I don't have a lot of cycling experience, but I have a lot of hiking experience, and thus far, my hiking gear (for example, wicking under clothes, waterproof shell and pants) have worked beautifully for my commuting needs which is about 8 miles round trip. Hiking gear can of course be readily used for casual wear so you can save money there. In other words, I'd consider buying technical gear that can readily be used for more than one activity. There are also hi viz safety vests that are inexpensive and can be used over any shirt or jacket. Also for a commute of only 4 miles one way, I'm averse to wearing tights that I would have to change out of when I got to work.

A Cycling Rain cape is Cone shaped, and makes a tent that covers your legs
by being supported by by your outstretched arms, a helmet raincover is a good thing too.
Campmor has the capes for just $35.
you can wear your layers of woolly warm stuff underneath ,
the air circulating under the 'tent' is letting the heat of the riding out well enough.

that an a pair of rubber boots and that should get you thru a lot..

I have a few bike specific things I have bought, but probably didn't need to. The main thing was gloves. However, I found some great high-dexterity work gloves at Home Depot the other day in bright yellow that will be my new cycling gloves. A few coats of water proofing agent and should be good to go. They were only $5 and just as good as the cycling specific ones I bought for a lot more. Most of my other stuff is from thrift stores. Nylon pants to resist rain, waterproof jackets for $5. One is even cycling specific, but sadly not very waterproof. Resists a light shower, but nothing major like we get her in the PNW. They all have vents and are long enough to provide coverage. Waterproofed shoes work fine as well and a good set of fenders keep me clean enough. I need to find a good, cheap helmet cover. Could use a shower cap but could get too warm. I actually don't mind just letting the rain hit my head except on the coolest of days.

I'm sure there is advantage to having the bicycling specific stuff. I'm sure gortex rain pants breathe a little better than my nylon ones, but I'm not about to pay $150 for a pair. Until I strike it rich I'm sticking with what I can find at the thrift store. So far I've had good luck and had good performance at a good value with that kind of stuff. Just have to look around a little.

As of right now, I do not like the roadie cyclist outfits. You will NEVER catch me wearing tight Lycra shorts or jerseys. NEVER! Not only because the look goofy on me but because my body is short and stout and I'd probably have a hard time finding properly fitting cyclist specific clothing. Still EUGH!

The closest I'd get would be Champion brand running gear. Like their shorts and long-sleeved sweat wicking shirts.




Basically what Charlie here is wearing. Other than that I get into "Urban Cyclist Hipster" mode and wear this:

I’m a 14 mile year round commuter from Kenmore Square to Norwood. Do you ride in extremes of weather? That may well determine how much you want to invest.

There’s a lot of good advice in the above posts, and tsl is one of the most savvy all-weather commuters. Just last week I rode in the most drenching rain ever; I would not have even gone out if it were that heavy when I started. I wore my very cheap footwear of plastic bags over the socks, regular running shoes (platform pedal with toeclips on my beater mountain bike), plastic bags over the shoes, and rubber Totes over everything. When I arrived, my socks were only, and comfortably, damp from sweat, which is inevitable from waterproof attire. Drenched feet IMO are the most uncomfortable aspect of riding in the rain.

I think that when riding in extremes of cold and wet, no matter how well dressed, the first ten miles might be comfortable, but then I just tolerate the rest.

Bike specific clothing is nice for bike commuting but not necessary. In cold weather the layering technique works with any winter clothing. If you want to purchase an item of bike specific clothing, I think the most essential one would be rain gear- specifically a jacket. I have a "showers pass" jacket that was expensive but you can find cheaper ones. I have purchased the plastic rain jackets from Performance but they rip so you may want better quality. I would think for $30 to $50 you could find a servicable jacket. Make sure it's waterproof and not resistant and you'll want some venting. You may also want rain pants and shoe covers. For your head, wear a ball cap under your helmet. You are now good to go.

I live in Maine and commute year round, 12 miles round trip.
The only cycle-specific clothing that I own:
J & G waterproof breathable jacket
cycling gloves
helmet
Rainmates

In the winter I wear a wool base layer, regular work clothes, waterproof steel toe shoes (required for work) wool socks, wind & waterproof gloves, balaclava (extreme cold) my J & G jacket, and my Rainmates. I taped the vents on my helmet for use in the winter.

This set up works for my commute, down to about -20 Fahrenheit.

I like waterproof boots for the cold and wet also. BMX pedals go great with them.

yeah, I have no car, hate the bus, and can't afford a cab, so I ride everywhere I go. I have no bike specific gear at all, but was/am curious about whether it is worth the money to get some.