Yet again, as we are discovering with so many riding related things, there is so much choice… women’s riding clothing, specifically designed for moderate to high intensity exercise, can come in all sorts of options which is great if you know what you’re looking for!
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
Come with me on a journey that will take a look at Riding Clothing for moderate to intense exercise. Understand what you should be looking for and why it’s a good choice. If you’re riding is easy or low intensity, there is no need for special clothes. Just allow movement and be comfortable… see What to wear on a bike?
What Should the Fabric in Riding Clothing do?
Control moisture & allow movement.
With moisture control you are dealing with two elements;
1. Sweat/heat being trapped creates condensation on the inside of your clothing so allow this mositure to get out so that it is not absorbed
2. Rain – stopping moisture from getting in and being absorbed.
Why do you need to control moisture? Once your clothing is wet, in warm conditions, it will lead to chaffing, and in cold conditions, you will feel cold and uncomfortable with extreme situations leading to hypothermia. The combination of wet clothing & wind is dangerous and riding creates a draft without any help from the actual weather conditions. Find out more… Waterproof or Breathable – Bike Jackets Explained…
Allow Movement. Clothing should stretch and be non restricting. Places that this movement is needed are generally joints so across your shoulders, elbows, hips, butt, knees…
Terms you will come across…
- Wicking – allows moisture to move through the fabric weave, pulling it off your skin onto the surface of the fabric to evaporate which is cooling. These types of fabrics have a direction of pull so don’t wear them inside out!
- Breathable – a bit of a contradiction as it prevents water from entering while allowing moisture usually in the form of body heat out. See our story on Breathable Jackets
- Lycra – lycra is a brand name for the generic term spandex and can also be called elastane. Weaved into a fabric it allows stretch and holding of shape. Our Women’s Padded Bike Pants Buying Guide will help you see the range of choices.
- Fast drying – as the name suggests dries at a rapid rate, usually found in base layer garments. Nike coined the term “Dri-fit”
- Anti-microbial – also called odour resistant, this is a treatment applied to the fabric to prevent the build up of bacteria that leads to smell
- Water resistant – repels water to a certain degree
- Waterproof – does not allow water to pass through the fabric. See our story on Waterproof Jackets
Thermal bike jacket – mid or outer layer to block air flow & give warmth
Merino top paired with synthetic blend shorts – great choice for biking
Lightweight synthetic fabrics for breathability in summer
NATURAL FABRICS
Bamboo, Merino create fabrics that can be…
- wicking, soft, durable, naturally anti-microbial, breathable, warm, regulate temperature
Avoid cotton in your base layers (next to your skin), when you are using your bike for exercise, even in your socks. Why? Cotton is hydrophilic which means it is really good at absorbing water and is not quick drying. It can hold up to 25x its own weight in water. This leads to chaffing in the heat and hypothermia in the cold…
“IF YOU REMEMBER ONLY ONE THING ABOUT NATURAL FIBRES, IT SHOULD BE THAT A GARMENT MADE ENTIRELY OUT OF COTTON IS A TERRIBLE CHOICE FOR MODERATE TO HEAVY EXERCISE”
If garments do have cotton in them understand where it is on the garment and how that will effect your comfort. If you don’t tend to sweat this may not be an issue for you. E-bikes can make riding easier so cotton may be more of an option.
SYNTHETIC FABRICS
Nylon, polyester, polyamides, lycra create combinations that can be…
- wicking, breathable, fast drying, odour resistant when treated, stretch, durable
Expect blends, manufacturers create exceptional fabrics by choosing two or more fibres for their performance benefits… So as much as you can match your level of exertion to the fabric features.
Choose recycled, when you can. Fabrics are now being created from plastic waste so rather than supporting the production of more help support the use of what has already been used giving single use plastic a new life.
Outer Layer:
Wind proof, water proof, water resistant, seam sealed, breathable, reflective, bright
Includes rain jackets, fleece, puffers, waterproof trousers
With outer layers there is always a fight between keeping you dry – being waterproof – and allowing moisture to evaporate – being breathable. It is not easy to get a good combination of both these things in one fabric. Consider your investment in terms of how often you will be riding in the rain and where this riding will be. Isolated trail riding really demands that you have gear that will keep you safe.
Match the type of outer wear you choose to the place and conditions you are expecting to ride in.
Mid Layer:
Breathable, warmth, anti-microbial, wind proof, easy to remove – zips/openings, bright
Includes fleece/micro fleece, merino jackets, long sleeve, high necks, hoodies, leggings, pants, shorts, arm & leg warmers.
A versatile protective layer that should be easy to get on and off. Cyclists often have a range to choose from in this section of their wardrobe. What you reach for will depend on the season or weather you’re about to encounter. This is the layer often carried in bags or around the waist once you have warmed up.
The amount of warmth and protection you need from a mid layer will be very dependent on the season.
Choose a pant length that suits the conditions and make sure they allow movement.
Base Layer:
Wicking, soft, anti-microbial, stretch, light weight
Includes sports bras, underwear, singlets, t-shirt, cycle shorts/underwear, socks, gloves, beanies
Any item of clothing that comes into contact with your skin can be considered a base layer. When you are exercising on your bike this layer becomes really important for your ongoing comfort. It must be able to manage moisture so those words breathable, wicking and anti-microbial become important.
Our goUnders are made from Recycled Re-Act a synthetic, soft, stretch fabric that also helps with wicking moisture away from your body.
Make sure your tees breathe and allow airflow to help with temperature management
Tips for Cleaning Women’s Riding Clothing
- some of these fabrics are water repelling/resistant so not easy to clean which leads to smelly exercise gear… washing straight away or pre-soaking is the answer. Either with a gentle anti-microbial detergent or 1 cup of vinegar in a bucket or wash tub of water
- do not use fabric softener on any technical activewear fabric
- wash inside out in cold to warm water (30 degrees maximum) on a gentle machine cycle or hand wash
- avoid tumble drying as this weakens the lycra (stretch and rebound) in your fabric and shrinks merino
- look for technical fabrics that are fast drying, colour/fade resistant & anti-wrinkle
- ALWAYS READ THE CARE LABEL
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Bike Clothing Stories & Support
See the full range of stories & support for bike clothing.
goUnders Style Guide
See the range of goUnders and be guided to the right style choice. Padded underwear that suit your body and your riding.
Bike Tops Style Guide
See the range of Tops and be guided to the right style choice. Tops that suit your body and your riding.
Bike Pants Style Guide
See the range of pants and be guided to the right style choice. Pants that suit your body and your riding.
Buying Guides
Ride More Places
Bike Jacket Buying Guide
Get the right bike jacket for the riding you do. Keep yourself safe & protected with great bike gear.
Padded Bike Pants Buying Guide
What are your choices for Padded Bike Pants? Get the right gear for the riding you do. Find protection and comfort.
Types of Riding Stories
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
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