With summer in full swing, picking the right garments during the hot summer months is crucial. Summers are for long days, epic rides, and great times with friends, your fun time shouldn’t be hindered by clothing. But it can take time to figure out what clothing options work for your rides, budget, and personal style.
From budget-priced to premium, I tested kits from Amazon, Rapha, Gore, OrNot, Specialized, and Velocio ranging in price from $25 to $300. I rode these jerseys and bibs in super hot temperatures and stifling humidity to give you the best hot-weather clothing recommendations.
Editor’s Note, July 31, 2024: Most of the jerseys and shorts featured in this story are available in women’s and men’s cut/sizing. Materials are not gendered—the difference between “women’s” and “men’s” cycling clothing is cut, design, style, and often chamois. Sometimes brands incorporate “women’s-specific” features into kits such as droptail bibs. Some men wear women’s bibs and some women prefer men’s jerseys. Wear what makes you the most comfortable and confident on the bike.
I came to Bicycling after a career in the apparel industry and earning a Master of Science in Textile Design and Engineering. I’ve ridden in places around for extended periods. Riding during the Japanese monsoon season is not only extremely wet but humid as well. I come from the island of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean where temperatures often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity, I know a thing or two about sweltering weather. On top of that, I lived in the Mountain West for almost eight years. It’s a climate where the varying dry heat and exposure to the sun can make your body do interesting things at altitude. These factors give me first-hand insights into picking the right clothing for a successful ride.
Tips for Buying Summer Cycling Kits
It can be hard to choose the right kit for hot weather rides. Use these three tips to make purchasing your next jersey or bib shorts for the summer easier and avoid the hassle of uncomfortable or ill-fitting clothing.
Sizing is the most important thing to check when selecting a new item or brand. There’s nothing worse than ordering a new piece of clothing and having to return it. Most if not all clothing brands have a sizing guide to reference. If you’re still worried about which size to get, my top tip is to dig into the reviews and ask friends on your next group ride. And if you see other people riding in clothing you are researching, ask that rider about their fit experience.
The second is the clothing’s UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The UPF rating—similar to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) used for sunscreen—is the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate a fabric and reach your skin. This value helps indicate protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Of cycling brands, Specialized, OrNot, and Velocio are some of the few companies sharing this information with riders.
Lastly, wicking is critical to keeping the body cool during tough intense efforts or just super hot days where your body will sweat naturally. Some tops and bottoms wick better than others depending on how well they manage moisture. A brand’s choice of yarns, fabric structure, and materials plays a big role in how the clothing keeps you cool. This ultimately helps evaporate excess moisture through physical heat exchange via the sun or the body’s temperature.
Jerseys and Tops
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Price
Cons
- Fit
- No UPF
This $25 jersey is a great place to start if you don’t have any cycling clothing or are working on a tight budget. The biggest problem with cycling-specific apparel is usually price but the issue with this jersey is its fit. This small jersey fits like other brands’ large sizes. The jersey has a great breathable knit structure but suffers from poor moisture management. While easily accessible thanks to the speed of Amazon, availability in sizing and color can vary depending on the garment.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Aerodynamic Race Fit
Cons
- Price
- No UPF
Rapha produces excellent and popular cycling-specific apparel, it even sponsors pro teams like EF-Education. The brand recently updated its Pro Team jersey. The update has significantly improved in fit and breathability. Rapha employs different knit structures in the jersey that help aid in the dissipation of heat and moisture.
Pros
- Lighweight
- Comfortable Materials
Cons
- Neck Collar
- Price
Rapha’s core line is nothing to scoff at, while not as luxurious as other fabrics in their Pro Team or Brevet lineup. This flyweight jersey truly should be a standard when it comes to staple pieces in a cyclist closet. Featuring mesh panels and excellent moisture management, the only downside with many of the products Rapha creates, are the price tags. In testing, the light-gridded material of this jersey managed moisture exceptionally well.
Pros
- Lightweight Materials
- Extremely Breathable
- Supportie Deep Pockets
- UPF 30+ on back fabric
Cons
- Price
- No UPF on Arms or Chest
Velocio keeps making waves with awesome materials and seasonal patterns. The SRAM-owned company focuses on exceptional fit and materials while improving rider comfort using yarns with Merino and Tencil. This Radiator Concept jersey features a UPF 30 on the back protecting you from the sun while featuring some mesh on the chest and arms. The pockets didn’t sag thanks to stabilized and bonded hems and seams.
Pros
- Lightest Weight Jersey
- Extremely Breathable
Cons
- No UPF
- Price
Most clothing companies have at least one mesh jersey in their summer lineup. Competing for the lightest jersey in this roundup, Velocio’s ultralight mesh jersey keeps you cool on the hottest and most humid days. What makes this jersey unique is its recycled polyester construction. It’s less compressive than some other jerseys in the Velocio lineup, so this jersey is a perfect choice for those hot days when you want to relax.
Pros
- Great Everyday Fabric
- Lighweight
- Moisture Wicking
Cons
- Fit
- Cut
Gore Wear is known for making and licensing some of the best waterproof outdoor apparel. This Spinshift jersey uses recycled yarns to cool and wick moisture away from the body. A big note to those considering this jersey is sizing down. I typically wear a small in most cycling apparel, Gore’s smallest size is an extra small and could have gone down one more size if they made that cut available. Otherwise, I love riding in this jersey whenever possible, the fabric is super soft and breathable.
Gore Wear Spirit Signal Camo Jersey Mens
Pros
- Great Sublimated Print
- Breathable
- Moisture Wicking
- Price
Cons
- Cut
- Fit
Some brands lean into the minimalist, color-blocking, and monochromatic looks, but Gore and other cycling companies still use sublimation over breathable knits to create prints. This eye-catching print helps keep you visible on the road and cool when the temperature kicks up. My favorite thing about this jersey is the price and print.
Pros
- Unique Dye Technique
- Relaxed Cut
- Made with Merino
- UPF 30
Cons
- Collar
Best known for its bikes, Specialized also makes great affordable clothing. This Merino jersey packs a UPF 30+ rating and a super-cool tie-dye effect. While still considered a jersey, this unique piece of clothing differs from the others in this round-up due to the zipperless design. It’s perfect for casual rides or if you’re not into the tight-fit aesthetic of other cycling jerseys.
Pros
- Great Training Jersey
- Breathable Fabric
- UPF 30
Cons
- Price
- Collar
Specialized breaks its apparel range into several segments. Its Prime lineup targets riders who ride in varying climates. This jersey is great because it’s not too compressive and accommodates different body types. Using super soft fabrics and a snag-free zipper, the only barrier for me is the price. Specialized breaks its apparel range into several segments. Its Prime lineup targets riders who ride in varying climates. This jersey is great because it’s not too compressive and accommodates different body types. Using super soft fabrics and a snag-free zipper, the only barrier for me is the price.
Pros
- Price
- Relaxed Fit
Cons
- No UPF rating
The Foundation Collection from Specialized features lower costs while delivering similar performance features to the brand’s more expensive items. Coming in at $75 this is the second cheapest jersey in this roundup and features a less breathable knit structure.
Pros
- Lightest Jersey
- Race Fit
- UPF 30 (Back/Shoulders)
Cons
- Price
The Prime Lightweight offers exceptional breathability and compression. It is also the lightest jersey I tested by weight and material density. Featuring UPF 30 on the back, the biggest downside is the price for such little material, yet it is reinforced and tacked to provide stability. This jersey performs extremely well in hot and humid conditions where ventilation is necessary to cool the body.
Bottoms
Not all bibs and shorts are created equal. Depending on the price, some brands add or remove seams for added compression, range of comfort, and overall breathability. The same can be said for the chamois that brands select—some are wider, and some are denser—depending on the riding scenario. Brands put many hours into developing the right pad for their products. Companies like Elastic Interface and San Marco Pads are staples in the chamois segment. Figuring out which chamois pad works best for you is a bit of a personal preference, but reaching out the customer service to learn more always helps.
There is a difference between bibs and shorts. Cycling shorts are placed on the hips and secured via an elastic or silicon gripper. Bibs add shoulder straps (like overalls, but in Merino, Spandex, Nylon, or other materials) to hold them up. Many riders find bibs more comfortable for long rides (plus bibs don’t slip down like traditional shorts). However, some riders prefer shorts for when nature calls. Droptail bibs (often found in brands’ women’s collections) are a great choice and provide extra reassurance for rest stops.
Another important consideration is pockets, whether the ride is a quick power hour or a four-hour long training ride, pockets help keep the gel or snack close by.
If you are sensitive to seams and other materials, look for 3D flat knitted bibs, and those constructed using minimal panels and seams. This aids all-day comfort regardless of effort or distance.
Pros
- Price
- Pockets
Cons
- Fabric weight
- No women’s cut option
Bibs are the one article of clothing you might want to spend a little more on. These bibs are a prime example of paying for what you get. While this bib performed as intended, I had several issues with the material density, seams, and overall breathability. The pad felt like a gel cover you put over your seat—not the best ride quality. Also, Cerotipolar only offers these in a men’s cut. Below is a similarly priced women’s option.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Cons
- Price
At the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price, fit, materials, and performance are the Rapha Powerweave bibs. Priced at $380, these bibs employ some serious science and technical fabric to deliver one of the best bibs for hot weather riding. Using specialty yarn and a woven seven-panel construction, this bib is unlike any other offering in this test. It has a true-to-size fit and exceptional compression.At the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price, fit, materials, and performance are the Rapha Powerweave bibs. Priced at $380, these bibs employ some serious science and technical fabric to deliver one of the best bibs for hot weather riding. Using specialty yarn and a woven seven-panel construction, this bib is unlike any other offering in this test. It has a true-to-size fit and exceptional compression.
Pros
- Compressive Fit
- Jacquard Knitted Leg Grippers
- Cargo Pockets
Cons
- Price
These special edition Cargo Training bibs are what Team Amani uses for riding and racing—and they might be my new favorite. Rapha iterated on this bib over the last several years, and this version features an updated cargo pocket (compared to the classic Pro Team Training Bib). Offering an exceptional fit and finish for the seams and details, these bibs are phenomenal at keeping you cool and supported no matter how hard the ride. The only drawback to this premium item is its premium price.
Pros
- Compressive Fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Price
Velocio’s Concept line uses the best materials and cuts to deliver great fit and compression. The Concept Bib marries perfectly to the Radiator Concept Jersey for hot-weather rides. Using various breathable fabrics strategically placed to help ventilate and manage moisture, the stand-out feature for me is the Concept’s uncompromising supportive fit. While the price tag is high, the experience and materials are worth it—especially if you spend long hours on the bike in humid conditions. I always felt comfortable riding in these bibs.
Pros
- Pockets
- Compressive Fit
Cons
- Price
The Utility Bib from Velocio was the most compressive by far, yet offered the most storage. While the material has an exceptional hand, some might find the fit a bit too aggressive. These are priced slightly higher than Velocio’s Ultralight Bib, but if you like pockets or need storage for packing snacks, these are my best recommendation for the hottest of days.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisture Wicking
Cons
- Leg Grippers
- Price
Another option for those hot humid days is a lightweight specific bib. Velocio uses a lighter-weight material with a completely opaque fabric ensuring adequate coverage. Many of the features in this bib reduce fabric weight and seams while ensuring maximum breathability and moisture management.
Pros
- Comfort
- Materials
Cons
- Fit
- Price
- No Women's Option
Gore is well known for creating exceptional functional materials, and the brand created almost the perfect all-around bib. The only drawback for me was the fit—Gore’s sizing tends to run a size up. Aside from the fit issue, the materials were by far the softest and had the best next-to-skin feel. The minimal design, seams, and paneling created an excellent riding experience during the hottest of days. The chamois was specifically developed for this bib to provide the most comfortable and adaptable riding experience regardless of body or riding style.
Gore Wear Spinshift Cargo Bib Shorts+ Men's
Pros
- Pockets
- Materials
- Breathable
- Price
Cons
- Leg Grippers
Aimed at everyday training rides and longer events, the Spinshift Cargo bibs from Gore, bring most of the tech from the brand’s Ultimate Bibs. Gore also refined some of the details to price this bib at $180. With an entry-level, proprietary pad developed for this bib it delivers comfort and support.
Pros
- Pockets
- Compressive
- Breathable
Cons
- Price
The Prime Swat is Specialized’s answer to cargo bibs, having iterated on this bib over the last four years. With a relaxed yet comfortable fit, and supportive compressive materials, my only issue is the Swat’s thick wide-leg grippers. Otherwise, I recommend these if you are having trouble finding the right bib.
Pros
- Price
- Fit
Cons
- Materials
- Chamois
The Foundation Bib from Specialized comes in at $200. I found these perfect for those early morning rides. This bib is supportive, breathable, and provides the same base riding experience as most other bibs. The biggest difference between these and others in the test was the materials, density, and finishes. For this price, the materials are thicker and less refined.
Pros
- Fabric
- Price
- Fit
Cons
- Not Enough Colors
Updated Aug. 12th 2024:
OrNot out of SF, recently just updated the Cargo bib short to feature a newer softer hand/finish and bigger leg gippers. The Cargo bib short features 4 pockets, the coziest straps, and a high-density endurance chamois. Priced extremely well for the materials, features, and fit this bib, is a no-brainer add to the closet.
