Summer cycling clothing: how to dress for riding in the heat
Summer cycling clothing guide: breathable jerseys, UV protection, gloves and glasses for riding comfortably in hot weather.
Written by the editorial team at Velunite
When temperatures climb, the right clothing is the difference between an enjoyable ride and two hours of suffering under the sun. It's not just about wearing less, but about choosing fabrics and garments built specifically for heat.
Fabric matters more than colour
The first rule of summer cycling kit is the fabric: look for lightweight, breathable, quick-drying technical materials designed to wick sweat away from the skin. Colour, light or dark, matters less than you'd think compared with fabric quality and how well the garment is ventilated.
Short-sleeve jersey: the base of any summer outfit
A lightweight technical jersey with an adjustable front zip and mesh panels under the arms or on the back helps dissipate heat on the hardest sections. Rear pockets stay useful in summer too, for gels, a phone and a small repair kit.
Shorts and bib shorts for hot weather
In summer many riders prefer lightweight shorts over heavier bib shorts, though bibs remain the more comfortable choice for many on long rides thanks to straps that don't compress the stomach. The chamois pad should be chosen based on how many kilometres you typically ride: more hours in the saddle generally call for a more structured pad.
Sun protection: glasses, sunscreen and sleeves
Cycling glasses aren't just about looks: they protect against UV rays, wind, and insects or debris at speed. Sweat-resistant sunscreen on exposed skin, and for riders who are especially sun-sensitive, arm or leg sleeves with UPF protection, round out the protection without needing to over-dress.
Summer gloves: a few grams, a big difference
A lightweight summer glove, even with just padding on the palm, reduces hand numbness on long rides and offers a little protection in a fall. Even in the height of August many riders still wear one for exactly this reason.
Light colours and visibility
Beyond staying cool, light colours reflect light better and help drivers see you around midday, when sun glare can reduce visibility for everyone. Reflective details still matter in summer too, for rides that start at dawn or finish at dusk.
Socks and headwear: the details riders forget
A lightweight, breathable technical sock stops your feet overheating inside a closed shoe, while a thin headband or skull cap wicks sweat before it reaches your eyes. On the helmet itself, in the hottest months it's worth favouring generous ventilation over a shape optimised mainly for aerodynamics.
Hydration and clothing go together
No technical garment, however well chosen, replaces proper hydration: on longer summer rides an extra bottle or a frame bag with a bladder makes the real difference in how you feel after two hours in the sun. Dressing light is about dissipating the heat your body produces, not about drinking less.
Building a kit on a budget
Riders just starting out can focus on two pieces: a breathable jersey and glasses with UV protection, which cover most of the benefit on their own. With a bigger budget, it makes sense to add dedicated summer gloves and UPF arm or leg sleeves for longer days in direct sun, such as a summer gran fondo or a long weekend ride.
Washing and caring for technical fabrics
Summer technical fabrics lose some of their sweat-management ability when washed with fabric softener, which tends to coat the fibres and reduce breathability. A low-temperature wash, no softener, and air drying keeps the garments performing better and extends their useful life.
Recommended products
Breathable short-sleeve cycling jersey: the base of any summer outfit — choose it for fit and ventilation.
Cycling glasses with UV protection: useful against sun, wind and debris at speed.
Padded summer cycling gloves: a few grams that make a real difference on long rides.
Sweat-resistant sport sunscreen: apply to arms, neck and legs before heading out.
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