Want to cycle to work, but worried you don’t have the correct clothing? Do you loathe Lycra, despise day-glo, and hate ‘helmet hair’?
Here at Cyclechic Towers we feel your pain, and that’s why we’re on a mission to convince would-be bike commuters that cycle wear can be fashionable as well as functional.
In Part 1 of our Guide To Commuting Essentials we showed how easy and inexpensive it is to put together all the gear you need to make your daily commute fun and fuss-free.
Good quality cycle specific clothing costs a little more, but we think it’s well worth the extra investment. In fact, you may find that you actually save money over time, as your clothes will look good for longer.
And the best thing is, apart from one or two key items, you don’t need to break the bank getting everything at once. Instead, you can build your cycling wardrobe over time, only buying what you need, when you need it.
So what exactly do you need to become a sleek and sartorial cyclist? Well, to offer some advice, here’s Cyclechic’s Guide To Commuting Essentials Part 2: What To Wear.
1. Helmet
The thought of having to wear a helmet can be a little off putting to some people if they’re considering cycling to work. They’re often perceived as bulky, garishly coloured inconveniences.
Here at Cyclechic though, we’re firmly in the helmet wearing camp. In fact, it was the fruitless search for a stylish lid that encouraged Caz Nicklin to start the company in the first place.
It could be argued that for every person put off cycling by the idea of wearing a helmet, another is encouraged to saddle up by the sense of confidence a well fitted helmet can give.
And now that helmet manufacturers have cottoned on to the idea that there is a market for stylish headgear, the choice of colours, shapes, and designs has greatly increased. Some, like the Yakkay brand, even feature covers that make them look more like hats than helmets.
Worried that having to cart them around all day will be too much of a faff? They’ve thought about that too. So now you have helmets that collapse down to fit in your bag, or have a clever pop-out feature to allow you to lock them to your bike.
Not sure what type of helmet would suit your cycling style, or wondering how to measure your head for the best fit? We’ve got a Happy Helmet Guide to answer all those questions and put your mind at rest.
2. Wet Weather Wear
No one likes the feeling of arriving at work soaked to the skin, and even experienced cyclists sometimes balk at the idea of going out in the rain.
With the right gear though, you can avoid a miserable bus journey jammed up against your fellow damp and steamy commuters, and instead breeze into the office refreshed and relatively dry.
Gone are the days when donning rain gear left you with that boil in the bag feeling. Now wet weather wear is made from highly technical fabrics that stop the rain getting in, but also wicks sweat away when you start to warm up.
Taped seams add an extra layer of waterproofing, while recessed zips allow air to flow through and cool you down without letting in the rain.
And there are plenty of designs to choose from in a variety of attractive colours that are a million miles away from traditional fluorescent yellow, but are still eye-catching enough to make you clearly visible to your fellow road users.
Fancy something a little out of the ordinary, and easily packable, so you’re always prepared for those unexpected downpours. Hooded rain capes and ponchos are lightweight, waterproof, and not afraid of a little fun.
Need something a little more professional looking? Cycling raincoats and trenchcoats will keep you dry without sacrificing your sense of style.
Want to keep your trousers or skirt dry? Rain wraps and waterproof cycling trousers are made for the job. Rain wraps in particular are so stylish, you may be tempted to keep them on once the sun comes out. They even double as picnic blankets, as you can see here! What’s not to like.
Stay dry from top to toe with waterproof helmet covers, and leggings that protect your shoes as well.
And don’t be left with a soggy bottom. Slap a waterproof seat cover on your saddle, and you’re good to go.
So now, when rain-clouds darken the horizon, you don’t have to leave the bike at home.
3. Cold Weather Wear
When the sun is shining, and there’s not a cloud in the sky, nothing beats jumping in the saddle and tootling in to work. But on those dark winter mornings, when Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, whizzing off on your bike starts to lose some of its appeal.
In the past, most cycling specific clothing designed for the colder months was either inappropriately sporty or just plain dowdy. That is no longer the case, and now you can cycle to work encased in a cosy cocoon, but still looking the business.
Cold weather wear is often waterproof as well, so your covered whatever the changing seasons throw at you. Unless you live in a particularly harsh environment, if a coat says it’s windproof, that should be enough to keep you warm. Breathable fabric and recessed zips should also help keep you from overheating.
When the weather starts getting colder, you’re more likely to be cycling in the dark as well. Rather than trading stylish colours for a Hi-Vis fluorescent number, why not look for jackets that feature subtle but effectively placed reflective detailing.
Some jackets feature high collars with fleecy lining, but if your neck still feels cold why not wrap it in a snood. And don’t neglect your poor hands. A good pair of winter gloves will keep them from getting numb, which is not only uncomfortable, but could be dangerous if you need to slam on the brakes.
So don’t let the cold weather push you back onto the bus. Wrap up and find out how refreshing winter cycling can be.
4. Stay Comfy In The Saddle
If you cycle any distance without padding of some sort, your bottom’s getting a bum deal.
Bike shorts are the obvious solution, but leave a lot to be desired in the style department.
If you plan to cycle in less sporty attire, padded knickers and thongs have the look and feel of upmarket lingerie, with added cushioning where it counts. They’re like a birthday present for your bottom, and believe us, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
5. Hats, Gloves And Shoes (You Can Never Have Enough)
If your helmet lacks a visor, why not grab a cotton cycling cap, or casquette as they’re known in France. These inexpensive additions to your biking wardrobe help keep the sun and rain out of your eyes, and their retro style looks great while sipping a flat white at your neighbourhood cafe.
Hands feeling numb after your daily commute? Slip on some padded cycling mitts (fingerless gloves) and let them soak up the bumps and road buzz, plus they’ll protect your hands if you take a tumble. Go for some crochet backed gloves and stay cool in every sense when the weather heats up.
Don’t think cycling specific shoes can be stylish as well as practical, well have we got news for you. Look around and it’s not long before you find designers making shoes that look good in and out of the saddle, and are hard wearing enough to withstand whatever the city streets can throw at them.
6. Be Safe, Be Seen
Whether you’re cycling through the congested city streets, or freewheeling down a quiet country lane, it’s important to be clearly visible to your fellow road users.
Luckily, some of today’s more imaginative cycle wear designers have come up with clothes that combine Hi-Vis with high fashion.
From shoes encrusted with highly reflective glass beads, to subtle reflective detailing on jackets, boots, and even socks and snoods, you’ll look sleek during the day, but light up at night when it counts.
Even if you take a more traditional approach, there are fluorescent cycling vests and reflective cycling sashes designed to help you cut a stylish swathe through the Hi-Vis crowd.
We hope this shows that if you swap the bus or train for a bike, when it comes to your daily commute you can still stay stylish in the saddle. If you can wear something when you cycle that you would feel comfortable staying in all day, then you’re much more likely to choose your bike in the mornings over other forms of transport.
But don’t wait until you’ve got all the gear before starting on your cycling adventure. Start slow when it comes to building your new wardrobe, and before you know it you’ll have everything you need to become a four-seasons cyclist.
Better still, roll up your right trouser leg, tuck in your laces, pop on your helmet, and just get out on your bike. Having the right gear will make your daily commute more enjoyable, but nothing beats just hopping in the saddle and going off for a quick spin.
Happy cycling!
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