Mountain Biking Clothes: What to Wear for Every Ride (Men, Kids & Women)
Looking for Mountain biking clothes for men, women, or kids and confused about what to wear on your next mtb trip? You’re at the right place.
For every sport, we need specific clothes, such as for gymming. We need comfortable trousers and T-shirts, while ladies need supportive sports bras.
And, For other sports like football and basketball, there are different types of attire.
Similarly, mountain biking is a sport, that’s why you need specific types of clothes to enjoy riding the trail bike, clothes that make you feel comfortable.
As a biker, you will ride through forest trails to steep, rocky descents. In many different conditions like mountain regions, sandy areas, etc., you will need various types of clothing.
So, In this this guide, we will discuss mountain biking clothing.
After reading it completely, you will have a clear idea of what to wear on your next mountain biking trip. Based on your gender, mtb trail types, weather conditions, etc.
Mountain biking is a little different from casual cycling. In casual cycling, we often ride on smooth paths. On the other hand, mountain biking is a more adventurous.
It involves various movements so that you will ride in different weather conditions like sunny, winter, or rainy areas, as well as different types of trails like dense forest, muddy, etc. That’s why you would need specific clothes.
For example, a waterproof jacket will save you from a climate where the weather is rainy and chilly, too.
Plus, when you are wearing comfortable clothes based on climate conditions andtrail demand, you will feel more relaxed, which will eventually reduce mountain biking injury chances.
Clothes are not just for better appearance; they are also suitable for better performance.
Before talking about mtb clothing for each gender or age group, it’s important to know about some essential features that you will need to look at when choosing mountain biking apparel.
Now, whether you are a man, awoman, or a kid, you have to remember the following things.
Durability: You have to choose abrasion-resistant fabric because when you go through dense forests, technical climbs, or you fall, these types of fabric are durable; they won’t get easily torn.
Flexibility: Choose stretchy clothes so that they can move with your body, especially during technical climbs, quick descents, etc. These clothes are also suitable for a full range of motion.
Breathability: Some clothes get stuck to the skin, especially when you sweat, and that’s why you should choose moisture-wrecking fabrics that pull away from the skin and dry quickly, as mountain biking is a game of sweating.
Protection: Whether you ride through tree branches in the dense forest or rocks or in the ground, during fall, you will need an extra layer to defend your body.
So, you want to look for clothes that will work as a defense layer, some good fabric that I recommend are Kevlar, Cordura, or thick polyester blends.
The essentials for any rider include:
Jerseys: They are lightweight, breathable, and will keep you comfortable while allowing a full range of motion.
Shorts or Pants: You need to look for durable and stretchy padded shorts that will provide comfort during longer rides. For cold climates, you will need reinforced pants.
Gloves: I always recommend full-finger gloves to protect hands from scratches. Plus, they provide a better grip on the handlebar, especially in rough conditions.
Protective Gear: There are many essential mountain biking gear, but some of the most important are helmets, knee pads, and elbows that you want to wear with clothes to minimize all minor and significant mountain biking injuries, especially on technical trails.
Footwear: You need Stealth Rubber (like Mario’s grip on pipes!) or continental rubber soles for better grip, control, and comfort.
How to Decide What to Wear for Mountain Biking
You can choose to wear whatever you want based on your personal preference. But there are some things that you have to keep in mind.
For example, your riding demands include what type of trail you want to ride on and what weather conditions are like: rainy, sunny, etc.
During cross-country rides, you will cover longer distances, so chances are pretty high it will not include technical trails.
That’s why you can wear lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothes. So that they can absorb sweat while keeping you feel comfortable.
If you want to ride on downhill trails, you need sturdy, durable clothes for protection. You can wear a long-sleeved jersey and full-body armor, and it also includes elbow and knee guards.
If you are an enduro rider, which includes downhill and also cross-country, you need to go with comfort and protection.
So you can wear padded shorts, a moisture-wicking jersey, and alightweight jacket, depending on the temperature and climate.
Lastly, for trail riding, you can consider wearing padded shorts for comfort, especially when you want to ride on rough trails. Plus, you can wear a breathable jersey and gloves for extra grip support.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a huge role in deciding what to wear for mountain biking.
During hot weather or the summer season, you will need to wear lightweight, breathable clothes like half-sleeved jerseys or t-shirts.
Make sure your clothes have good fabric that can absorb sweat to stay calm and comfortable.
Also, make sure your jersey does not stick to the skin when you sweat (It feels really uncomfortable).
During the cold, winter, or fall season, you can wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin. On top of that, you can wear a thermal jersey or a long-sleeved jersey.
Besides this, you can also add a waterproof jacket.
Additionally, during winter, you shouldn’t avoid wearing gloves. You can also add a gaiter or balaclava for more warmth.
For the rainy season, you should have waterproof clothes such as a jacket, pants, or a shoe cover to stay dry and comfortable.
Pro tip: It doesn’t matter whether you are buying MTB clothes for hot, cold, or rainy weather.
You always want to make sure they are all breathable andlightweight as much as possible. And, of course, moisture-wicking.
Riding Duration and Intensity
You can also choose clothes based on riding duration and intensity.
For shorter and more intense rides like downhill or aggressive enduro riding, you want to prioritize protection.
That’s why you can wear padded shorts, full body protection like the pads or armor, and a durable jersey that is flexible.
On the other hand, for longer rides, you need to prioritize comfort first.
So you can wear lightweight and breathable fabrics that can quickly wick moisture while keeping you comfortable.
You can also wear padded shorts to avoid a mountain biking injury like pedal force and chafing.
Personal Comfort and Riding Style
You want to make sure that your clothes align with your personal preference and riding style.
Some bike riders like to wear lightweight t-shirts or jerseys, and some want full-sleeved t-shirts that are a little heavy.
But make sure the fabric is good. I like cotton, polyester fabric, and full-sleeve jerseys.
So, you know, it’s totally your choice what style suits you. But I would still suggest you look for a few factors like flexibility, durability, warmth, and some extra pockets.
Terrain and Obstacles
Rocky and technical trails are a little risky, so you need to wear a long-sleeve jersey, reinforced shorts, or pants.
I recommend pants, plus you would want to wear some MTB gear like elbow and knee guards and other gear to prevent any mountain biking injury.
For smooth trails, you can wear light clothes sho, white-sleeve jerseys, and padded shorts.
Final Tips for Choosing Mountain Biking Clothes Before Living Home
Once you have got the clothes for mountain biking, before leaving home or going for a ride.
You want to check the forecast so you can wear them accordingly, especially in the mountains, where the weather is quite unpredictable.
If you have a little bit of doubt, make sure either you pack an extra layer in the bag, or you wear it, just to keep yourself safe.
Clothing for Men
Being a man, you want to choose mountain bike attire, which is designed for performance, durability, and comfort.
Essentials for Men’s Wardrobe:
Jerseys: You want to have a collection of both long-sleeve and short-sleeve jerseys. You can wear the short-sleeve during summer or warm weather, and the long-sleeve for more protection and to ride in cooler conditions.
Shorts or Pants: Just like short and long-sleeved jerseys, you should also have shorts and pants.
However, when you are buying shorts, make sure they are padded for more comfort.
They will be beneficial on long rides. If you want to ride in colder climates or rough conditions, then you can wear pants with reinforced areas. They will protect you from branches and rocks.
Gloves: Gloves are an important gear for better grip. However, they also protect you from extreme weather conditions. So, you want to have full-finger gloves.
If you want to reduce hand fatigue (It may happen on a longer ride), you can also look for gloves with padding on the palms.
Protective Gear: A mountain biking helmet is the most important gear that I want you to add to a wardrobe.
Along with that, you can also have knee and elbow pads, etc., for more protection, especially for technical trails that have sharp turns, where chances are high that you may fall.
Footwear: Depending on your riding style, you can choose footwear. There are two best options for you.
ladies mountain biking clothes offer a better appearance; they fit, provide comfort, are stylish, and are also durable.
Essentials for Women’s Wardrobe:
Jerseys: As a foreman, you can look for a stylish jersey. For summer, you can have a half-sleeve, and for winter, a full-sleeve.
Shorts or Pants: You should choose high-waisted padded shorts for comfort and support, and for colder weather you can, you can have thermal pants or tights designed for warmth
Gloves: Being a woman, you need to focus on wrist support gloves to avoid any discomfort during longer rides like the cross-country one.
Protective Gear: Women’s protective gears ars specifically designed for them. Now, be it a helmet, cap, or anything else you want to buy specifically for women’s anatomy.
Footwear: Similar to men, women can also choose one type of footwear, from clipless shoes for pedaling efficiency to flat-pedal shoes for versatility.
Recommended Brands for Women:
Liv Cycling: Specializes in women-specific mountain biking gear.
Shredly: Known for their colorful, fashionable biking clothes.
Zoic: Offers high-performance gear designed for women.
Dakine: A popular choice for both performance and style.
Mountain Biking Clothes for Kids
Mountain biking is also a great activity for kids to stay active.
You can choose mountain biking clothes for kids that are similar to those for men and women.
For example, your child can wear a jersey, shorts or pants, gloves, proper footwear with closed toes, and even wearable tape for extra protection.
However, one thing I would recommend is not to buy too many clothes or shoes if your child is under 13-14 years old. This is a growth stage, and within 1 or 2 years, you may notice significant changes in their height.
As a result, old mountain biking clothes and gear might become unusable.
That’s why it’s important to spend money wisely.
You can properly update your child’s clothing until around 18-20 years of age, when their height growth stabilizes.
Additionally, you can also buy second-hand clothes for kids, as many parents sell their children’s clothes and gear when they outgrow them, as the old items are unusable.
Now let’s talk about what you can wear in different seasons.
So, if we talk about the summer season, you can wear a lightweight jersey, shorts, or sleeveless T-shirts.
Along with that, you can also add sunglasses to your collection to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.
In winter, you will need to choose a base layer thermal jersey and waterproof jacket.
Along with this, you can also add insulated gloves and head coverings to cover your head to protect against chill.
During the spring or fall season, you can go with versatile layers because it is the time when the temperature fluctuates a lot.
But you can still have waterproof gear because sometimes you may unexpectedly face rain.
However, I recommend you invest in high-quality, waterproof, and windproof clothes to stay safe in all types of conditions, especially during the winter and rainy.
Buying Guide
When you are going to buy mountain biking clothes, there are some things you want to keep in mind.
First, you want to make sure any clothes that you are buying fit you properly.
Plus, it provides mobility, and clothes are not too loose or too tight to make you feel uncomfortable.
Besides this, you want to choose a better material that is durable, breathable, and can dry quickly.
Especially if it needs to be moisture-wicking so that it can absorb sweat, which is very common in mountain biking, in addition, you can also look for extra pockets, zippers, etc.
Where to Shop:
There are many dedicated platforms where you can buy specifically mountain biking-related things, including mountain biking gear, clothes, or even new mountain bikes.
However, I personally suggest you visit a reputable website like Amazon, but you always want to make sure to read the customer’s review because there are too many different sellers on Amazon selling various things.
Moreover, if you have time, you can also go to the market and buy clothes from there. But I suggest Amazon, as you can get reviews there and then buy based on that.
Save money by buying clothes in offers and sales:
You can take advantage of off-season sales, Christmas sales, and many other offers.
If your budget is too tight, you can look for second-hand clothes, especially the gear, although second-hand mtb clothes are hard to find, even at the thrift store.
Deciding what to wear or choosing mountain biking clothes is very simple. Now it doesn’t matter if you are a man, awoman, or looking for clothes for your kids.
You just want to keep some factors in mind, such as whether you have to wear clothes based on the conditions, such as the trail types and weather conditions.
For example, In winter, if you are going to ride aggressively with high intensity.
You can wear full-sleeve clothes that are moisture-wicking to absorb sweat.
Plus, you can keep a jacket in the bag, in case you feel cold. Otherwise, if you’re riding aggressively, you won’t feel chilly.
On the other hand, in summer, you can enjoy biking views while riding on a longer route or covering more distance.
So in such a case, you can wear lightweight clothes like a half-sleeved shirt or a jersey and padded shorts.
For unexpected conditions, you can keep a waterproof jacket in a bag.
However, along with MTB clothes, it is also important to wear proper gear for more safety. Especially you cannot neglect to wear a helmet, gloves, etc.
Besides this, you should not compromise on the quality of your clothes.
So, if you are buying online, make sure they are durable and have better reviews. At least a 3.5 rating is a must.
What are the essential mountain biking clothing items for beginners?
As a beginner, if you are new to mountain biking and just trying to ride in neighboring areas, you can focus on some of the essential things.
For example, a helmet, which is very important for head safety, moisture-wicking shorts or pants, and a long-sleeve jersey, depending on the temperature.
If it is cold, you can wear a long sleeve. Otherwise, short sleeves are okay, too.
Besides this, it is important to have good mountain biking shoes that provide better grip.
You can also wear light, wet gloves to protect your hands. So these are some essential things to wear when mountain biking.
What’s the difference between mountain bike shorts and regular shorts?
There are a few differences between mountain bike shorts and regular shorts.
For example, biking clothes are made of more durable fabrics that can withstand abrasion from the saddle.
They are gusseted crotch, long length, and also have moisture-wicking properties. They are also designed to be worn with padded liners to provide extra comfort.
These factors don’t just apply to shorts but apply to pants, jerseys, jackets, and other wearables as well.
Clothes that are specifically designed for mountain biking are more durable, moisture-wicking, and flexible.
How do I layer clothing for cold-weather mountain biking?
Layering is very important to stay warm in the winter season or in a cold environment.
So, usually, people wear three layers.
The first one is the base layer, which is a moisture-wicking material, which can be a t-shirt or jersey made of material like merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
Mid-layer for insulating layers like fleece or lightweight jackets. Lastly, theouter layer will protect you, which will be a windproof and water-resistant jacket to protect you from colds.
