Good cycling clothes that dont look like 'cycling clothes'
 

Have been getting mighty sweaty in the normal stuff i've been wearing as of late....even in cooler nights!

But i dont want to wear the tight pants and shirts that are commonly associated with cycling clothes.....its just not my look!

What i want to know is what clothes have worked for you when you are riding...any materials in particular that are less likely to get me sweaty?

Thanks, marty.

The "tight pants and shirts that are commonly associated with cycling clothes" are very functional for the purpose you describe. As you are hunting for more "civilian" looking bike clothes though, you might find something in Vaude's collection. Also, Sugoi might have something you could use.

Erling.

:beer:

Thats more like it

Don't like being seen in Lycra shorts- Wear something over the top of them. Those padded shorts that hold the bits in place are too comfortable not to wera. As to the top- Get a Base layer for winter riding and wear anything that breathes over the top.

Step 1: avoid cotton. Target and Walmart have lines of clothes from Champion and Starter, respectively, that work well as wicking base layers. Look for C9, duo dry, dri-star, dri-max. Pretty cheap too -- $10-20 or less. Go to a hiking/outdoors store if you want some higher-end stuff.

I get some pretty strange looks by decked out roadies when Im riding my road bike in a t-shirt, adidas shorts, and nike dunks.

I have a drawer full of Lycra shorts and jerseys I haven't worn in at least five or six years. Nearly all my riding, all distances, is in mountain bike shorts--they have liners similar to standard shorts, but look like street shorts from outside. You'll hear people say they're not comfortable, but I don't notice any difference between them and conventional cycling shorts. Get 'em at any bike shop or places like REI.
On top in summer, I nearly always wear a T-shirt, sometimes cotton but occasionally Coolmax, or one of the two wool jerseys I got from Rivendell (they look more like polo shirts than jerseys, and work extremely well). In winter, the usual winter stuff, so whether it's cycling-specific isn't an issue.
No particular reason for this except that the stuff works. Jerseys, at least team jerseys, are sort of embarrassing--wearing one for a half-hour ride around the park is like putting on pads and a helmet to play football with your kids. There are enough posers already without me joining the crowd.

I got a pair of cycling "underwear" from Performance Bike called the "Andiamo Padded Cycling Briefs" for about $25 USD. These are black briefs with padding on them. You can then wear any shorts or pants over them and no one is the wiser. I am 5'10, 176lbs, size 33 waist, and I got the XL size and it fits fine.

you're gonna sweat no matter what. if you are commuting, take a shower before you leave and you won't smell. just wear what's comfortable. loose shorts and a tee shirt is good for me. I have a couple wicking shirts fron Target and they are nice for the summer. but get them two sizes too big if you can. that way they will be loose enough.

check out chrome http://chromebags.com/products/apparel/ i have a pair of their knickers, super comfy.

Just remember that some compression on the thigh muscles helps circulation and works to reduce fatigue...

I'll often wear the tight bicycle shorts (and long tights) just for this reason. Most cyclists that I meet don't think it makes sense, since I often ride a recumbent. But I find that I'm less sore, after riding day in and day out for many weeks.

I wear bike shorts which help increase speed making the ride aerodynamic. I wear performance shirts that were pruchased from sporting goods store with quick drying and mositure wicking properties and don't cost a premium such as the bike jerseys you find in LBS which are printed with commerical advertising mostly. After all, you don't want to be a moving bill board on wheels.

Thank you, thank you! The "views" presented by a "bent" rider in baggy shorts are not for the faint of heart. Do it for the children!

By the way, I ride my Surly LHT in regular cargo shorts over Zoic cycling "underwear" - Lycra with a chamios pad.

Hey Marty - you're a cyclist, look the part! :)

Seriously, there is a reason we wear those clothes and it's all about comfort. You don't have to go with a skin suit. Just get a pair of good cycling shorts, and a loose fitting top. If you really HAVE to, you can wear regular shorts over the cycling shorts. However, don't blame me when you get your shorts caught on your bike and touch the pavement hard. It's no fun.

... Brad

I want to go swimming but don't want to wear a swimsuit because I would look like a swimmer (its just not my "look") does anyone have a suggestion for alternative outfits I can wear swimming?

Nude swimming. :p


I would second the champion polyester shirts and cycling shorts with something over it.

However, I prefer cycling shorts with a tight jersey. Off the bike I wear loose fitted clothes.

Any "underarmor" type shirt (wicking) will work well. They don't have to be the tight ones. Lots of them out there. I like a sport style short worn over bike shorts on the bottom. I have found 0 difference in comfort or speed dressed in a loose wicking shirt & a "over pair" of shorts vs skin tight lycra only. YMMV.

Earlier this year my brother and I did a MTB century on 98 degree day with plenty of humidity, all the while wearing cutoff jeans and T shirts. I have a lot of cycling clothing, but I know of no good use for it.

underamour-type wicking shirts have to be tight, that's how they are able to wick sweat away, by acting like a 2nd layer of skin. you probably wouldn't get quite the desired effect if it was loose. you can just wear something over it if it looks dumb.. it's supposed to be under wear anyway (hence the name UNDERarmour)