Women's Bike Clothing Information

We’ve all heard the “shrink it and pink it” adage: women’s cycling apparel is just a smaller, girlier version of men’s bike wear. While this might have been true several years ago, when it dawned upon cycling apparel manufacturers that chicks dig bikes, it isn’t today. There is a HUGE variety of women’s bike clothing out there! “Women’s specific” means that the cycling clothing is cut to fit female proportions; it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is smaller or more feminine. You will find a full spectrum of colors and styles, including race-inspired kits, floral patterns, retro prints, solids, and high-visibility hues. However you define your style, there are plenty of options to keep you riding in comfort.

Women’s cycling shorts feature a chamois insert that is slightly wider than a men’s pad in the posterior to cushion the sit bones, and thinner and shorter in the front to avoid bunching between the legs. The body of women’s bike shorts is cut to fit wider hips, while a soft, flat waistband prevents irritation on the stomach. On women’s bib shorts, the bib straps are angled to fit comfortably outside the chest and over narrower shoulders. Riders looking for a fun alternative to form-fitting bottoms might like cycling skorts, which feature a skirt that hides inner lycra shorts. For ladies who prefer a longer inseam or who ride in cooler weather, women’s knickers are available in fabrics suitable for summer or winter. In the coldest weather, women’s cycling tights provide the most coverage.

Women’s cycling jerseys come in sizes extra small to plus-sized to fit all cycling enthusiasts. They are typically cut for a more hourglass shape than men’s jerseys, with slightly wider hips, a roomier chest, and a shorter sleeve length. Women’s jerseys usually omit the gripper hem on the bottom in order to fit smoothly over the hips. They feature rear pockets, full length or hidden zippers, and are constructed of moisture-wicking fabrics. Fit styles range from a form-fitting race cut to a generous club-cut.

Women’s cycling jackets fit similarly to women’s jerseys, with more room in the hips and chest and narrower shoulders. An elastic-free bottom hem prevents bike jackets from riding up on your waist. They feature drop tails and longer sleeves to cover your arms when you reach for the handlebars. A wide selection of windproof and waterproof women’s biking jackets are available.

Women’s gloves have appropriately sized fingers, palms, and padding so that you can comfortably grip your bars and shift without interference from bulky extra material. Women’s base layers, like the rest of the women’s tops, are built for a female figure for a smooth fit under your cycling jersey.