Cycling to work is an effective way for one to avoid the morning traffic frustrations and get to work on time. It also guarantees a good workout session during busy hours and enhances your mood for the day. It also helps you lower your carbon footprint and save on fuel costs.
However, the form of transport faces a lot of skepticism as most people fear getting to work sweaty, unpolished, and untidy. Wearing suitable clothes, however, when riding your bike to work will mitigate the sweat and creases on your work clothes. This article explores what you need to wear to guarantee a comfortable ride to work.
For Short Commutes
If your workplace is nearby, you won’t need a wardrobe change when you get to work. E-bikes make commuting to work easier. Thus, you may have little to no sweat, especially if the weather is good. However, you may need to layer a raincoat, mud boots, and gloves during the rainy season.
For Longer Commutes
Bringing work clothes would be the best solution for those working far from their residence. This option is convenient if your workplace offers workers locker rooms and cloakrooms. It will allow you to be comfortable while riding your bike without worrying about creased, unpolished clothes.
If your workplace does not provide such, you can still wear cycling clothes suitable for most workplaces.
During Winter
Cycling in the winter may not be such a sweet deal to think of. The rain, snow, and cold make it an off-putting ordeal. Wearing appropriate winter cycle clothes will make riding in the snow enjoyable.
For your head, for instance, you will need headwear that keeps your ears and forehead warm and protects your eyes from windy rain or snow. You can combine a beanie or thermal headband with a helmet or brim. It is paramount to ensure that you are comfortable in this gear and that it doesn’t block your vision. Do not forget to dress your neck in high-collar clothing, a scarf, or a neck tube.
For your body, you will need a few layers of thin clothing. The most recommended items are a thermal vest that helps dry sweat fast, a shirt, a light sweater, and a waterproof jacket.
Remember to keep it simple, as you do not want to sweat too much. You should, therefore, avoid thick wool sweaters that are not only bulky but will cause you to get too hot too fast. Riders can also use a gilet to protect their chest against the cold as it keeps the temperature on your chest area the same, even with temperature drops during your ride.
Your legs and feet will also need clothing during this cold weather. Your legs will use well-fitted bib leggings or some inner-fleece winter tights. These tights are thermal-friendly and guarantee little heat loss during the ride. You should also invest in waterproof trousers to protect your workplace pants from rain. Waterproof socks and boots are the most suitable clothing for your feet. Make sure these boots fit right to ensure practical cycling.
During Summer
Hot temperatures during summer are a recipe for sweat. Wet wipes and deodorant may not be helpful when riding in these conditions. You will need to make sunglasses and sunscreen your best friends during your ride to protect against harmful UV rays.
You will also need to make it a habit to carry your luggage on your bike and not in a backpack on your back. It will prevent the appearance of sweat spots on your back. Summer mornings may get chilly, and one must have a thin sweater. You may also need a rain jacket for unpredicted rain.
During Autumn
The autumn season can be a little confusing, with some days being sunny as they transition to the cold winter season. The trick is to have clothes suitable for both seasons and extra clothes ready for a sudden weather change, especially for the colder season. Such clothes are leg warmers, gloves, and arm warmers.
Basic Clothes to Wear When Commuting
These are some of the must-have items when biking.
- Helmets. What better gear for safety than helmets? Helmets can be helpful during summer to keep bugs from your face and in winter as an added layer of cold protection. However, helmets are optional and may not be preferred, especially in summer, as they cause overheating.
- Padded shorts. This gear allows cyclists to have a comfortable ride by avoiding saddle sores. They allow easy movement of legs and feet on the saddle and pedal without much resistance.
- Cycling Jacket. This jacket protects the cyclist’s clothes from rain and wind. They are very light and therefore also suitable for the summer. They should be made of nylon which makes them waterproof.
- Biking T-shirts. These pieces of cloth are made to keep the cyclists’ temperatures comfortable, not too hot nor too cold. They also provide high visibility to other road users, preventing accidents. They are primarily tight-fitting to help reduce sweat and are also quite fashionable.
- Cycling gloves. These gloves are handy for those sweaty palms in the summer and on rainy days during winter for adequate control. The gloves also provide warmth during cold temperatures.
- Base Layers. It is vital to pick a fabric that does not promote sweating in any season. Such may include wool like merino and synthetic fiber. These fabrics are sound absorbers of odor.
Can Your Cycle in a Suit?
Yes! You will, however, need to keep to short distances, keep to a relatively slow pace to prevent too much sweating, and still be comfortable. You must also invest in a pannier bag and regularly clean your bike. Trouser straps are also very effective in keeping your look intact.
Final Thoughts
Identifying appropriate gear when cycling to work will reduce the chances of profuse sweat at work. Your daily cycling experience will improve and promote comfort at work.
Your cycling outfits may vary depending on the distance to your workplace and seasons. There are, however, basics such as helmets and base layers that are all-seasonal outfits.
