Biking to work is an increasingly popular choice for many—fusing daily exercise with eco-friendly commuting. However, finding the balance between cycle-friendly attire and office-appropriate outfits can be a tricky endeavor.
Here are some of our best tips for a comfortable and stylish ride into the office.
- Prioritize the Right Fabrics
As you know, cycling requires a wide range of motion. You never want your clothing to restrict your ability to pedal comfortably. Performance fabrics are intentionally designed to give you the flexibility you need while also wicking away moisture from your body. This keeps you comfortable, dry, and fresh.
There are more performance fabrics on the market than ever before. On the one hand, that’s good news. (It means you have plenty of choices.) On the other hand, it makes selecting the right fabric more challenging. The most common options are:
- Spandex/Lycra: These are stretchy fabrics that are often used to make cycling shorts or tights.
- Polyester Blends: These blends combine polyester with elastane or another stretchy material to provide both flexibility and moisture-wicking.
- Merino Wool: While the thought of wearing “wool” doesn’t exactly sound enticing when you’re cycling, Merino wool is a special kind of moisture-wicking material that also keeps you warm (making it ideal for a base layer in cooler months).
- Dri-FIT: This is one of the most popular athletic wear options on the market. Originally designed by Nike to keep moisture away from the body, almost every athletic company now has their own version.
- Cotton Blends: You definitely don’t want a lot of cotton in your base layers, but cotton blended products can work well for outer layers on cool, dry days.
- Nylon: Lightweight nylon fabrics are breathable and quick-drying, making them a great choice for warm-weather riding.
- Be Clever With Layering
Layering is a smart strategy for bike commuters who may encounter fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions during their rides. It allows you to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a polished look for the office.
Depending on the time of year, there are three layers to consider:
- Base layer. This is the first line of defense – and the layer that comes into direct contact with your body. It has to be moisture-wicking and comfortable. You want it to fit snugly without being restrictive.
- Mid-layer. The mid-layer is designed for the purpose of keeping you warm. It should have some insulation properties, while also being breathable and easy to remove.
- Outer-layer. While optional, an outer layer is designed to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements. It should be lightweight, waterproof, and easy to fold up and store when not in use.
The beauty of layering is that it allows you to adapt. This is especially important if there are drastic changes in temperature or conditions between the morning and evening hours. Having layers on hand gives you the ability to be comfortable no matter what the weather does.
- Find the Right Shoes
Footwear is a critical element when it comes to dressing for your bike commute. Finding the right shoes that balance comfort, cycling efficiency, and a professional appearance can elevate your overall biking experience and seamlessly transition you from the bike saddle to the office chair.
If you’re biking anything more than a mile or two, it’s highly recommended that you get cycling-specific shoes for the ride and then carry your office shoes in your backpack.
There are two types of cycling shoes: clipless and flat pedal. Clipless shoes have cleats on the sole that attach to compatible pedals and ensure a very secure connection. Flat pedals, on the other hand, simply use a grippy sole for traction. Most people can get away just fine with flat pedal shoes.
- Pick a Good Bag
You’re going to need a good bag when cycling into work. Ideally, this is not a briefcase or an over-the-shoulder messenger-style bag. Instead, you should get a nice backpack.
Portland Leather Goods offers some nice leather backpacks that are both stylish and practical. (Ideal if you want a comfortable bag that also looks professional when entering the workplace.)
Ride to Work in Style
There are a multitude of benefits associated with cycling to work – including physical health perks, mental health advantages, cost advantages, and eco-friendliness. However, unless you learn how to dress for the adventure, you won’t last long. Not understanding how to properly dress for both cycling and a day in the office is one of the most common reasons that people give up and go back to riding in a car. Hopefully, this article has armed you with some useful suggestions that you can put into play right away!