Cycle Chic: what to wear on a bike
Photos: Claire Pepper
‘Everyone knows everything about you,’ said one of my real-life friends recently, ‘It’s all online.’ Obviously, I disagreed. And, between you and me and all my virtual friends, I know that I’m right. I am very careful about what I divulge online and never switch the location settings on. Though social media can feel like relentless over-sharing, I like to think that I am relatively discreet. After a recent piece about sportswear, a reader commented on how impressed they were that I ride a bike. Now this is something that my friends are aware of In Real Life (IRL), but virtual pals are not. It’s hardly a big reveal but from an early age, I’ve always had a bicycle. As a fashion editor, I cycled to work everyday – I also played football (soccer) and my deputy had a brown belt in karate, we were a pretty kick-ass team.
On the way to a fashion shoot one day, I was knocked off my bike by a man in a van, at a very large junction. I ended up with one arm in plaster, the other in a sling (a dislocated right shoulder and a broken bone in my left hand). Needless to say, as a lifelong cyclist I wasn’t going to let that deter me and was back on my bike as soon as was physically possible. Though I stopped cycling to work and subsequently avoid central London and rush-hour traffic.
Now freelance, I love being back on my bike more. Cycling to and from the south London workspace I share with a friend, calls for relaxed everyday clothes that allow freedom of movement – and don’t look out of place at the local coffee shop. I’m not obsessed about having the right kit; a jumpsuit and lightweight jacket will do the trick. This orange bomber was in the sale at Uniqlo, earlier this year. The jumpsuit is from Hush and, when I’m not in a onesie, I tend to wear Hush harem pants and leggings with a Super Shirt and trainers or Tevas. The Poc performance sunglasses were borrowed from fellow cyclist, the photographer Claire Pepper. While the Biker’s Bomber is not waterproof, it is lightweight and good for cooler summer days.
One thing I am never without (apart from when posing for photoshoots) is a helmet. Several Christmas’ ago Mr That’s Not My Age bought me a Hovding, designed in Sweden this is a large collar that zips around the neck and activates an airbag helmet when necessary (it’s quite hard to describe – watch the video HERE). Yep. These days I embrace wearable tech and come winter, I’ll revert to my ProViz cycling jacket – which is the only other piece of proper cycle kit that I own. Better safe than sorry.
Please note: Affiliate links in this post may generate commission
Where to find proper cyclewear:
Rapha (for the style conscious with a big budget)
Cafe du Cyclist ( French cycle chic)
Velo Vixen (sells padded knickers and other stuff)
Threo (designed by women for women)
Machines for Freedom (cycle jerseys in outstanding prints)
As bold As (commuter wear)
Cycle Chic ( a one-stop shop, as recommended by That’s Not My Age reader Cathy Eastburn)
Findra (merino wool performance wear, made in Scotland).
Discussion (25 Comments)
Cynthia says:
You are wearing sandals in the photo. I Always have my toes covered when cycling. I wear Keen brand sandals, which have the big rubber toe covering. I find they are very comfortable for cycling and walking. Wondering too about wearing a jumpsuit when cycling…..doesn’t it pull somewhat? I love the look of a jumpsuit, just not the inconvenience of getting out of it in the toilet!
Hello Cynthia, I can confirm that looser fitting jumpsuits and action sandals are fine for cycling in.
Yolande Knight says:
I cycle quite a lot, and I’m all about the luminous clothing. I’m like the sun. I drive a lot for work, both day and at night, and it’s amazing how many people cycle wearing clothes that mean you just can’t see them until the last minute, most especially, for some reason, lots of men all in black. I know from driving that you need to be as visible as possible as a cyclist, especially at the speeds cars and lorries etc. go these days. So- that’s me, luminous from head-to-toe, a massive luminous pannier on the road side of the bike (forcing cars to take a wider line around me), lights agogo, and a massive helmet. Fashionable? Nope. Safe? Safer, at least.
Maureen Lancaster says:
Well said. As a motorist (I can’t cycle these days as I have MS) I get so cross at cyclists wearing all black with tiny or no lights especially when it’s dusk or dark. Be seen be safe used to be the motto. Wish more cyclists would follow it
I’m always flabbergasted by people who cycle without lights. Always have lights with me and wear a hi-viz jacket at night and throughout winter.
Louize says:
I have been hesitating to buy the hovding “helmet” for over a year, but wondered how comfortable it would actually be – it was a lot to use once then to get hung up as it isn’t pleasant to use… I’d love to know how you find it?
Hello Louize, I like my Hodving. It did feel a bit awkward and cumbersome at first but you soon get used to wearing it and the fabric softens to fit the neck. To be honest, it was a bit warm during the heatwave! – but then a traditional helmet has similar issues and cycling is easily the best way to get around in summer.
Thanks for the great feedback, I think I will take the plunge and order one! I cycle everywhere in Brussels and it can be quite hair raising at times!!
jules says:
Thanks, Alison, for mentioning the helmet that you wear when you ride. If only everyone would remember to wear a helmet. Remember, too, that drivers of all kinds of vehicles will always do something unexpected and stupid and the cyclist is NEVER going to come out the winner of that event. Fewer deaths, one hopes, and definitely fewer folks having to relearn their alphabet if they do wear a helmet and survive…having said that, I find that those lovely people who are commenting seem to be from the area around you-perhaps not? Count your blessings that most Europeans are conscious of cyclists and European cities plan for cycle commuters. We are not so lucky in the US where I reside. More people here need to wear helmets and to learn to see cyclists like me and my husband-regardless of how chic or stylist we appear. Tailwinds and descents!
Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet when I was knocked off my bike by the erratic van driver – otherwise my injuries could’ve been much worse.
Very sorry that you had to experience an accident at all but thrilled that you recovered fully. Also apologize for spelling your name incorrectly. Thank you for your books and this site. I have learned so many things from you!
THOMAS ZRNICH says:
I live in the Detroit Michigan area and cycle locally streets and sidewalks. In my experience some drivers are actually hostile to cyclists and deliberately threaten us. I do not ride at night no exceptions. I am 77. Happy trails!!!!
Cathy Eastburn says:
THANK YOU for this piece, much appreciated! I’m a keen London cyclist, cycle everywhere in all weathers & do my best to look good while doing it (though inevitably it does sometimes involve peeling off unattractive waterproof trousers in hallways or office receptions before revealing myself to friends or colleagues). I think I was the one that recommended the Cycle Chic website to you, so thanks for mentioning it, as they’re really good & in particular have a fab selection of helmets (including my personal favourite, by Thousand). And I love your other suggestions most of which I’ve never come across, especially As Bold As and Velo Vixen… from the latter I’ve snapped up some of their padded pants, which I think will greatly help with my longer cross-London rides on my stylish but not very female-friendly Brooks saddle. And your pics of the Hush range… oh dear, I can sense that I’m gonna blow £95 on one of their jumpsuits before too long.
So pleased to see Findra on your recommended list, Alyson. As a regular cyclist living in Edinburgh it’s been great to see Alex has recently opened a shop here; so good to actually feel the quality of her merino tops and not just to look online. I’m a big fan of merino wool for cycling. I can highly recommend her products. So few cycle-wear companies cater properly for the female shape in a stylish non black/pink way.
Christine says:
My husband’s a big city cyclist. I have resigned myself to at least one epic visit to the emergency room per year.
Ciclochick says:
Honestly? This is ridiculous. And looks ridiculous. Where’s the helmet? I cycle 100 miles a week to keep fit and slim. Those trousers are simply not practical. I’ve been knocked off my bike by a car and fractured my pelvic in five places…and tore various bits of clothing. You need protective gear when you’re cycling, be it a yard, a mile or a hundred. Cycling is not the place in which to look chic. I’m all about chicness, I really am: I always like to look my best, always wear make-up, etc. But high fashion on a bike with those silly designer shades? No. Just no. That really is the way to look like an idiot.
Dear Ciclochick, as it says in the post, when I’m on the road I am never without a helmet. I cycle 20 minutes each way to the office and this kind of clothing suits me, as I don’t need to change when I get there. If I’m travelling further or the weather’s bad, I wear leggings. I’m sorry to hear about your accident and agree we do need protective clothing which is why I wear a ProViz jacket at night and throughout winter. The sunglasses are ‘performance’ glasses designed by a sportswear brand. As someone who has also been injured in a road accident, I take things very seriously.
Rebecca says:
I’ve cycled for forty five years in my usual school/work/play clothes, in high heels, in work boots, in short skirts, in knicks, several times in an academic gown and once, memorably, in a strapless silk dupion cocktail dress. For the first twenty years I cycled without a helmet since there were no compulsory helmet laws. I’ve cycled on quiet back lanes, mountain bike trails and busy arterial roads. My bike has been my main form of transport to work for fifteen years, rain or shine. I have never had an accident. I have never been hurt. I have never come off my bike. Whether I’m lucky or have just found that sweet spot of assertive+defensive riding, I don’t know. My point? There are many modes and reasons to ride a bike and Ciclochick, you don’t get to judge their merits. Using words like ‘ridiculous’ and ‘idiot’ is breathtakingly rude. Your entire post is disrespectful. Talk about not reading a room. I hope I never read a post here like yours again.
Sue says:
Thank you Rebecca for writing what I was too nervous to. I live in a town where everyone cycles everywhere, all the time, in all weathers and, for the most part, we seem to do it in normal clothes.
Heide says:
Hello Alyson, lovely bike! Is there a Chance to buy it in Germany? Keep on cycling! Heide
Hello Heidi, my bike is by Trek, I’m sure you can find a similar model in Germany.
kathryn 
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I love that orange jacket, Alyson. Hubby and I cycle quite a bit, but not for transportation, sadly. It would be lovely to just hop on my bike and pedal off to have coffee with a friend or whatever. But we live in the country, on a busy road in very poor repair, with no paved shoulder. I stopped riding on it years ago. Too darned dangerous!
Nowadays, Hubby and I load our bikes in the truck and drive somewhere where we can cycle safely.