7 Essential Types of Women’s Mountain Bike Clothing
1. Mountain bike jersey
Mountain bike jerseys are a riding essential. They come in many styles and materials. Merino wool—which controls odours and regulates your temperature—is comfortable and keeps you cool. Cycling jerseys made of synthetic materials wick moisture extremely well and are lightweight. As you would for all other high-intensity sports, avoid wearing cotton. This material absorbs moisture and stays wet, which is pretty uncomfortable when you’re spending a day on the saddle.
Various types are available, such as short-sleeved and long-sleeved jerseys, bike tank tops and bike shirts, which are increasingly popular
Long-sleeved jersey
Long-sleeved cycling jerseys are designed so that you can ride in cool weather at the beginning and end of the season or in the evening. Plus, they can be a great choice when you hit the bike park because they protect your skin better when you crash.
Short-sleeved jersey
Lightweight, comfortable and perfect for summer days, short-sleeved bike jerseys will be a big part of your cycling wardrobe. Mountain bike jerseys have a design that looks more like a sports t-shirt. They have a relaxed cut, unlike fitted road bike jerseys.
Mountain bike tank top
Scorching heat doesn’t stop you from climbing hills? You need a cycling tank top (or several of them). For mountain biking, choose tank tops with wide straps.
Short-sleeved jersey
They’re lightweight, stretchy, comfortable and definitively stylish. Bike shirts are a recent trend in mountain bike clothing. They have a casual, urban style and don’t cut corners when it comes to performance. They’re either short- or long-sleeved and can be worn on a mountain bike and—Why not?—a gravel bike.
2. Liner shorts and bib shorts
To fully enjoy your mountain bike rides, you really need some bike shorts. Thanks to their chamois (a cushioned piece of fabric glued to the crotch area), they dampen vibrations and give you greater comfort on your saddle.
To learn everything you need to know about bike shorts, read our article Cycling Shorts and Chamois.
3. Mountain bike shorts
Mountain bike shorts make riding more comfortable. Many styles, lengths and cuts are available for different preferences. Longer bike shorts provide good coverage of knee pads when you’re pedalling.
Mountain bike shorts are designed with water-resistant, stretchy, lightweight fabrics for added comfort. In addition, some models feature laser-perforated fabric for better ventilation and breathability.
4. Mountain bike pants
Ideal for bike park descents, mountain bike pants are a must-have in your mountain bike wardrobe—even if you’re not much of a downhiller. Just like long-sleeved bike jerseys, bike pants can be worn in cool temperatures at the beginning and end of the season.
Some models of mountain bike pants are multisport oriented and made of light, thin, stretchy fabric that also allows you to wear them for hiking, gravel bike rides and even for camping adventures. Others are designed for downhill mountain biking, which means they’re designed with tougher fabrics with reinforced areas and design technologies that make them quite rugged. Bike overalls are also carving out a place for themselves. This style is definitely worth checking out!
Bike pants have a narrower cut at the bottom of the leg that keeps dirt off the inside and fabric away from your pedals.
5. Mountain bike socks
You can make this accessory your signature! Bike socks are often flamboyant and always add a funky touch to your mountain bike outfit. They’re made of breathable materials that keep your feet dry. You don’t want cotton here because they absorb moisture and don’t dry out.
Mountain bike socks have a longer cut at the leg and give you some compression for more support and comfort.
6. Cycling jackets
The weather can be fickle during a bike ride, but variable weather shouldn’t stop you from getting outside. Cycling jackets should be lightweight, water resistant if not waterproof, and compressible for easy transportation. Some can be stored in one of their pockets and attached to a mountain bike’s handlebars. If you’re also a road biker, you’ll be able to use it for that sport too—and many other activities.
7. Sports bra
Having a good sports bra made of breathable materials that provides good support makes all the difference. Here too, avoid cotton to stay dry and comfortable.
Essential Mountain Biking Accessories
- Bike gloves
- A cycling waist pack or backpack
- A multi-tool
- A patch kit
- A women’s bike helmet
- Women’s bike shoes
Are you about to purchase your first mountain bike? Find the right kind of mountain bike for you!
