In theory, riding a bicycle in the city shouldn’t require anything more than regular clothing and a bicycle helmet. In reality, cycling is physically active and requires engagement with the elements. That’s part of what we love about it!
Many cyclists are building all-weather performance and fashion into their wardrobes by mixing cycling-specific apparel and accessories with their everyday favorites. The following list of links includes both well-designed urban-specific and road-cycling gear to give you the widest array of options in your personal quest for style, comfort and utility.
The bicycle will accomplish more for women’s sensible dress than all the reform movements that have ever been waged. ~ Author Unknown, from Demerarest’s Family Magazine, 1895
Angella Mackey – Modern design meets technology in this cycling outerwear collection that incorporates LEDs for night riding safety.
Cyclodelic – Chic twists on traditional cycling apparel and accessories by a cheeky British maker. Think bicycling capes and tartan-lined saddle bags.
Ibex – Women’s merino wool cycling apparel and outdoor clothing with clean lines and bold colors.
Loeka – Women-specific cycling apparel, inspired by mountain biking culture. Their stylish waterproof jackets and pants are well-suited to city riding, too.
Luna Sport – A full line of apparel and accessories inspired and tested by pro cyclists, but designed “from the breasts down” by and for real women. Bold colors and simple designs with minimal cutesiness.
Modrobes – What started as a popular purveyor of lounge wear morphed into a maker of eco-sportswear, designed primarily for urban cyclists.
Nau – Sustainable urban and outdoor apparel designed for modern mobility.
Nona Varnado – Apparel and accessories that bridge the gap between fashion and athletic apparel, integrating traditional and high-tech fabrics. (Brooklyn, NY)
Outlier – Simple, good-looking clothing for city riding. Best known for their commuter pants. (Brooklyn, NY)
Pedaler Clothing – Sustainable and functional unisex line for urban and rural street cyclists.
Public – Well-designed apparel, accessories (and Public-brand bicycles) for urban cycling, including a good selection of jackets and footwear.
Rapha – British maker of stylish performance wear — including a city riding line — steeped in the traditions of cycling glory.
Shebeest – Women’s-specific road cycling and commuter apparel.
Sheila Moon – Women’s cycling fashions in funkie modern and retro prints. Bippie Dress or Go-Go Skirt, anyone?
Showers Pass – Practical, durable cycling outerwear (pants and jackets) and accessories designed to keep road cyclists and commuters warm and dry.
Swobo – Long- and short-sleeve jerseys of merino wool from New Zealand, where the sheep hang out.
Terry - A wide range of women’s apparel for road cycling, city riding and spinning.
Zoic – This mountain biking apparel maker offers skirts with shorty liners and removable pads that suit city riding, as well as trails.
WOMEN’S CYCLING APPAREL: PLUS – SIZE
Aero Tech Designs –Women’s plus cycling apparel from a variety of manufacturers.
Team Estrogen – Online plus-size specialty page sells name-brand cycling apparel in plus sizes.
Terry - Offers Terry-branded shorts, jerseys and jackets in plus sizes.
WOMEN’S CYCLING APPAREL: MATERNITY
Born Fit – Maternity cycling shorts, jackets and tops.
Terry – Maternity cycling shorts.
Accessories links coming soon! Have a favorite designer or source to share? Please send us a hello at our Contact page.
