The Commuter Wardrobe – Bike, Train and Meeting in One Outfit
Short answer: Good commuter clothing has to handle the bike ride, the warm train and the meeting afterwards without you having to change. Bamboo clothing moves sweat away from the skin, stays fresh and looks presentable all day, which makes it a natural choice for commuters.
The problem with commuter clothing
Most commuters know the feeling: you arrive sweaty after the bike or a packed train and have to go straight into a meeting. Cotton gets damp and cold, and synthetic fabrics can quickly start to smell. Bamboo viscose improves both, because the fibres move moisture away from the skin.
The base layer makes the difference
Start with a bamboo undershirt under your shirt, and the shirt stays drier and fresher through the day. The undershirt takes the sweat from the ride, while the shirt on top stays neat. An undershirt in a colour close to your skin tone is least visible under a light shirt.
T-shirt and polo on relaxed days
On days without a tie, a bamboo T-shirt or a bamboo polo shirt can work well on its own. A polo with a collar looks more finished than a T-shirt and suits most offices with a relaxed dress code. Choose neutral colours, so it goes with both chinos and dark jeans.
Do not forget your feet
Feet in cycling shoes or closed shoes all day need socks that breathe. Bamboo socks for men keep feet drier from morning to evening and can reduce odour. Keep a spare pair in your bag if you cycle far or get caught in the rain.
Your pace on the bike
The easiest way to avoid arriving soaked is to cycle a little more slowly for the last few minutes. That gives your body time to cool down before you go inside. Open your jacket at red lights, and take off a layer if the ride is long. Small habits can do more than any garment.
Pack smart for the day
A small bag with a spare undershirt and a pair of socks gives peace of mind if the weather turns. If you can keep a shirt or a polo at the office, that is also a good solution on the hottest days. Then you are ready, however the journey went.
Washing and care in a busy week
Commuter clothing is worn and washed often. Bamboo can be washed at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent and dries quickly on a hanger, so it is ready again the next morning. Avoid fabric softener and the tumble dryer, so the fabric keeps its ability to move moisture away from the skin.
In short
Good commuter clothing handles the bike, the train and the meeting in the same outfit. Start with a bamboo undershirt under your shirt, wear a T-shirt or polo on relaxed days, and choose socks that breathe. Ride calmly for the last stretch, and keep a spare set in your bag for warm days. See also the bamboo undershirt as a base layer and bamboo and temperature regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best clothing for commuting?
Clothing that moves sweat away and stays fresh all day. A bamboo undershirt under your shirt and bamboo socks are a good starting point for many commuters.
How do I avoid sweating through my shirt on the bike?
Wear an undershirt that moves moisture away from the skin, and cycle a little more slowly for the last stretch, so your body can cool down before you go inside.
Can a polo shirt be worn at the office?
In most offices with a relaxed dress code, a polo shirt works well. The collar makes it look more finished than a T-shirt, especially in neutral colours.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
