Bike to Work Day – May 19th this year, 2023 – gives many people a great reason to reignite their love of riding to work or encourage them to take on a two-wheeled commute for the first time. Of course, cycling to work can call for quite a bit of preparation. Besides bike maintenance, physical fitness, and getting comfortable with urban cycling, a big obstacle to commuting by bike is having suitable bike to work clothing.
In fact, many will tell you that you don’t need any special clothes at all to ride a bike to work. Just something comfortable, preferably moisture wicking, and maybe layers you can add and subtract from your outfit to deal with changing temperatures and the possibility of wet weather.
But if you need to look professional at work, and sometimes join friends to relax after hours, you’ll want something suitable for each part of your busy day. Changing and keeping track of clothing starts to be a logistical challenge. Additionally, if you are commuting by bike regularly or seeking to start, you’re going to expect more from your bike to work clothing.
Here’s your guide to the best pieces in our Spring/Summer line that we recommend adding to your bike to work wardrobe
First, let’s step into the dress shop.
Wouldn’t it be great if one outfit could do it all? Moving smoothly from a morning ride, through a day at the office, to an evening on the town is a lot to ask of an outfit. Comfortable to ride in means the cut and fit has to be just right, with good moisture control, and comfort through a range of temperatures; fitting in at the workplace means striking the right balance of all-day comfort and professional appearance. To make the transition to evening, you’ll need something with extra personality.
Not many pieces can do all that, but we created the Cyclo Dress and carry a range of one-piece wonders from Krimson Klover, Maloja, and Benares that were designed with these challenges in mind.
Cyclo Dress: Light, breathable, UPF 50+ and made to move with you all summer long and from one activity to the next. Equipped with a hidden, front zipper for increased ventilation and a classic, a-line cut so you always arrive sweat-free and in style.
Emma & Piper: Thoughtfully designed by Krimson Klover, these adventure-ready, travel weight styles feature built-in bras and soft, stretchy, and lightweight performance fabrics to keep you comfortable and gently supported no matter where you’re headed. Oh, and of course they have pockets!
Nuova & Adventure Multi Sport Dresses: If you decide to play hooky and take the scenic route, you can seamlessly stroll into a meeting wearing one of Maloja’s elevated active dresses without anyone knowing you were just in the saddle.
Dolman Dress: A very bike friendly silhouette and a fit that is as flattering as it is forgiving makes the Dolman Dress from Benares easy-peasy to carry in your bike bag.
Soleil – sun protection and versatility make a great bike to work clothing choice
The Soleil collection is another line with great qualities for bike to work clothing – performance fabrics, built in UPF 50+ protection, great comfort and versatility, and dresses up and layers wonderfully. If you did want to ditch your Soleil upon arriving to work, it folds up to nearly nothing and is wrinkle resistant so you’ll still look polished for the trip home.
“My Soleil cycling tops are the best. Not only do they protect my fair skin from the sun, but also allow me to go right from bike to desk and still look well dressed. If I pair the top with a cardigan or blazer, I’m even ready for a meeting or lunch.” – Terry Customer Service Queen, Lisa
Some of our other bike to work clothing favorites:
Liners – your best option for turning anything into cycling wear
We have a most impressive lineup of liners, ready to be combined with your favorite pieces so you can commute—and even go the distance—in comfort. Integrating a padded liner into your existing wardrobe is one of the easiest ways to go bike mode in a flash.
Shop all bike liners here.
Below-The-Knee & Baggy Bike Bottoms
The longer length and tapered-but-not-tight fit make these BTK bottoms very work appropriate while providing comfort and protection for commuting, trail riding, hiking, or travel.
Vista BTK – The lightweight stretch woven fabric is durable for daily use in the city or the backcountry; where you ride it is entirely up to you. The Vista BTK employs pull-on styling with a wide stretch waistband to easily and comfortably accommodate a wide variety of body types and comes equipped with a removable and minimalist, Cyclo Brief 2.0 liner. 16.75 inch inseam.
Metro BTK – A full length gusset through the crotch makes it very pedal friendly and having a detachable, padded Universal liner and all kinds of pockets allows you the freedom of wearing it on the bike and beyond. Made from recycled polyester, it’s lightweight, durable, and quiet in motion. 16.5 inch inseam. View the full Metro line for more commuter savvy styles.
Joanie Capri – A Terry Staff Favorite, the Joanie Capri by Club Ride is padless so you’re free to pair it up with your favorite liner or wear it solo and enjoy the easy fit construction. 16.5 inch inseam.
Pair the Joanie Capri with the Bandara Top to complete your bike to work ensemble. The feminine and forgiving fit and pearl snap buttons make it look more like a blouse than a cycling jersey, but don’t let that fool you: it’s made with a lightweight, quick-drying, UPF 50+ stretch woven fabric, and features a hidden zippered pocket, breathable mesh panels, and reflective accents.
Zoic’s answer to commuter-casual comes in the form of baggy shorts. Cut for comfort and style, both on and off the bike, and available in a variety of colors and patterns as well as both regular and plus sizing, their Navaeh Shorts are excellent contenders for your bike to work wardrobe.
We’ve even brought in some Men’s bottoms from Zoic with a similar host of performance features to show cycle commuting doesn’t have to just be for us chicas.
Check out our blog on the News In Loose Fit Shorts.
Cycling Skorts & Skirts
Skorts and Skirts have long been a pillar in our go-anywhere and do-anything approach to cycling apparel. Our Metro Skort and Rover Skort are particularly versatile and primed for commuting because they combine the clean lines and sophisticated femininity of a skirt, with performance packed, detachable liners that can be shed when it’s time to clock into your work day.
The Wellington Skort is vetted for your venture and well suited for all-day wear with a padless, integrated liner, wrinkle resistance, UPF 40+ sun protection, and 4-way stretch.
Our Mixie Skirt, Mixie Ultra, Wrapper Skirt, and Zipper Skirt are considered to be the ultimate commuter and travel staples by many. Modest in length and ready to be thrown over your spandex or into your bike bag at a moment’s notice, they are clever, quick cover companions that help ensure you’re within dress code.
Check out our full selection of cycling skorts & skirts here.
Tees With Technical Prowess
Casually styled yet packed full of performance, our Tech Tee line and new Rover 3/4 Sleeve Top provide a street smart approach to bike apparel. Beyond the loose, flowing fit, the magic is in the moisture wicking, sun protective fabric we use to keep you cool and dry throughout your commute, work day, and happy hour festivities.
“The Tech Tee Flow Long Sleeve is such a comfortable, lightweight shirt. The first time I wore it, I used it as an undershirt for my scrubs. I was crazy comfortable but disappointed no one could see the cute design. As the weather gets warmer, I’ll be wearing it out for all my spring bike rides. I can’t wait!” – Rated 5 stars by Terry Customer, Chris M.
Multifunctional Footwear
The Via Shoe from TIEM combines the casual aesthetic of your favorite sneaker with the technical excellence of a cycling specific cleat. The stiff bottom design provides increased power behind your pedaling and has a recessed SPD assembly—meaning the part where you clip into your bike’s pedals isn’t sticking out so you can move off the bike and walk into the office with ease.
The Supporting Cast – Bras & Baselayers
Lay the foundation for a successful commute with a premier support system in the form of breathable, moisture wicking bras and baselayers that excel at cycling.
Shop all bras & base layers here.
Hi Viz
Last, but definitely not least, we recommend investing in some reflective gear to ensure you’re seen by drivers and fellow pedestrians, especially during the low light hours that often occur in tandem with commuting to and from work.
Mistral Jacket: Eye catching, weightless, translucent and completely wind protective, our first-ever shell jacket packs into its own rear zip pocket when not in use for easy storage in your bike bag or jersey pocket.
Hybrid Bike Jacket: Full wind protection in front; moisture transport and temperature regulation in rear; high visibility where it counts — the Hybrid Jacket is a do it all in one garment to round out your riding repertoire.
Bolero Light: Our lightweight Boleros are a convenient way to incorporate a hi viz accent into your outfit and are the perfect warm-up for sleeveless and short sleeved tops or sun protection (UPF 50+) throughout the spring and summer.
Tailwinds and happy travels! May all your bike to work clothing serve you well for bike month and beyond.
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