Clothes after training on the way home

Short answer: The twenty minutes home after training are when most people get cold. The body is warm, the clothes are damp and the air outside is cold, so change into something dry before you go out.

Change before you go out

Even five minutes in damp clothes in cold air is enough to leave you cold all the way home. The damp fabric draws heat from the skin, and wind speeds that up. Spend two minutes in the changing room putting on something dry. A soft layer on top holds the warmth. See bamboo sweat for men and women.

Dry socks first

Wet feet in cold shoes are the quickest way to get cold. Your feet have been sweating the whole session, and the socks are often the dampest thing you wear. Change them first. Always keep a spare pair in the bag for exactly that. See socks for men and women.

A layer over everything

A soft outer layer holds on to the warmth you have left. Under it, keep a dry inner layer close to the body. A tank top or T-shirt under the sweatshirt makes it easier to adjust if you warm up on the bike. See bamboo tank tops for men.

The body stops producing heat

During training the body produces heat all the time. When you stop, that drops quickly, but the clothes are still damp and keep cooling. That is why you can feel warm in the changing room and cold five minutes later. Plan for that, not for how you feel right now.

Bike, bus or on foot

On a bike the wind is the main problem, and a layer that closes snugly at the neck helps. On the bus it is the wait at the stop that is cold. Walking home warms you a little on the way, but you start cold. Match the layer to the trip.

Damp clothes in a separate bag

Damp workout clothes should not sit with the dry ones. Put them in a separate bag so the clean change stays dry and the bag does not get damp. Take the bag out as soon as you get home.

A jacket is not enough

A warm jacket over a damp T-shirt keeps the moisture against the skin. You feel warm for the first few minutes, but the moisture keeps cooling. Change the inner layer first, then put the jacket on. The order is what matters, not how warm the jacket is.

Washing and the next change

At home it is time to get the bag ready for next time. Wash the used clothes at a moderate temperature with a mild detergent and let them air dry. Put a fresh dry change and a spare pair of socks in the bag.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you get cold on the way home from training

Because the body stops producing heat while the damp clothes keep cooling the skin.

What should you do first

Change into dry clothes, starting with the socks. Wet feet cool the whole body fastest, especially in cold shoes.

Is it enough to put on a jacket

No, not over damp clothes. The moisture under the jacket keeps cooling, however warm the jacket is.