I just got new spandex with padding in them! and i'm a begginer. i got gloves as well but there's no way i'm wearing street clothes. they'll snag branches which is potentially dangerous. AND cotton is a terrible first layer espcially for bottoms. get some lycra spandex and a few jerseys and a helmet of course. but i dont think its wrong for newbies to get the proper attire. gotta start somewhere!