look for ones with padding!
A weather-resistant jacket or gilet for windy and rainy days
Some cushioned socks, designed to reduce the risk of blisters
Road trainers or shoes, created with cyclists in mind
A cycling cap, to keep the sun out of your eyes
A bike computer or GPS to map out routes
Optional: an indoor bike to train at home

Best cycling clothing for women 2023

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best cycling clothing, kit and accessories on the market for women, to help you build your dream biking wardrobe…

Best lightweight cycling top: Cycology Frida Aqua Cycling Jersey

BUY IT NOW:

£70 / cycologygear.co.uk

This stunning Cycology Frida Aqua Cycling Jersey is made from a lightweight fabric that’s sweat wicking and fast drying to keep you cool and dry on warm days. Three rear pockets and a zip pocket keep essentials safe. Plus, it’s available in a range of fun colours and designs!

Best arm warmers: Stolen Goat Hot Sauce Orkaan Arm Warmers

BUY IT NOW:

£30 / stolengoat.com

Armed and ready Water- and wind-resistant, these Stolen Goat Hot Sauce Orkaan Arm Warmers are perfect for layering up in changeable conditions. The cosy inner Roubaix liner promises to keep you toasty!

Best cycling gloves: Proviz Classic Cycling Mitts

BUY IT NOW:

£19.99 / provizsports.com

Best cycling tights for women: Adidas The Padded Cold.Rdy Cycling Bib Tights

BUY IT NOW:

£150 / adidas.co.uk

Stay warm and dry in any weather with these wind-resistant and water-repellent Adidas The Padded Cold.Rdy Cycling Bib Tights. With a snug, body-hugging cut and gender-specific padding, you can conquer any weather in style while being prepared for long rides.

Best bike computer: The Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS bike computer

BUY IT NOW:

£359 / wiggle.co.uk

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS bike computer makes it simple for cyclists to do structured workouts, follow routes, and connect to Strava so you get the most out of every ride.

Best women’s cycling clothing brand: Kandescent

BUY IT NOW:

From £10 / kandescent.com

Ride in style wearing kit from women’s cycling clothing brand Kandescent. You’ll find jackets, jerseys, tanks and shorts in fashion-forward prints, plus matching accessories including caps, and arm and neck warmers.

Best cycling helmet for women: Lazer Sphere MIPS Helmet

BUY IT NOW:

£119 / freewheel.co.uk

This ponytail-friendly Lazer Sphere MIPS Helmet features an adjustable head basket for the perfect fit and 18 cooling inlet and exhaust ventilation holes for the ultimate comfort in hot weather.

Best cycling gilet for women: Stolen Goat Fuse Lava Orkaan Gilet

BUY IT NOW:

£85 / stolengoat.com

This Stolen Goat Fuse Lava Orkaan Gilet has wind- and water-resistant qualities yet is super breathable, so you stay snug but comfortable while racking up the miles.

Best women’s cycling shorts: Triban 500 Bibless Cycling Shorts

BUY IT NOW:

£19.99 / decathlon.co.uk

These Triban 500 Bibless Cycling Shorts have a breathable, ergonomic foam pad, complete with an antibacterial treatment, to help absorb vibrations and minimise chaffing while reducing the risk of intimate health issues. They also feature an elasticated lower thigh area for comfy support, along with breathable and technical material which actively wicks away perspiration.

Best indoor cycling bike: Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer (£1099.99)

The latest version of the Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer delivers improved power accuracy and the most realistic ride feel yet for a game-changing indoor cycling experience. Simply clip your bike in and get pedaling. Perfect for supplementing your training at home!

If you prefer training with full-bodied indoor exercise bikes, try the Wahoo KICKR Bike Smart Trainer (£2199).

Be sure to also check out our guide to the best indoor exercise bikes

Best long-sleeve cycling top: TRI-FIT Sykl Pro Earth Long Sleeve Jersey

BUY IT NOW:

£119 / tri-fitathletic.co.uk

This TRI-FIT Sykl Pro Earth Long Sleeve Jersey features a mix of temperature-regulating fabrics for controlled heat discharge and sweat management in key areas such as the neck, arms and lower back.

Best cycling cap: VeloVixen Cycling Cap

BUY IT NOW:

£16 / velovixen.com

This sweat-wicking VeloVixen Cycling Cap, will help your head stay cool and dry under your helmet and keep the sun and rain out of your eyes. Plus, the caps are available in a wide range of colours!

Best cycling bib shorts: Sundried Apex Bib Shorts

BUY IT NOW:

£22 / amazon.co.uk

With their elasticated suspenders and silicon grippers on the legs, these lightweight Sundried Apex Bib Shorts will always stay in place. Complete with an ergonomic foam pad to keep you comfortable even on your longest and toughest rides.

Best cycling shoes for women: Specialized S-Works Ares Road Shoes

BUY IT NOW:

£375 / sigmasports.com

Lightweight, comfortable and easily adjustable, these Specialized S-Works Ares Road Shoes have a carbon outsole to eliminate foot roll and reduce pressure on tendons.

Best cycling jacket for women: Rapha Trail Lightweight Jacket

BUY IT NOW:

£130 / rapha.cc

Lightweight and windproof, this tear-resistant Rapha Trail Lightweight Jacket packs up into the chest pocket and straps to your bike frame so you’re always prepared, whatever the conditions.

Words: Joanna Ebsworth | Lead image: Shutterstock

Related: Cycling for weight loss – workout ideas and expert advice

Best cycling clothing for women 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Is expensive cycling clothing worth it? ›

Cost: Top-quality cycling clothing often comes with a price tag, particularly from premium brands and those utilising technical fabrics. Many cyclists will find the benefits of enhanced comfort, performance, and protection, outweigh the initial investment.

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What do women wear under a cycling jersey? ›

A baselayer is worn next to skin, underneath your cycling jersey, and it works to regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat from your torso. This is especially important on cool to cold days, where a layer of sweat can make you uncomfortably cold. On mild days, choose a light one like the Transfer Baselayer.

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How do I look good in cycling? ›

Take note and you'll be looking good on the next club run in no time.

Rule #1: Don't wear a cap under your helmet.
Rule #2: Leg warmers go over your socks and under your shorts.
Rule #3: Baselayers shouldn't stick out under the sleeves of your jersey.
Rule #4: Bib shorts need to be black and not too short.

More items...

Oct 31, 2023

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What is the difference between 3D and 4D gel padding? ›

A: The other users who answered this question are correct. The 4D means that different areas of the padding have different densities in the foam used to help reduce the pressure in areas where most of your weight is. Lower density foam in areas with little weight and higher density in areas with more weight. Helpful?

What to look for when buying cycling clothes? ›

Fit. Cycling gear is cut to fit properly when you're leaning forward over the handlebars. That means shirts and jackets have a longer back to keep your lower back covered, and legwear has a higher waist at the back too.

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What material is best for cycling clothes? ›

Cotton can be extremely uncomfortable. It soaks up moisture (sweat) and keeps it near your body while riding. Polyester fabrics provide breathability and help to wick or pull the moisture away form your body so you don't feel cold and wet as you are cycling.

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Do you wear a bra with a cycling jersey? ›

Women with larger busts may still want to wear a sports bra underneath for better support. While they're practical, long-sleeve jerseys for women aren't all that common. This is because they're usually too warm for nice-weather riding so they don't typically get that much use.

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How to dress for cycling women? ›

Women's cycling kit - what should I wear while out on my bike?

Padding. Padded shorts may seem like an odd idea, but there's one very good reason to wear them. ...
Shorts. ...
Base layers. ...
Jerseys. ...
Jackets. ...
Arm and leg warmers. ...
Shoes.

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What does the black jersey mean in cycling? ›

The Maglia Nera was a black jersey awarded as a symbolic prize in cycling competition at the Giro d'Italia, given to the last man to finish the race.

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What is the best color to see when cycling? ›

Are you a bicyclist or runner? Do you want to reduce your chances of being hit by a car? Consider this: The brightest, most visible color you can wear during daylight hours is fluorescent yellow-green.

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Does cycling shape your legs? ›

Cycling will help strengthen your legs

It targets your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. To make your legs even stronger and enhance your cycling performance, try doing weightlifting exercises, such as squats, leg presses, and lunges, a few times per week ( 3 ).

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What not to wear when cycling? ›

Cycling in clothing like jeans, or tight-fitting dresses or trousers, can restrict how you use your muscles. Some clothes have thick and bulky seams which can rub and make you sore. Also don't wear something with too tight a waistband. You need to be able to breathe!

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Are cycling shorts worth it? ›

A properly placed chamois in a well constructed cycling short will be the one "must-have" in your bike closet or drawer. Not only will you be able to ride longer, but you'll feel stronger in your saddle (seat) because of the rejuvenating effect of the technical fabrics and performance enhancing design.

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Do you have to wear padded shorts for cycling? ›

Padded cycling shorts aren't just for hard-core roadies—any cyclist can benefit from riding in shorts with a high-quality chamois (pronounced "sha-mee"). The chamois is the padded crotch piece on biking shorts that can help reduce pressure points, prevent chafing and disperse road vibration.

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Where should the chamois sit? ›

Placement of the chamois in a pair of bike shorts can also contribute to a comfortable or uncomfortable ride. The widest part of the chamois should line up with the widest part of the saddle when the rider is seated. When chamois placement is off, it puts pressure on the wrong places.

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How much difference does cycling clothes make? ›

Slick, smooth, tight-fitting clothing without wrinkles and with sleeves will reduce aerodynamic (aero) drag by about 4%, such as Lyrca spandex. A professional cycle aero-skinsuit reduces aero-drag 6% or more.

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Why are cycling jackets so expensive? ›

In addition to the quality of the materials and construction, the cost of cycling jerseys is also determined by the manufacturing process. As cycling jerseys are often made in specialized factories, the production costs are higher than those of simpler garments.

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How important are cycling clothes? ›

Protection from the Elements

Cycling shorts and jerseys are made with moisture-wicking fabrics that help to keep you dry and comfortable during hot or strenuous rides. Additionally, some cycling clothing also includes UV protection, helping to shield you from harmful sun rays.

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Do expensive cycling shoes make a difference? ›

Expensive shoes have plenty of advantages over their cheaper counterparts, with additional comfort and durability. The performance benefits are more limited although this will depend on particular shoes and their features.

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