What Cyclists Actually Wear

Cycling clothing has gotten complicated with all the technical jargon and premium pricing flying around. As someone who’s been riding for years in everything from fancy race kits to old t-shirts, I learned everything there is to know about what to actually wear on a bike. Today, I will share it all with you.

The Helmet: Always

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Whatever else you wear, a helmet belongs on your head. Period. It doesn’t have to be expensive—fit matters more than features.

Padded Shorts

That’s what makes cycling shorts endearing to us serious riders—they look ridiculous but solve a real problem. The chamois (padding) reduces friction and pressure where you meet the saddle. For rides over an hour, you’ll notice the difference.

No underwear underneath—the shorts are designed to work against your skin. It feels weird at first but works better.

Moisture-Wicking Jersey

A cycling jersey isn’t just a fancy t-shirt. The fabric pulls sweat away from your skin so you stay cooler. The cut is longer in the back to cover you while bent forward. The rear pockets are positioned where you can actually reach them mid-ride.

Bright colors help drivers see you. Even if you prefer black, add visible elements.

Cycling Shoes (Optional)

For casual riding, regular sneakers work fine on flat pedals. Cycling-specific shoes with stiff soles transfer power better—you’re not wasting energy flexing the sole. Clip-in systems (clipless pedals) connect shoe to pedal for a smoother pedal stroke, but have a learning curve.

Start with regular shoes and flat pedals. Upgrade when you know you want the performance boost and are willing to practice clipping in and out.

Gloves

Half-finger cycling gloves improve grip and protect your palms in crashes. They also reduce vibration fatigue on rough roads. Optional for short rides, recommended for longer ones.

Eye Protection

Sunglasses or clear cycling glasses keep bugs, dust, and debris out of your eyes. Worth having even on cloudy days—road grit doesn’t care about cloud cover.

Weather Gear

A packable wind jacket fits in a jersey pocket and transforms your comfort in cool or variable conditions. Worth the $40-60 investment for any rider who doesn’t only ride in perfect weather.