Sweatshirt for the commuter who cycles in windy weather

Short answer: If you cycle to work in windy weather, the sweatshirt should fit closely enough not to flap, with a jacket or wind-resistant layer over it. Choose a soft layer next to the skin, cuffs that hold, and a length that covers the lower back when you lean forward.

Why the wind makes the difference

The wind carries heat away from the body, especially if the fabric is loose and lets air through. You feel it most on the chest, at the neck and at the wrists. A sweatshirt is soft and comfortable, but it is not made to block wind on its own, so it works best with a layer on top.

A fit that does not flap

A loose, flapping garment slows you down and rustles in the wind. Choose a sweatshirt that sits comfortably close across the shoulders and body, without pulling when you lean over the handlebars. Try standing in a riding position and check that the fabric does not bunch at the stomach.

The length in the back

Cyclists lean forward, and then many sweaters ride up and leave the lower back bare. Choose a sweatshirt with a little extra length at the back, or see whether the hem stays in your trousers. A draught on your back is cold and unpleasant, and it can often be avoided with a couple of extra centimetres.

Cuffs at wrist and hem

Firm ribbing keeps the wind out at the wrist and waist, so the sweater stays in place. Feel whether the ribbing is elastic enough to go over the hand but firm enough to stay on. A worn-out cuff lets the wind in, so replace the garment when that happens.

An outer layer over the sweatshirt

Let the sweatshirt be the mid layer and choose a thin windbreaker or rain jacket on top if it is very windy. Then you have a soft, warm base and the jacket takes the wind. Take it in your bag if you want to remove layers along the way. See bamboo sweatshirt for women for the range of sweaters.

Trousers and legs

With the sweatshirt on, you still need the lower half, because your legs get cold in the wind too. Sweatpants with a cuff at the ankle keep clear of the chain, while loose legs can get caught. See bamboo jogging sets if you want a sweater and trousers in the same style, but check that the leg does not hang in the chain.

Sweaty commuters

The wind can make sweat cool quickly, so change or dry off when you arrive. Keep a dry top in your bag and hang the sweaty one over a chair so it can dry. If you ride the same route every day, you soon find how many layers you need for it.

Feet and toes

On a cold ride, toes and fingers are often the first to get cold. A pair of soft socks in shoes that are not too tight lets in more air and so gives better warmth. You can see the range among socks for women if you want something soft in your shoes on cold days.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sweatshirt enough when it is windy on the bike?

Often not on its own, because the fabric is soft and lets wind through. Use it as a mid layer under a thin, wind-resistant jacket, and you get the warmth from the sweatshirt and shelter from the jacket.

How do I stop the sweater riding up at the back?

Choose a model with a little extra length at the back and try it in a riding position. Check that the hem covers the lower back when you lean over and that the cuff does not pull.

Should the sweatshirt fit tight or loose on the bike?

Comfortably close, so it does not flap, but without pulling when you lean forward. A loose sweater slows you down and rustles in the wind, while one that is too tight restricts movement.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.