Emma's Guide To Women's Cycle Clothing | What Cycling Kit To Wear?

Bibs or waist shorts, half zip or full zip jersey? And as for the accessories... Choosing cycling kit can be tricky, so Emma's here to explain what clothing options are available, specifically for women cyclists.
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There are lots of things about cycling that are just the same for men and women. But one thing that can be quite different, is clothing. Which is kind of obvious, really, because there are some quite fundamental differences in body shape.
So what should you bear in mind when choosing your kit? I get so many questions from other women who are getting into cycling about what’s the best kit to wear on the bike. And there is so much choice of women’s cycling kit out there these days that it really can be pretty confusing. Sometimes the advantages and drawbacks of certain kinds of cycling clothing aren’t all that obvious until you’ve been for a few rides!
So here’s the lowdown - well, ok, MY lowdown! - on the kit options for women.
The clothing you wear on the bike is one of the most important things affecting your comfort. So if you want to enjoy cycling, it’s absolutely crucial that you feel good in it. Part of that should be looking good too - because all cyclists want to look good - but for my money, looking good is not as important as being comfortable.
Your kit is what’s in direct contact with your skin, of course, and especially the chamois - padding in the shorts - that makes it the first thing you notice.
Plus, your clothing protects you from external influences - be that rain, snow, UV, or (hopefully not) the road, if you crash. And most cyclist have had a little tumble every now and then (I seem to have one crash a month at least!).
Cycling clothing that you don’t find comfortable, or which doesn’t protect you from the elements, will leave you feeling miserable on the bike.
It’s a hugely personal choice though: what IS comfortable at all? So let’s dive into some detail!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Let us know about your kit choices and be sure to share this with a friend who's getting into cycling 👍

[@cyclingchantal]

I don't have a style, but choose my kit with comfort in mind. For example after testing different brands I use the Rapha Women core shorts. Great shammy for those ultra endurance rides. Also certain brands have different sizing. Castelli fits very small. Apparently Italian women are much smaller than overhere in The Netherlands (or I am too tall)

[@danielcutler7283]

Global Cycling Network hey when’s the 3 peak video

[@melissasoto9769]

In terms of fit, performance, quality, and style, Machines for Freedom is hands down the best women’s kit available. I wear Machines almost exclusively and feel amazing every time I wear it! It’s made for women BY women and they also have a wide range of sizes to fit every body. 🙌🏽

[@stashabecker4658]

Agreed! Machines for Freedom bibs are by far the most comfortable I've come across and I've had many different brands. And for all the reasons you mentioned Melissa it is empowering and a pleassure to be their customer.

[@melissasoto9769]

Stasha Becker Absolutely, their strong ethos of empowering women on bikes just sweetens the deal.

[@inatick5057]

Hi Emma, can you please cover in a video the more awkward questions women may have about cycling? Eg. periods, bras, how women toilet on long rides/races

[@matthewvelo]

Look at Katie Kookaburra's channel - she covers this pretty well.

[@minervali631]

Cycling kits are so expensive I cannot afford any. I've been cycling with casual clothes for 3 years now and haven't got any problem.

[@MegaSirPhoenix]

I'm a dude and I'm watching this vid... idk what the title says, if it's GCN it's an instant watch

[@hawkrider88]

Miss Emma...not only is she a champion but she's well spoken, knows her stuff and is very relatable. Bring her back please!!

[@luisgallo5518]

Never getting tired of those National Champion & World champion stripes! I love you emma! Great video btw.

[@davidpallatina4630]

Luis Solaegui Frye is a way we will only ❤️🐮😁🤣🙃🤣🤣🤣🙃🤣🙃🤣viu

[@D.Eldon_]

*Sun protection* -- Some of the summer jerseys have mesh panels that let too much sun through. If you've had skin cancer (like me) or have sensitive skin, you should consider covering up. You can get cool sun sleeves and leggings to cover your arms and legs. And a summer balaclava to cover the sides of your face, ears and neck. For added sun protection under a jersey, try a summer wicking base layer. Generally speaking, darker colors usually block UV better than light colors. And some black jerseys and shorts are available with features like "black ice" to enhance cooling. *Bibs vs shorts* -- Another benefit of bibs is that they provide more coverage and stay up. When you sit up or stand, you won't expose your tummy when the front of your jersey pulls up. This is especially important if you are tall -- I know many tall cyclists who insist on bibs for this reason alone.

[@keriezy]

I buy men's tops but women's bottoms. I am a girl after all I just have a long torso and appreciate the pockets and sleeves being in the right place.

[@Becky-p1n]

For summer as a road cyclist I have some key bits I love; jersey snoods, yellow/high VIS gloves, any sort of trainer sock and any sort of gym shark flex short. This is because I've had cycling shorts in the past and they have a gel on the seam which prevents movement yet tries to ride up at the same time which can cause a bit of a pinch on the thighs! Sunglasses are an absolute must, and interchangeable coloured lenses are a really nice feature too. I find that jerseys are great but if it is for day to day use and you're not keen on the tight fit, a sports bra and tank is adequate, covered with a 360 degree lightweight waterproof jacket/gilet. I always like to be prepared for a weather change as I have been caught out before. For the winter I highly recommend the cycling caps (without a peak), a jersey and a fleece snood, with reflective bag cover and helmet cover. This is is a commuting cyclist so for races this may not apply. I'd also highly recommend getting a couple of pairs of gloves, so that if you do get caught in the rain then you can put dry gloves on for your next ride. Obviously you will need some waterproof trousers and jacket, if the back pockets are an option get those as it is so easy to grab your keys and lock up your bike.also for winter, long sleeved gym tops are amazing for lightweight warmth. I'd love to see more videos like this out there, but with less brand names thrown in.

[@stephenmoore4651]

Another couple of very useful accessories to add to your kit are toe warmers for when an overshoe/bootie is a bit excessive for the conditions and the versatile buff which you can use as a neck warmer/scarf/ face protector or even as a hat under your helmet.

[@angela1926]

Thank you, Emma. It is great getting more info that pertains to women. You’re the best!

[@geoff5623]

My ex's cycling club didn't have jerseys in a size that would fit comfortably, which was really discouraging for someone trying to get into cycling. There are a few companies like Machines For Freedom and Fat Lass at the Back that make women's cycling clothing that isn't designed primarily for slender figures, and have really good looking designs too.

[@elizabethmajor1820]

I loved that freedom for the machine has models that are regular lady shaped. I have an hourglass figure and one of the models had my figure. I was really tempted to buy it because I actually knew how it would really look on me. I knew it'd look really nice. So many companies use athletic 20 years olds and I kind of know how stuff might look but it's not as reassuring as your own figure being chosen.

[@thankfultolive2819]

Thank you. You answered many of my questions about what to wear and why. Keep them coming!

[@gcn]

Awesome - let us know if you have any other questions!

[@connieback7577]

Just a couple of days ago a woman out on the bike trail asked why I was wearing gloves. I realized I don't know why anyone else wears them, but I've scraped up my hands on the pavement before and that's just so easy to prevent with cycling gloves.

[@christinamaples2234]

That and my hands get sweaty, therefore less grip which can be dangerous.

[@AllIsWellaus]

Cheers. I'm currently looking at my first kit. Back when I was a cycle courier I wore an array of clothes just not this. At 45 my days of turning to professional sport are way over but hey, it's still great to have fun with what you're wearing.

[@markwatson8783]

Very helpful advice even for a bloke, I had often wondered about under vests and when to use them. Great vid, many thanks.

[@Streamerbean]

Thank you for this video, as I have wondering this far awhile

[@stephentuthill4598]

Awesome video, Emma, and very informative... Whatever gender you are it is worth knowing the difference in kit, and why it is there. After all, if you get into a relationship with another cyclist, it's worth knowing (as a man) what she feels comfortable in and why.

[@Cycle774]

Super helpful, Emma. Thank you!

[@petinka721]

Colors who fit the bike and GCN clothes is perfect by that way for me!

[@ronbell7920]

Thanks Emma, my wife looks great in her "Terry" kit! She does not like bibs because of the bathroom think though. Just sharing her thoughts on that subject.

[@lenahygiena]

Nicely presented :) I laughed about beetles flying into the shirt collar, so true

[@primarymedworks]

I’m in South Florida, I have to consider heat and occasional rain. Usually ride with one piece sleeveless trisuit covered w half Jersey. Sunscreen on face and legs with arm covers, too.

[@florencewhiteley2415]

Loved this, I’m well into cycling but this was still really informative

[@TamzinVokes]

Being tall and not so curvy I find men's kit more comfortable although some bibs have a bit too much room in the crotch. Bibs are also less discreet if you get caught short in the middle of nowhere as you have to peel off jersey and vest etc. Mens jerseys are better for broad shoulders too although some "Italian" brands or "race fit" are often designed for very slight builds male or female! Castelli kit is great but never fits me in the shoulders and is too big in the chest! It's worth trying a variety of brands for what suits as we are all different. A well stocked bike shop is a good place to try before you buy when you first riding. There are some great colourful kits from websites like Queen of the Mountain too but you really need to know your measurements.

[@elizabethzieman1059]

It just would be so nice if the women’s cycling gear manufacturers wouldnt body shame us by calling (effectively ) a medium sized kit 1x or 2x. Like WTF. Are they all using minuscule Asian women as size models? Drives me nuts that I am a size 8 and I often have to buy XL jerseys!

[@BevMattocks]

If we're talking winter clothes, how about keeping the head warm, and the face without ending up with condensation and misted sunglasses. Neck warmers, too. PS here's a tip for keeping hands and toes warm - those thin disposable heated pads you can put inside shoes and gloves, last for up to 8 hours.

[@BevMattocks]

Also, how to comfortably wear cycling sunglasses with all this stuff on your head / ears / hair!

[@seattlegrrlie]

I bought a new jacket last year. It made riding in cold and rain completely bearable. Game changes

[@LegSpinna]

For both sexes, the pad in cycling shorts should come with a rider weight guideline. We all buy the same shorts regardless of whether we're 60 kilos or 90 kilos. 'Tis a bit daft to think both light and heavy riders get the same comfort from the same pad.

[@moosabones]

I have halter neck bibs. Superb.

[@HelenWilkie]

The only thing you didn't mention was helmets! I know it's not necessarily a women specific issue, but I'd love it if helmet makers thought about pony tails and clearly marked which ones are compatible.

[@AndrewFrink]

As a guy with long hair that would be nice as well. Though I haven't had much issue, but the pony tail tends to be as low down as I can.

[@gcn]

That's a good point! We like the Kask ones we're lucky to use - you can move the fitting to wear with a pony tail/bun etc 👍

[@fiddleronthebike]

had long hair for years (and made them a pony tail for cycling), so from my own experience I can tell you: Specialized and Abus helmets are perfect for that! ...have the Evade, Gamechanger and Aventor - can recommend all of them (while Giro and MET helmets did not work with pony tail)

[@chrissherburn7952]

When I was shopping for a new helmet a couple weeks ago, I remember seeing at least one of the GIRO helmets are ponytail compatible. I don't recall the model, but just happened to notice it while scanning.

[@BevMattocks]

I have a fantastic Smith's helmet (see profile pic). Fits like a dream, is really light and works well with a ponytail. Actually I have 2 in different colours!

[@sebastianeschenbacher5856]

Amazing thing works perfectly

[@prabo123]

do something about fat cyclist....... what clothes do wear, when i start cycling i was 114 kilos and now i am 90 kilos, i have to loose 20 kilos more

[@21Symba]

Check out fat lad at the back. Good for the larger cyclist. They have their own clothing range for lads and lasses. The also put on a Sportiv.

[@markbooth6745]

Cool video Emma.👍🚴

[@johnreynolds7884]

It’s great you’re talking about women’s cycling gear but l like to know what to wear as a tall rider just getting in to road biking I’m not tallest rider out there i’m 6’4 about 165 Thanks

[@ftrider1768]

Stylish clothing there , will check out the Gcn shop 👍

[@RoyalLeech]

I love Emma!

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Getting correct seat will make a huge difference it’s not the padding as such that makes the difference is correct support on your seat bones

[@marylorah776]

....any seat recommendations?

[@JenfWomf]

I recently switched to wearing boxer briefs underneath my shorts because my underwear was chafing. I guess I’ll try commando next! Thanks!

[@i.am.waveguide]

I have been exchanging messages with GCN about the New Winter Jacket and need it in size TIR. What are GCN’s intentions about the larger sizes?

[@matthewcondon6269]

How do you cycle while menstruating? You're not supposed to wear underwear but what if you have a heavy flow and don't want to stain your fancy shorts?

[@marylorah776]

Love the addition of Emma to GCN and women specific issues. What about seats? I have been experimenting with several over the last few years. When I ride a lot my "territories" can take a beating. Any ideas or suggestions. Right now I'm riding a Specialized. Power Expert and on longer more aggressive rides it can be a bit painful down there......thanks for the help.

[@111bonus]

Mary Lorah A broader saddle and a more upright sitting position will decrease soft tissue compression in the butt by spreading the weight more.

[@marylorah776]

@@111bonus Thanks!! I did have a bit wider seat from Terry Bicycles, which I couldn't get adjusted correctly....also not exactly the butt that's bothering me🙄 I'll keep experimenting.

[@emmapooley433]

Mary Lorah great question and I would love to do a video about this, and other “territorial” problems. Sadly a lot of cyclists are embarrassed to discuss it and just suffer in silence

[@canelami1285]

The real problem is saddles are like mattresses what's great for one person is terrible for another. If it helps i measured my sit bones at 147mm the sella italia lady saddle is perfect for me it measures 160mm width.

[@marylorah776]

Emma: Thanks! I know it's not easy to talk about, but I know it just can't be me suffering with this. Also seems to have gotten worse over the last several years...🙄 Would love to see you do a video on it. Also agree that seats are a bit like mattresses. Different for different people.....

[@ute.fritzkowski]

What I would really like are some tips for tiny women. All the cycling advice seems to be for tall people, but being 1.58m myself, some things are really hard or not possible with my short stumpy legs (like getting the bum behind the saddle easily for instance). The bike, although the right frame size, is simply too big in proportion. Certainly there are workarounds for shorter people?

[@corig123]

Not your brand, but Gore's bibs have the best drop-tail situation I've found - you can pee without excessive discombobulation

[@razzwilmz7970]

Good show Emma. First time I've seen the underside of a chamois.

[@sabertoothdog20]

Love you Emma

[@stasacab]

Oh, there is the eternal problem of what to put inside helmet when it is ways below freezing. Freezing weather conditions are a topic on its own. I used to ride in weather where the oil started to feel thick and even metal started to fatigue. Metal fatigue starts to appear when it is forty below, and when it is fifteen to twenty below you want to have a fur hat under the helmet and protect your facial skin from helmet straps. I think zippers are good in sleeping bags and only there.

[@Fabi1701A]

High visibility accessories or gilet, or vest should be considered, or wear white. I was hit twice by drivers who claimed they didn’t see me. I wear padded underwear under my cycling shorts , also I have extra silicone pas on my seat. I need 3 layers! Thanks for the video.

[@wwerules01]

You know with overshoes can you use them with normal trainers or do they have to be used with cleats only. I can't quite afford some cleats yet but what some overshoes for the colder weather.

[@peter_smyth]

They have cutouts for the cleats on the soles, but cycling shoes aren't necessary. Bulky trainers may not fit in overshoes very well though, and you might wear the overshoes out walking around, as they will touch the ground more without the protruding cleats and heals found on cycling shoes.

[@geoff5623]

You can probably find some overshoes that are made to fit over everyday footwear, but then they'll probably be too large to use over cycling shoes with cleats. I usually wear some minimalist training shoes for cycle commuting that are slim and my overshoes fit just fine.

[@BevMattocks]

Definitely bib shorts and tights, can't stand waistbands or having to constantly pull them up. Not so great when you need to dash behind a hedge for a comfort stop though...

[@tiantianzhang8476]

What about kit for short/petite women? I couldn’t find a pair of leg warmer that is not longer than my actual leg!😭😭😭

[@sanabraxas87]

my dilemma is that i cant affort any of those... :(

[@simonmcvittyostborg5638]

Sup gcn! Do you now IF you should wear anything under the bib straps as a boy

[@gcn]

Hey Simon - you don't have to, but you can choose to wear a baselayer. There are different types for hot weather, colder weather etc. Hope this helps!

[@simonmcvittyostborg5638]

Thanks GCN it really helps allot.without this Chanel i could be wearing something totaly wrong! But at the end of the day aslong as you enjoy cykling i’ts fine

[@simonmcvittyostborg5638]

Thanks Bob

[@mcjcg1372]

#askgcn i have a stupid question I am wandering on a long ride what do you do when you need to pee when there isn't a restroom handy do you find the nearest tree or pee in your jersey like a NASCAR driver #askgcn

[@lenahygiena]

If you pee in your bib shorts your chammy will be soaked and start to chafe. Find the nearest bushes, if impossible, pee in open field xD

[@grandad1982]

The most important bit of style is to win a national and/or world championships so you can have the bands on your kit!

[@elkotebebeka1947]

Best

[@johnbouttell5827]

Undercarriage is the part of a moving vehicle underneath the main body of the vehicle. The term originally applied to this part of a horse-drawn carriage, and usage has since broadened to include the landing gear of an aircraft and the chassis of an automobile.

[@anthonylovell2271]

and the more sensitive contact points of a cyclist

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Women cyclists have better options of colours and designs over men's cycling clothes. Mens tend to be either black or very neutral. If any colour is wanted, you generally have to be plastered with sponsors on replica team kits.

[@mrjellow]

La passione

[@cyclingchantal]

There are some brands, but I think I shouldn't start some sort of advertisement thread overhere.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Chantal Coolsma maybe but few and far between or a little niche in choice. (this is an ASOS advert by the way so wouldn't worry about dropping other brands 😉)

[@cyclingchantal]

SAF1981 I wear This Is Cambridge jerseys. I love their thought: “it is not about him, it is not about her, it is about us” cycling kit is gender neutral

[@GaryTurbo]

They're more affordable than mens kits

[@hugobrown2516]

Emma. Do you like hills because you don't like descents?

[@dubious6718]

I prefer jeans and t-shirt

[@robinburt5735]

I'm a MTB'er so all this aero stuff is alien to me. Cotton knickers baggy clothes 4tw. Also i have never suffered from chafing

[@e.g.o6860]

Doreen Green wow so cool

[@mikesavage8793]

Ah, but how much time do you spend sitting on the saddle when you're off-road? ;)

[@kingprone7846]

yeah i quite often wear mtb shorts when i go cyclocrossing because it offers so much more protection. unfortunately the baggy nature of the shorts means it is hard to remount the bike...

[@Candesce]

I ride MTBs only and I bought a chamois because of the chafing. I secondarily discovered that I quite like the added padding between me and the saddle so it was a win/win in the end, except for my wallet!

[@sneakerzones]

Women Clothing wholesale center: 66wsc.com Let us know about your kit choices and be sure to share this with a friend who's getting into cycling 👍

[@nothinghere8357]

i can barely wear anything, because i have to wear a really small size

[@Decalto35]

imagine dan presenting this

[@CarolNaranjocxnv]

what do you think about the heart rate chest strap? suitable for women? I've considered in investing in one but it's expensive and I'm not sure if it's suitable for my body type (big tits) or if it's just as well a wrist band? Also, what's actually the difference about the saddles??

[@xxsuitepeexx]

エマさん😀

[@kingprone7846]

4:33. hahaha. sure......

[@margarettaylor6020]

I don't have a lot of excess body fat but still seem to suffer from the dreaded leg warmer muffin top!!

[@emmapooley433]

Margaret Taylor ditto 😩

[@123parry]

Argh me too! 😩

[@DVelez-wz3fe]

Those calves tho 👍🏼

[@stephenlegg262]

Isn’t lighter waterproof clothing better than black. Better to be seen in the rain.

[@chevyyyyyyy]

To avoid exposing our skin to melanoma-causing UV from Ozone holes which are not abating, my climate scientist girlfriend and I cover our skin year around: Arm and leg warmers in the winter, arm and leg “coolers" in the summer.

[@leslieoconnor4111]

Sorry For Being Rude To You Sophie ❤️❤️💖💖

[@thomaspersson9080]

Det

[@manfredadams3252]

Matt Stephens would have been the perfect co-presenter for this episode.

[@Dumbo3.1428]

I miss him to. All the best to you Matt.

[@skippygirl959]

You get to watch this content for free and Emma did a great job hosting this video and all you do is bitch in the comments?

[@viv8433]

Did anyone else get completely horrified at 5:28 when Emma mentioned rogue wasps afnd bees down cleavage? no, just me? I have honestly never thought about it like that and thought they were just to protect our 'modesty' so refuse to wear one, I really couldn't care less if someone sees my sports bra ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. But the thought of a bee getting lost down there? ahhhhhhhh!!!! I will be investing in one once I start riding outside again

[@stasacab]

Nobody sees a cyclist. I mean, a car almost hit me and I was directly in front of it. I must have filled the whole view in front of the vehicle. If I want a pattern for my cycling jersey that would be the local ER phone number and ICE contact number and my blood type.

[@jgourdo]

Emma, as a fellow triathlete, I am afraid of the backlash you will feel for calling for sock length freedom on this channel. There are some subjects too hot to touch...

[@philbryant6413]

Tight Cycling shorts without your underwear is your lucky shorts.

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

So true

[@emmapooley433]

phil bryant ironically, i suspect that with comments like that, you don’t get lucky very often.

[@hippityhopp4227]

Damnit I’m Muslim so I’m supposed to wear loose clothes. I guess I’ll just have to carry my stuff some other way

[@thefuckinglord3873]

Womens riding a bike is the most sexy on the whole world.

[@HonoluluTita]

What about wearing a bra?

[@simonmcvittyostborg5638]

First!

[@sudharamachandran6534]

Why are lot of men watching this?