Clothes for spinning

Short answer: Spinning is forty minutes of high intensity in a closed room with no wind. You sweat more than in almost any other indoor workout, and your clothes need to cope from the first minute to the last.

No wind to cool you

When you cycle outdoors, the airflow carries away some of your sweat. In a spinning studio the air stands still, and sweat evaporates far more slowly. That is why everything gets wet. A thin bamboo T-shirt for women sits close to the skin and spreads moisture out so it can evaporate.

The saddle creates friction

Forty minutes in the saddle puts pressure on the same points the whole time. Any seam or edge in the crotch becomes noticeable after a while. Choose a layer without thick seams there that lies smooth. For the warm up and the trip home, bamboo sweat clothes are a soft and comfortable choice.

Feet in stiff shoes

Cycling shoes are stiff and closed, and your feet get warm because they work the whole hour without a break. A thin sock that lies smooth without folds helps prevent rubbing. Socks for women in bamboo are soft and follow the foot. Check that the sock does not slip down at the heel as you pedal.

One thin layer is enough

Many people turn up to spinning in too many clothes. After five minutes you are warm, and after ten everything is wet. A thin layer on top and close fitting leggings or shorts are usually enough. If you feel cold at the start, a light top can come off once the warm up is over.

A dry set for afterwards

After forty minutes everything is soaked through. Bring a completely dry set, including socks and underwear, and change as soon as the class ends. It feels good, and you avoid cooling down on the way home in damp clothes. A separate pouch for the wet kit keeps the rest of your bag dry.

Towel and water

A small towel over the handlebars is handy for wiping your face and hands along the way. A bottle of water within reach is also a good idea, since you lose fluid through sweat. Some gyms ask for a towel on the saddle or bars, so check the rules where you train.

Washing after spinning

Clothes from a spinning class are wet and should be washed after every session. Hang them up as soon as you get home rather than leaving them in your bag. Turn them inside out, wash at the temperature on the label and skip fabric softener. Air drying helps them keep their shape.

When the class is over

Many people stop early because the saddle or their clothes chafe. That is a sign something needs adjusting. Try a different saddle height or a different layer, and ask the instructor to help with the setup. Small changes can make a big difference to how well you get through the class.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you sweat so much in spinning?

Because there is no wind to carry the sweat away. Indoors without moving air it evaporates far more slowly, and your clothes get wet.

What should you wear?

A thin layer that moves moisture, plus a completely dry set for afterwards. Everything is soaked through within forty minutes.

What about the saddle?

Choose a layer without thick seams in the crotch. Forty minutes in the same position makes every edge noticeable, and it is a common reason people stop early.