Cycling Clothing: Why It Is Shaped That Way

CYCLING · GLOBAL

Cycling Clothing: Why It Is Shaped That Way

Bib shorts and chamois, layering, fit and looking after technical kit

Cycling clothing looks peculiar off the bike and every feature answers a problem that appears after an hour of riding.

Bib shorts and the chamois

The pad, still called a chamois, prevents chafing and pressure rather than providing cushioning. Bib straps hold it in position without a waistband digging in when you are bent forward.

Wear them without underwear. Seams and fabric underneath are what cause saddle sores, and this is the single most common mistake new riders make.

Change out of them promptly after riding and wash them after every use.

Chamois cream

Reduces friction on longer rides and is worth using beyond a couple of hours. Apply to the pad rather than the skin for the first few rides.

Why jerseys fit closely

Loose fabric flaps, which is both noisy and measurably slower. The rear pockets exist because reaching a bag is impossible while riding, and the longer back covers you when leaning forward.

Layering

A base layer against the skin even in summer, since it moves sweat away and stops a wet jersey chilling you on a descent. A gilet or a packable jacket handles wind and rain.

You should feel slightly cold at the start of a ride. Dressing to be comfortable standing still means overheating within ten minutes.

Visibility

Fluorescent colours work in daylight and do nothing at night. Reflective detail is what works in headlights, and lights are what actually matter after dark.

Cold and wet riding

Extremities suffer first. Overshoes, full-finger gloves and a headband under the helmet do more than an extra torso layer, and wet feet end rides.

Carry a packable jacket even on a clear day, since a descent after a climb is where riders get cold.

Buying sensibly

Fit is the whole thing with cycling kit, and sizing runs small compared with ordinary clothing. Work from the brand's own measurements and check the returns policy.

Saddle sores

Caused by friction, pressure and moisture. Clean shorts every ride, change out of them promptly, and use chamois cream on longer rides.

A sore that is hot, spreading or does not settle within a few days needs a doctor rather than more riding.

Summer riding

Sunscreen on exposed skin including the back of the neck, and remember that a jersey rides up at the lower back on a bike.

Care

Wash cool, inside out, with a technical detergent and no fabric softener, which destroys wicking. Air dry rather than tumble drying, which degrades elastane.

Replace shorts when the pad compresses or the fabric goes transparent under stretch.

WHERE TO BUY

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