What To Wear When Cycling In The Summer?

The nights are brighter for longer, the days are (mostly) drier and it's time to get out and make the most of the weather and maybe even discover some new surroundings. Cycling in the summer is the perfect way to combine exercise and adventure all in one. But it's important to make sure that you're wearing the right cycling clothing that keeps you protected from the weather, and helps you stay cool, dry and comfortable.

First you'll need to choose the right jersey. A short sleeved cycle jersey or cycle vest would be the ideal choice for when the weather is warm as it allows the breeze to run over your skin keeping you cool. Our Q-Wic fabric is both quick drying and sweat wicking, again helping to keep your body nice and regulated. If you chose a jersey made of Q-Wic Plus, then you get all the benefits of our standard Q-Wic with the added bonus of anti-bacterial odour control!

The majority of our cycle jerseys (both men's and women's) come with reflective trims for any early morning or late night rides, and rear compartment pockets for extra storage.

So you've got your jersey sorted, now it's time for your cycling bottoms. You have two options when it comes to cycling shorts, you have bibbed cycling shorts or standard cycling shorts that just sit around your waist. It's always a personal preference when it comes to cycle shorts. However, we feel bibbed shorts have a slight advantage over standard shorts. The straps that keep bibbed shorts up provide extra support, and they ensure that no skin will be exposed if your jersey rides up. It also means you won't have a waist band digging into you whilst you're bend over cycling in the summer sun.

Many of our cycling shorts above are created with an Advanced Ergonomic Performance fit, this combined with the Q-Wic Plus creates a pair of shorts that move with you as you cycle, whilst keeping you cool, dry and feeling fresh. The AEP Pro Pad has an Oxy Flow ventilation system and Coolmax antibacterial technology. So there's no more rubbing, chafing or general uncomfortableness when you've been on your saddle for an extended time.

If you don't want cycling shorts, then cycling tights would be your next best bet. Cycling tights, trousers and leggings offer the same features as shorts (sweat wicking, reflective sections, AEP padding) but tights and trousers offer more coverage. They're also available in bibbed and non-bibbed styles.

Now you've got your outfit sorted, you need to think about cycling accessories including water bottles, gloves, sunglasses and sun cream.

It's important to stay hydrated whilst you're out on your adventures and also once you're back home. Make sure you take some water out on your travels with you! It would be wise to invest in a hydro pack. You're able to easily store your water and you also get the added bonus of some extra storage space for snacks, your phone or a jacket. Maybe bikes come with a water bottle holder but they usually only fit a standard 500ml water bottle whereas hydro packs usually have a water bladder that can fit litres in.

Cycling gloves are also an important accessory as they help to protect your hands, whilst also preventing any cuts or blisters. Our gloves are created using an Ergonomic Cushioning System, which provides an extra layer of comfort and pressure relief. The gel print on the fingers also allow for better grip on the handlebars.

You have two options when it comes to cycling gloves, the standard style or fingerless gloves.

Of course we're talking about what to wear when cycling in the summer, but we all know what the Great British Summer is like. So along with your water, sunnies and sun cream, you might want to pack a lightweight, waterproof cycling jacket just in case the heavens decide to open whilst you're out!

You can shop our entire cycling collection here.