We’re talking 5˚C to 18˚C – effectively 80% of the weather you’ll face in the UK. Discerning Cyclist was created to help bridge the gap between and style and functionality – and showcase the most stylish urban cycling clothes for commuters. There’s three zippered pockets, too – two for your hands and one on your chest. To kick start your search for the best bike jacket for your needs, I’m going to take a look at some special features and materials to look out for. Reflective elements keep you safe in the dark as doe the bright yellow color. What is IPX2? Now you can bike to work comfortably no matter the weather. Of course, your first port of call should be waterproof and water-resistance, because getting drenched by the heavens en route to work is nobody’s idea of fun. Meanwhile, 3M reflective trim keeps you visible even if you have to drive your bike home in the dark. If a jacket can keep you dry, can it keep you from sweating and dry? The jacket has an attached adjustable hood with zippered hand pockets and a storm flap over the zipper. Lastly, the jacket comes with useful features such as an adjustable hood, abrasion-resistant chin guard, zippered hand pockets, and adjustable cuffs. Breathable mesh on the back provides added ventilation. What is IPX1? The jacket is ready to take you to work or to the trails and keep you dry. While some people prefer hardy waterproof cycling jackets, soft shell bike jackets are also popular as they are better suited to day-to-day life, while offering a basic level of water-resistance. The higher the number, the better it works to keep you dry. Honestly, if you need specific work clothing, it may be best to wear cycling clothes and change into work clothes once you get to work, depending on your circumstances. Lightweight bike jackets are normally made out of materials like, while you can obviously find jackets that also combine water resistant properties, such as the polyamide nylon, and reflective detailing, such as Resolute Bay’s LS2 jacket – which features discreet reflective pin striping across the jacket, as well as IPX5 waterproof properties and even a detachable hood. Cycling can definitely increase the creases and sweat on your clothing, so consider bringing your work clothes or having at set at the office. Plus, its woven forearm patches add abrasion resistance in areas of high wear. Omni-Shield helps you stay clean and dry by resisting the absorption of liquids. Click here to skip straight to them. As it’s a lightweight rain jacket, it’s perfect for hiking, backpacking, biking, commuting, and other light travel needs. Rapha Core Rain Jacket II. Pockets are so often overlooked when designing urban cycling jackets. Wind-blocking jackets: A wind jacket like the REI Co-op Link works well for cool days when the forecast suggests that a full-fledged storm is unlikely. See which ones we recommend! In a washing machine, don’t wash your waterproof jacket with other items or more than two clothes at a time. There are also zipper hand, internal chest and back storage pockets, and reflective detailing on the left sleeve, cuffs and lower back to keep you visible to everyone on those darker commutes. Best front lights for bikes in 2021 as rated by our expert testers. A great value winter top that’s ideal if you need a jacket for commuting duties as well as training. For one thing, you’re gonna expend lots of energy. The coat uses PrimaLoft Silver Insulation to keep its weight to a minimum, while maintaining a toasty level of warmth at the same time. Nor is it particularly water resistant. But having a good couple of hand pockets – ideally with zips – are hugely useful for commuters and something I consider integral when I’m picking out a new bike jacket. Also, it only comes in fluorescent yellow. We reviewed the best and most water-tight bike jackets for commuting. More breathable gear specifically designed for wearing while cycling (i.e. A good cycling jacket can make winter riding not just bearable, but actually pretty fun, and this list shows the best of the bunch. The best bike-commuter jackets for men Todd Snyder Italian Boucle Knit Shirt Jacket $388 “I have clients for my consulting business all over Manhattan, so I try to bike every day almost year-round. Remember, not all fabrics can go in either the washing machine or the dryer. The Best Water Resistant Cycling Jackets Canyon Signature Urban Reflective Turn Jacket Why choose between style off the bike and being visible in … You can also buy a reflective belt if you don’t want to wear reflective tape or if your jacket is not extra visible. And with zipped chest and hand-warmer pockets, you’ll have ample room to store your belongings, while its reflectivity makes it viable to wear even in the darkest of mornings and nights. With water resistant jackets though, it’s possible that the material can also breathe more. But of course, always check the clothing label for advice, too. Do you want a jacket ready to walk right into the office with you? This post has set out to bring you the best cycling jacket for cold weather, with five options for both men and women. Long core vents along the side of the garment, as well as a large back vent provide additional means of expelling excess heat, ADJUSTABLE: For a personalized fit, the Elite 2.1 features a cinch chord at the collar and double toggle cinch chord at the hem | Large, airflow regulating cuffs provide increased ventilation and adjustability on the fly, ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Fully seam taped for wind and waterproofness | Chest pocket with audio port and large back pocket | 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material trim for maximum visibility | Soft moisture wicking lining at collar | Hood compatible via hook and loop attachment points at collar | Locker loop at collar | Light loop on back vent, SIZING: (CHEST) XS – [32-34”], SM – [34-36”], MD - [36-38”], LG - [38-40”], XL – [41-43”], XXL – [45-47”] (SLEEVE) XS – [33”], SM – [34”], MD - [35”], LG - [36”], XL – [37”], XXL – [38”], WATERPROOF: Water-repellent fully seam sealed rain Cycling Jacket can work under over 5000mm pressure head（Breathability Rating: 3000g/m2/24hr), LIGHTWEIGHT & PACKABLE: Garment is light and can be packed into a small self-contained bundle in the back pocket conveniently, ENHANCED BREATHABILITY: Breathable fabric and ventilation system in the back help keep you cool and dry when cycling, 5 POCKETS: One back pocket, two hand pockets with zippers and two inner pockets securely store your items like 6.5" mobile phone, ELASTC ROPE HOOD: Hood with a cord adjusters to well protect your face from rain and wind, suitable for cycling, running, hiking, golf, walking， motorcycle riding or other outdoor sports, Artex 2.5 layer double charcoal print waterproof-breathable hard shell fabric features fully taped seams, and reinforced shoulder protection from moisture and backpack abrasion, 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material trim provides maximum visibility, Extra long core vents prevent overheating while front hand warmer pockets and inside chest pocket provide warmth and media storage, Soft, moisture-wicking lining at collar and light loop at collar, Waterproof & Lightweight Fabric-- Interior is laminated TPU membrane with 5000mm waterproofing and 3000g/m2/24hr breathability, Enhanced Breathability-- Ventilation system in the back helps keep you cool and dry. Can go swimming in this stuff. Women’s cycling jackets with lots of functionality and style are possibly even more plentiful than the options for men, as I discussed in our Stylish Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women post. When you shop for a cycling jacket, the key considerations are whether it will block wind and whether it will it keep you dry. Although, you do have several color options, including a few bright options along with some neutral color choices. Now go forth and find your perfect jacket to make your commute to work better and easier. Choose from black, gray, blues, red, or even yellow to be as visible as you want or blend into your surroundings. The jacket comes in sizes small up to 3XL to fit as tight or as loose as you want in case you need to wear your work clothes on your bike commute. While the jacket isn’t waterproof, it is water-resistant, breathable, lightweight, and it dries quickly. Looking for women’s jackets? The windbreaker is made of 100% breathable polyester and its water resistance. Cycling jackets tend to veer into the crossing guard-look-alike category, yet work incredibly well. It comes with a zippered chest pocket and a big back pocket. In this guide, I’ll help you find the best urban cycling jackets for stylish city commuters, looking at what features and materials you should look for in a casual cycling jacket, as well as look at the different types of gear available, such as waterproof bike jackets, breathable cycling jackets, packable jackets, hi-vis and reflective cycling jackets, as well as hardy winter cycling jackets. Best for: Spring and autumn riding. Tested by having water jets sprays at it for three minutes with 12.5 litres of water firing at it per minute. A notable upgrade on its predecessor, the Cobra 2.0, it’s made of the same waterproof, breathable, three-layer fabric, but boasts new zippered under-arm vents and extra reflective details. Why, yes, it can! Then, wash and rinse at about 30 degrees, before either air-drying or tumble-drying (only tumble-dry on low or medium heat, though.). Another cheap place for cycling clothes is Decathlon. We found the best options and prices for both genders and compiled a handy list taking all factors into consideration, including room for you to wear work clothes underneath your jacket. Okay for light rain and dry snow. With Discerning Cyclist I’m always reviewing urban commuter cycling jackets, and you can read some of them below to get a more in-depth view of these products. It’s even more useful with an adjustable drawstring hem, and anti-skid around the hem too to prevent the jacket from riding up. Regular jackets often don’t fare well when cycling as sleeves ride up your arm, the material is too short on your back and therefore exposing your rear, while warm jackets can often prove too hot when you’re cycling. If you are planning on wearing over your work clothes, you may want to consider going up a size for a little extra room, although the jacket provides ample space and isn’t an overly tight fit. – Provides minimal protection from dripping water (up to 1mm rainfall per minute). Moreover, the jacket provides windproof protection too. The Marmot men’s Minimalist Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket comes with a high price tag and just enough detail for a quick ride to work. It provides ventilation and reinforced shoulders for a seamless transition style you can take into the office or even around town for errands. Castelli’s affordable rain jacket is water-resistant, windproof, and breathable, and comes in black, white, and high-vis yellow. – Protects from spraying water (at any angle up to 60˚) of up to 0.7 litres per minute with water pressure 80-100kPa. But as a great all-rounder, and one which caters for both genders more than adequately, the Rapha jackets are the best jack of all trades (in our humble opinion, anyway). Just because you want to stay warm and dry on your ride doesn’t mean you can’t look good too. Of course, when you’re buying an urban cycling jacket online, it’s important to make sure you’re shopping appropriately for your area and won’t be stung by slow delivery, expensive delivery costs and customs charges. What makes this jacket so special? Save some money with the BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jackets. Another useful feature for cyclists is finding jackets with reflective material. Pick this jacket if you want one to roll up and stick in your backpack and keep you a little warmer on cold mornings. waterproof jackets, lightweight and packable jackets, reflective cycling jackets and cosy winter bike jackets. READ: Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Stylish Urban Riders. You may also be on the lookout for a more stylish cycling jacket, because why just stop at functional when you look great, too? It can combat harsh weather so you can do what you enjoy without concerning yourself over a little rain. The jacket comes with a hood and a minimalist design to focus on keeping you dry and warm. Hence, apart from in extreme rain, it’s typically better to wear a softshell cycling jacket instead of a waterproof bike jacket. Breathable bike jackets come in many different forms, but they typically aren’t found in waterproof materials – although special vents under the arm pits and on the back and chest can help provide. You need the Columbia Men’s Watertight II Waterproof Rain Jacket because it’s not only waterproof but also very sleek and handsome ready to make a great appearance on the road and in the office. Proviz Men’s Nightrider Waterproof Reflective Jacket; Proviz Reflect 360 Waterproof Jacket; Mountain Warehouse 360 Waterproof Jacket; NB: All of the above are affiliate links to Amazon. Castelli Perfetto RoS long sleeve jersey. Water-resistant means it will not immediately soak you, but eventually, you will be soaked. Reflective detailing; Waterproof, stretchable and breathable; Zipped pockets for extra storage TOOL: Find Your Perfect Bike in Less Than 10 Seconds. Mission: Find the Best Waterproof Cycling Jacket. But perhaps its main USP is that it’s reversible – chop and change between its two shades of blue simply turning the coat inside out. The jacket offers 3-layers of fabric for added durability and still maintains waterproof protection. In particular, what do the IPX ratings actually mean? This 2.5-layer coat is waterproof, breathable and has plenty of stretch, with fully-taped seams, as well as an adjustable storm hood and a two-way zipper. And finding the right cycling commuter jacket to suit all weather types can be a complete life saver. Machines may not be the best friend to your waterproof jacket. In particular, if you’re after something a cheap hi-vis cycling jacket, the B’TWIN 500 Hi Vis Waterproof Urban Cycling Jacket is an absolute warrior (although not the prettiest) and costs just £34.99. Waterproofing is measured in the amount of pressure it can withstand in 1,000mm without leaking. The quintessential packable jacket is the Kag in a Bag, something I always associate with school trips. Best Cycling Jacket Under $100 Version: Women’s, Men’s. Whether you're commuting or training, invest in one of the best cycling jackets from Wiggle, Proviz, Lusso and more Getting a jacket that fits well for cycling is also important, as regular jackets can often ride up on the sleeves and back and provide little in the way of stretch – which is useful for cyclists. MSRP: $99.95; Reflective: Yes; Packable: No Do you want to be visible? Our final men’s recommendation is an admittedly dearer jacket, but if you can afford it, you’d be mad to overlook this Velocio Snap Jacket, whether in navy, charcoal or dark olive. Discerning Cyclist is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk. Rating 5,000 – 10,000 – Waterproof under light pressure and rainproof. Each company suggests different care, and as most of these jackets are a bit of an investment, it behooves you to follow instructions. For more on reflective clothing, please see out guide here. Strap the Velcro cuffs into place as tight or as loose as you need for comfort and to trap in heat. Whether you’re an urban commuter or just like riding your bike around the city, your jacket is one of the most important clothing considerations make. In terms of multi-functional men’s cycling jackets that look good, I have two favourites that I use on a regular basis. Both the hem and the hood are adjustable, and the sleeves are loose to allow room for your clothing underneath. All this with a mesh lining for comfort, making it a great option for trails, cycling, walking, and travel. An adjustable hood can keep you warm as it comes with a bill to help block the sun too. What kind of fit does it provide? Do note that the jacket does not have any reflective material and pick your color accordingly. Bontrager Ion Pro RT: £100 / $125 / €119.99 / AU$189.99; Gemini Titan 4000: £300 / $350 / … Starting with women, we found the Showers Pass Women’s Elite 2.1 Jacket, which comes with an elite price and tons of beneficial features. More importantly, waterproof jackets usually mean windproof and weatherproof making it a good way to stay dry and warm even on windy or snowy days. Cafe du Cycliste is an under-the-radar brand that pumps out stellar products that are also beautifully designed. You really only need this element of protection for low visibility settings like nighttime or if you work in low light conditions. Just because something’s water resistant doesn’t mean it’ll keep you bone dry in a heavy down pour. Obviously features can be combined, but generally cycling jackets go in certain directions, i.e. Best waterproof cycling jackets in 2021. This jacket tickets a lot of boxes with lot of reflective detailing, a waterproof/resistant outer, plenty of vents to keep it breathable, as well zipped pockets and removable hood. Chrome Industries Women’s Storm Salute Commuter Jacket (£170 / $185) IMAGE CREDIT: CHROME INDUSTRIES A perfect commuter jacket for both on and off the bike. Below is a summary of this system. Can deal with a storm in any direction. But like the men’s jacket, it’s durable yet lightweight, waterproof, features a full-length zip, welted zip pockets and a hood. Otherwise, store your necessities in the secure zippered hand pockets. Top 3 Jackets for Bike Commuting. Riding with a cotton T-shirt underneath will soon leave you saddled with pools of sweat, as they simply don’t have the ability to ‘wick’ it anywhere near as efficiently. A good budget option that still has waterproof qualities and reflectivity is the Mountain Warehouse 360 waterproof cycling jacket. COMFORT & WARMTH: Crafted of a waterproof 100% nylon shell, this rain jacket is lightweight while remaining protective. Just because something’s light doesn’t mean it’s breathable… and so it’s important to know whether you want a lightweight jacket that will simply keep you warm or a breathable cycling jacket that also helps your body breathe on your rides. Also, the jacket is made with 100% polyester to keep heat in and still provide some breathability. Find stylish cycling jackets for everyday life by reading our reviews and style guides below. Lightweight men's rain jacket is perfect for hiking, backpacking, cycling, and other activities where light travel and harsh weather are your top concerns, Gore-Tex with Paclite technology provides optimal waterproofing, breathability, and packability; taped seams ensure true weatherproofing, Attached hood can be adjusted for better facial coverage, UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability, 100% waterproof & breathable, with fully taped seams, Windproof materials & construction shield you from the elements, 2 layer bonded fabric with a durable, smooth exterior. Stay on after to get answers to your questions and important information about what to look for in a commuting jacket. Finally, consider if the jacket has reflective material built-in to keep you visible when biking in heavy traffic areas. Which is an important consideration to make, because although you may be keeping the rain out, you’ll likely be creating your own moisture as your body cannot breathe. Buy now If you’re exposed to freezing cold conditions in winter, then you may well need a no-nonsense winter cycling jacket for commuters, something that will keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. Also, look for taping on the inside. Some jackets have reflective panels built into the jacket to make less work for you. When cycling in the spring or summer, a lightweight cycling jacket can help take the slight chill out of the air in an evening and ensure you keep enjoying your rides. This jacket stuffs into itself for storage and has an integrated strap that easily attaches to your bike, so there’s no reason to ever ride without it. Bike commuting puts a lot of demands on a jacket. You’ll probably sweat, too. With your bag packed and your bike ready to ride, you’re all set for your commute to work. With the option of two reversible sides – an almost Barbour-esque ripstop jacket or lumberjack-chic flannel shirt – Endura's Hummvee Shacket sets out to … Discerning Cyclist © 2021. – Overkill for cycling. The best bike jackets for commuting are those that will help protect you from the elements, such as the cold and rain, while also giving you the visibility you need to stay safe on the road. It’s in case of scenarios like these that a proper bicycle jacket is essential. Elastic drawcord on the hem allows you to adjust the fit. It’s therefore important to figure out where to draw your own line on keeping water outside and staying cool inside. Is very waterproof and rainproof in the most extreme pressure. Like paper. Second, pick your size from a vast variety of x-small to xx-large to suit almost any commuter. But just because you want something to keep you dry, doesn’t mean you have to cycle around looking like you’re wearing a bin bag – or even wear a bin bag, come to that. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable and even cheap urban cycling jackets out there that pack in some useful functionality. Only you know if you will have a backpack or bag or if you need a jacket loaded down with pockets. Also, consider if you need a hood to keep you dry and if you need one that goes over or under your helmet. The most important detail in a commuting jacket is water-resistant or waterproof fabric ready to keep you dry in any weather conditions.