What to wear for road cycling events
Short answer: For sportives on the road, padded cycling shorts are the most important item. Above and below them you need close fitting, light layers that do not flap in the wind and that move sweat away on long climbs and cold descents.
Close fitting is faster and more comfortable
Loose clothing flaps in the wind and slows you down more than you might think, especially at speed. It can also chafe when it slaps against the skin for hours. Cycling kit is therefore close fitting. A jersey with a front zip lets you control your temperature, and pockets on the back give room for food, a phone and a wind gilet. Choose a size that fits snugly without squeezing when you are leaning forward on the bike.
Padded cycling shorts
A good pair of cycling shorts with a pad, often called a chamois, is the most important piece of clothing on the road. The pad eases pressure and friction from the saddle. Cycling shorts are worn without underwear, because seams and edges can otherwise rub. Try the shorts on while sitting on a bike, not just standing, so you can feel whether the pad sits in the right place.
Training shorts for indoor sessions
For short rides, turbo trainer sessions or warming up, a pair of light training shorts may be enough. They should fit closely and have a flat seam so they do not rub against the saddle. Many riders also pull shorts on over their cycling shorts when they stop at a café along the way. See bamboo training shorts for women.
Layers for the weather
Road cycling happens in all kinds of weather, and the temperature changes quickly on a long ride. On a climb you sweat, and on the descent the wind cools you down. A thin base layer under the jersey, arm warmers and a wind gilet make it easy to adjust. See bamboo training clothes for women for light layers. Take layers off before you get too hot, so your clothes do not become soaked.
After the event
When you stop, your body temperature drops quickly. Get out of damp cycling shorts as soon as you can, both to stay warm and to avoid skin problems. Soft shorts and a clean top in the car or your bag are welcome. See bamboo shorts for women. Eat and drink something as soon as you are able to.
Washing and care
Cycling shorts are washed after every ride, turned inside out so the pad faces outwards, at a low temperature and without fabric softener. Dry them on a rack and never in a tumble dryer. Training clothes in viscose from bamboo are washed at 30 or 40 degrees. If you have pain or saddle sores that do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Food and drink on the route
Clothing is only one part of a good ride. On rides longer than an hour and a half your body needs energy and fluid along the way. Use the back pockets for bars, bananas or gels, and carry one or two bottles on the bike. Eat a little and often before you get hungry, and drink regularly, even when it is cool.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wear underwear under cycling shorts
No. Padded cycling shorts are made to be worn directly against the skin, as seams from underwear can rub.
What is a chamois
It is the pad in cycling shorts that eases pressure and friction from the saddle.
How do I keep warm on descents
Wear a wind gilet and arm warmers that you can put on and take off during the ride, and zip your jersey all the way up.
