Rain Clothing for Cyclists - Waterproof vs Water Repellent Cycling Clothing

Cycling in the rain is something you simply can’t get away from in the UK. These days though, that doesn’t mean you have to get where you’re going soaking wet. In fact, the fantastic rain clothing for cyclists available these days can make riding in the rain a little fun. We’ve listed some of the best rain clothing for cyclists for you right here.

Whether you’re on a road bike, mountain bike, or commuter bike, a little rain doesn’t have to stop you from going out when you’ve got proper rain clothing designed for cyclists. An important distinction to make between different types of rain clothing is whether something is waterproof or water repellent.

What is waterproof cycling clothing exactly?

Waterproof means that the cycling clothes are capable of withstanding intense rain and days of cycling in wet conditions.

Waterproof cycling clothing often has taped seams to keep the rain out. The zipper is also often waterproof or covered by a flap to keep the rain at bay. The fabric is usually a little thicker, helping you stay dry.

The downside to waterproof cycling clothing is that it’s not as capable at moving your sweat away from your skin and out to the air as other garments. This means it’ll feel sweaty and sticky sooner.

What is water repellent cycling clothing?

Water repellent is a very open term. You’ll usually be able to get through a serious shower without trouble. Depending on the quality of the clothing and the intensity of the rain however, you’ll seldom stay dry all day.

The upside is that water repellent cycling clothing can be very lightweight. You’re often able to fold it up into a little ball as well and stow it in one of your pockets. You pay when it comes to waterproofing, but you gain advantages in other areas as a result. This type of clothing is particularly ideal for road cyclists and mountain bikers.

Most water repellent clothing is ideal for changeable conditions on rides where you can expect the odd shower. Are you setting off into the rain of do you expect it to stay wet outside all day? Then waterproof cycling clothing is probably a better way to go.

Rain clothing for road cyclists and mountain bikers

We start with rain clothing suitable for road cyclists and mountain bikers. These two groups can often use the same type of rain clothing. We’ve listed the rain clothing and rain suits for commuters at the bottom of this blog.

Water repellent cycling clothing is popular amongst road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. The reason being that body heat and perspiration can still be moved away from your body while simultaneously offering a considerable barrier against the rain.

Castelli is known for producing the Gabba as well as the Nanoflex technology, offering very good water repellent and breathable cycling clothing. So good in fact that you can almost use it an entire day in the rain without issue.

Enough about the technologies though. We list our favourite rain clothing for cyclists, starting with the head. After all, nobody likes a cold, wet head. You’re particularly likely to lose a lot of body heat in cold conditions which is detrimental to your comfort on the bike.

Keep your head warm and dry

You can choose to keep your head warm and dry on the bike using a buff, a regular cycling cap, or even a water repellent skully or cycling cap. A buff will at least keep out some of the cold and prevents your head from cooling down too fast since the wind can’t directly hit your skin.

The upside of the tube-shaped scarf -or buff- is that you can do more with it than just wear it on your head. It can be worn as a regular scarf around your neck for instance, or you can extend it down the back of your neck when wearing it on your head. Extra warmth to the back of your head and neck is always welcome!

A proper cycling hat is useful on longer rides. They’re breathable and often slightly thicker. The fabric may hold a little water, but your head will heat up that water and create an outer insulating layer. The downside is that whenever you have to stop, your head will cool down.

Want to keep your head dry all the time? Then go for a waterproof cycling cap or skully. They’re often too warm for use on autumn days though, so keep these in your wardrobe for the really cold days of the year.

A warm torso

Besides keeping your head dry, most cyclists will appreciate a warm and dry torso as well. Riding around with a wet and cold body is simply really uncomfortable.

You can choose between a waterproof or water repellent cycling jacket, such as the Castelli Idro. Alternatively, you could put on a water repellent cycling jersey. The Castelli Gabba jersey is a particularly popular cycling jersey for poor conditions.

Because how easily you can bring a rain jacket is important too, there are plenty of water repellent rain jackets. This means that they can handle a light shower with ease. These rain jackets are extremely light and easily stuffed into a tiny ball.

Will it be raining all day long, or are the showers considerably more intense? Then you’ll really have to consider getting a more water repellent rain jacket.

A Base Layer to keep your core warm

Besides a proper rain jacket or cycling jersey, a base layer is essential. It helps prevent the wind from directly hitting your skin. This makes a big difference to your comfort on the bike and helps you stay warm.

Base layers come in all different types. Particularly their ideal temperature range is of importance. Wearing a base layer which is way too hot for the conditions means you’ll get uncomfortably warm. Conversely, a thin base layer at around freezing will mean getting cold.

Don’t forget about the bibtights!

After your head and torso, your legs come next. Again Castelli is a big name with the popular Nanoflex clothing. There are other manufacturers who offer water repellent bibtights to brave the rain with though.

Also spend time riding in the cold? Then you could consider shelling out for a winter bibtight. They’re a little thicker and keep you both warm and dry at the same time.

Dry feet are warm feet

It’s important to keep your feet warm as well. Nothing feels quite as bad as cycling with soggy socks in drenched cycling shoes. A pair of proper over shoes will help your feet stay warm and dry.

You can opt for thin shoe covers which fit snugly around your shoes, or shoe covers which are a little roomier. A particularly interesting option are the waterproof overshoes. While your shoes may get wet, your feet will stay nice and dry. All of those shoe covers are fully waterproof and suitable for long days on the bike.

One sensitive area is the transition from your legs to your shoe covers. If it’s particularly rainy outside then water will often find a way in through there. Something which is easily solved with a small plastic bag.

Cut off the closed lower section of the bag and stuff half of it into your cycling sock. Then put on your shoe covers and fold the other half over that. This prevents a lot of water from running down into your shoes. GripGrab has also created a special garment for tha gat very purpose.

Cycling gloves to help you keep a grip on things

We get that you want to keep your hands warm and dry. But keeping a grip matters too when we’re talking about cycling gloves, since you’ll need to operate your brakes and hold your bars.

Can’t do without your phone while on your bicycle? There are plenty of cycling gloves suitable for smartphones available these days as well.

The upside to cycling gloves is also that they offer more padding than regular gloves as well. You can usually move your fingers around a little more freely too.

Arm- and leg warmers for changeable weather

Spring and autumn are known for their changeable weather patterns. Cold and rainy one moment, 30 minutes later it’s sunny and warm out. You’re best off using arm- and leg warmers in this case.

Most arm- and leg warmers are fairly thick and do a good job at keeping out the elements for a while. If you really want waterproof, then that’s possible too. The upside to arm- and leg warmers is that you can take them off or put them on relatively quickly.

Are you setting off into the sun but are you expecting rain? Then stow a pair into your back pocket so you can put them on along the way.

Rain clothing for daily commuters

Besides all this rain gear for road cyclists and mountain bikers, commuters too want to get where they’re going warm and dry. Since this group requires somewhat less ventilation from their clothing, the waterproof selection is of particular interest to them.

Get yourself some proper waterproof cycling pants and a waterproof cycling jacket, and you’ve got a rain suit that’ll keep you dry for days. The only downside is that it can quickly feel a little clammy and sweaty, particularly in warmer weather.

Add a pair of waterproof overshoes to your outfit and your shoes and feet will stay dry as well, regardless of how bad the rain becomes.