What to Wear Cycling: The Best Outfits for Mountain Biking, Gravel Riding, Commuting & Everything Between
From technical mountain bike gear to gravel racing kits, stretchy jorts, and everyday riding clothes, here's how to dress for whatever kind of ride you're getting into.
Not every bike ride requires a skin-tight race kit. Not every mountain bike ride requires baggy shorts and a jersey. And not every ride ends when you get off the bike.
Sometimes you're chasing a podium at an XC race. Other times you're sneaking in a quick trail ride between work and picking up the kids. Maybe you're riding gravel roads with your buddies, commuting to work, or heading straight from the trailhead to the brewery.
At HANDUP, we think your cycling clothes should work just as hard off the bike as they do on it.
That's why we've developed everything from purpose-built mountain bike shorts and jerseys to technical bib shorts, casual riding pants, stretchy denim jorts, workwear, and button-up shirts that are ready to party.
Our goal is simple: Make comfortable, quality cycling apparel that's functional on the bike, versatile off the bike, affordable, and fun to wear.
So, what should you wear for your favorite kind of riding? We've got a few ideas.
1. The Classic Mountain Bike Outfit: Trail Ready, Everyday Comfortable
Best for: Trail riding, enduro, all-mountain MTB, recreational mountain biking, and everyday singletrack adventures.
The outfit: Trail Rambler Shorts or Pants + 6" Short Liners + VenTop or ThermCore Jersey + HANDUP Gloves
The idea: A proper mountain bike outfit that performs on the trails without looking like you're still wearing your riding gear when you stop for lunch.
Trail Rambler Shorts and Pants
Our 12-inch inseam Trail Rambler Shorts and Trail Rambler Pants were designed specifically for mountain biking, but with enough versatility to keep wearing them long after your ride is over.
Both feature five discreet pockets that let you carry your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials without having bulky cargo pockets hanging off your legs.
They're technical enough for the trail but practical enough for everyday life. No need to change clothes just to run errands or grab a burger after riding.
6" Minimal Pad Short Liners
Let's talk about the padding situation.
We believe most riders don't need an oversized chamois that makes it look like they're smuggling a couch cushion in their shorts.
Our 6-inch inseam Short Liners feature a minimal chamois designed to provide enough cushioning for rides up to approximately three hours, without unnecessary bulk.
Since most everyday mountain bike rides are shorter than that, they're a great option for riders who want comfort without feeling like they're wearing a diaper.
VenTop Jersey — For Warm Weather
When temperatures rise, grab our VenTop Mountain Bike Jersey.
Named for its heavily ventilated upper front and back panels, VenTop is designed to maximize airflow while you're working your way up the climbs or ripping down the descents.
It even has a hidden rear zipper pocket for a gel, credit card, or a small essential.
ThermCore Jersey — For Cooler Days
When temperatures drop, switch to our ThermCore Long Sleeve Jersey.
The front and back body panels feature fleece lining to help retain warmth, almost like having a built-in vest. Meanwhile, the sleeves are designed to breathe as your body heats up.
It's a great option when you want a little extra core warmth without wearing a separate vest over your jersey.
Why we love this outfit: It's everything you need for a great day of mountain biking without looking overly technical when the ride is over.
Shop Classic Mountain Bike Outfits.
2. The Gravel and XC Race Outfit: Fast, Functional, and Still Fun
Best for: Gravel cycling, cross-country mountain bike racing, endurance riding, road cycling, and anyone who loves the comfort of spandex.
The outfit: HANDUP Cargo Bib Shorts + 3-Pocket Zip Jersey, ActiviTEE, or FlexGrid Button Up
The idea: All the performance benefits of traditional cycling apparel, with more storage and a lot more personality.
Cargo Bib Shorts
Our Cargo Bib Shorts are built for riders who want to spend serious time in the saddle without sacrificing comfort or storage.
They feature a performance chamois designed for rides up to approximately six hours, wide grippy leg bands that help keep everything in place, and flat, seamless-feeling shoulder straps designed for a barely-there fit.
And because we're big fans of carrying snacks, there are four deep cargo pockets to hold your nutrition, phone, and other ride essentials.
Whether you're racing a 100-mile gravel event, lining up for an XC race, or heading out for a long weekend ride, these bibs are built for the adventure.
Three Ways to Wear Your Cargo Bibs
The Performance Look: 3-Pocket Zip Jersey
Pair your Cargo Bib Shorts with our 3-Pocket Zip Cycling Jersey for a more traditional road, gravel, or XC racing outfit.
Made from lightweight UPF-rated fabric with fun HANDUP graphics and prints, these jerseys combine cycling performance with the storage of three rear pockets.
The Casual Racer: Graphic ActiviTEE
Not everyone wants to look like they're lining up for the Tour de France.
Our Graphic ActiviTEE offers the technical benefits of a cycling jersey in a shirt that looks and feels like your favorite casual graphic tee.
You get moisture-wicking performance without the race-kit appearance.
The Gravel Party: FlexGrid Button Up
Want to bring a little personality to the starting line?
Pair those bib shorts with a FlexGrid Button Up in your favorite HANDUP pattern.
It's a fun, flowy alternative to a traditional cycling jersey, perfect for gravel rides, social races, and anyone who believes cycling should be taken a little less seriously.
Why we love this outfit: You get the comfort and performance of high-quality bib shorts, with the freedom to dress like a racer, a casual rider, or the life of the party.
3. The Party Ride Outfit: Stretchy Jorts and Button Ups
Best for: Social mountain bike rides, gravel group rides, bike festivals, casual trail rides, brewery rides, and post-ride hangouts.
The outfit: HANDUP Stretch Jorts + FlexGrid Button Up + 6" Short Liners
The idea: Look like you're headed to a backyard barbecue. Ride like you're headed to the podium.
Some of the best bike rides aren't about speed, distance, or elevation.
They're about hanging out with your buddies, laughing your way down the trail, and enjoying a cold beverage afterward.
That's where our Stretch Jorts come in.
Stretch Jorts
Our super-stretchy denim jorts are designed to deliver the comfort and flexibility you need for riding bikes while maintaining that unmistakable denim-short look.
With stretch and freedom of movement that rival the feel of our Cargo Bib Shorts, these aren't your average stiff jean shorts.
Add our 6-inch padded Short Liners underneath, and you've got a comfortable setup for trail rides, gravel adventures, and whatever else the day throws at you.
FlexGrid Button Ups
Complete the outfit with a HANDUP FlexGrid Button Up in one of our original prints.
These lightweight, flowy shirts bring plenty of personality to the ride and look just as good hanging out afterward.
From tropical patterns to outdoors-inspired graphics, they're designed for people who enjoy having fun on two wheels.
Why we love this outfit: It's the ultimate ride-to-party setup. Technical where it counts, casual where it matters, and always ready for a good time.
4. The Everyday Cycling Outfit: Ride, Work, Repeat
Best for: Quick mountain bike rides, casual gravel rides, bike commuting, e-bike riding, lunch-break rides, and everyday life.
The outfit: A.T. Plus Shorts or Pants + 6" Short Liners + Graphic ActiviTEE
The idea: Cycling clothes that look like regular everyday clothes, so you can ride whenever you find the time.
We get it. Life is busy.
Between work, family, errands, and everything else, sometimes you've only got an hour or 90 minutes to get out and ride.
The last thing you want is to spend 15 minutes changing into an elaborate cycling outfit, then another 15 minutes changing back.
We designed our A.T. collection for exactly that kind of life.
A.T. Plus Shorts
A.T. stands for All the Time, because that's exactly when we want you wearing them.
Our A.T. Plus Shorts feature a 9-inch inseam, four-way stretch fabric, and quick-drying performance.
They have four traditional pockets, with discreet secure zippers inside the two front pockets, plus a fifth utility pocket.
That means you can carry your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials while riding without worrying about them bouncing out onto the trail.
And when you get off the bike, they look like normal everyday shorts.
Graphic ActiviTEE
Pair your A.T. Plus Shorts with one of our Graphic ActiviTEEs.
These shirts are made from spun polyester with a special finish that gives them the familiar look and feel of a cotton T-shirt, but with the moisture-wicking performance of a technical cycling jersey.
They're comfortable enough for daily wear and functional enough for a sweaty ride.
Add our 6-inch Short Liners underneath the shorts, and you've got a casual-looking outfit that's ready to pedal.
Cooler Weather: A.T. Plus Pants or Stretch Jeans
When the weather cools off, trade the shorts for our A.T. Plus Pants or Stretch Jeans.
Both offer four-way stretch, lightweight construction for riding comfort, and a discreet secure zipper pocket for valuables.
Pair them with a Long Sleeve ActiviTEE for a casual outfit that can take you from the office to the trails, onto a bike commute, or straight to dinner.
Why we love this outfit: It's cycling apparel for people who have more going on in life than just riding bikes, but still want to ride whenever they get the chance.
Shop the Everyday Cycling Outfit.
5. The Rugged Outdoorsman Outfit: Workwear Meets Mountain Biking
Best for: Cool-weather mountain biking, casual trail riding, bike commuting, outdoor work, trail building, and everyday adventures.
The outfit: WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants + Flow Flannel
The idea: Rugged workwear looks with the flexibility and breathability needed for riding bikes.
Sometimes you want your riding clothes to look a little less like cycling apparel and a little more like something you'd wear splitting firewood or working in the garage.
That's where our WorkHorse collection comes in.
WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants
Our WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants combine the rugged appearance of traditional canvas workwear with the flexibility needed for mountain biking.
They feature reinforced double-knee construction for added durability and six pockets for tools, snacks, your phone, and anything else you need to carry.
They're great for riders who want one pair of pants that can handle a morning bike commute, an afternoon in the workshop, and an evening trail ride.
Flow Flannel
Finish the outfit with our Flow Flannel.
It's a stretch flannel designed for movement, with a ventilated back flap that helps regulate body heat as your activity level changes.
It has the classic outdoorsman look, but with functional features that make it much more comfortable for riding than a traditional heavy flannel.
Why we love this outfit: It blends workwear style and mountain bike functionality into an outfit that's just as comfortable working around the yard as it is pedaling through the woods.
6. The Do-It-All Overall Outfit: From Trail to Workshop to Happy Hour
Best for: Casual mountain biking, bike commuting, trail building, bikepacking-style adventures, outdoor work, and social rides.
The outfit: HANDUP Overalls + ActiviTEE, Jersey, or other favorite top
The idea: Classic overall style, reimagined for people who ride bikes.
We love a good pair of overalls.
But we also wanted a pair that you could actually ride in without feeling restricted or having to leave all your stuff behind.
So we built our HANDUP Overalls with bike-specific features hidden inside a familiar workwear silhouette.
Built for Riding, Not Just Working
Our overalls feature secure locking zipper pockets and additional lower-back storage pockets, perfect for carrying extra snacks, tools, and riding essentials.
That extra storage is especially useful when you don't want to wear a hydration pack or stuff everything into your jersey.
Both versions feature reinforced double-knee construction for durability.
Two Different Fabrics, Two Different Personalities
A.T. Tech Fabric Overalls: Designed for riders who want a more technical, versatile feel with the comfort of our All the Time fabric.
WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Overalls: Designed for people who prefer a more rugged, workwear-inspired look and feel.
Wear an ActiviTEE underneath for a classic overall look, or layer a jersey over the top to make them look more like regular riding pants while keeping all that extra storage.
And when you're finished riding, they're ready for working in the shop, hanging out at the campsite, or having a few beverages with friends.
Why we love this outfit: Because having enough pockets for all your snacks shouldn't require carrying a backpack.
Shop Do-it-All Overalls Outfits.
7. The Off-the-Bike Outfit: Casual Clothes for People Who Love Bikes
Best for: Everyday wear, commuting by bike, casual cruising, travel, post-ride hangouts, and outdoor lifestyles.
The outfit: HANDUP Graphic Cotton Tee + Stretch Jeans, WorkHorse Canvas, or A.T. Plus Bottoms + HANDUP Headwear
The idea: You don't have to be actively riding a bike to look like someone who loves bikes.
Sometimes you're just hanging out.
Maybe you're grabbing breakfast before a ride, heading to work, traveling to a bike destination, or meeting your buddies for a drink.
That's why we make plenty of apparel that isn't trying to be a race kit.
Heavyweight Graphic Cotton Tees
Our heavyweight graphic cotton T-shirts are built around the fun, laid-back personality of HANDUP.
They're comfortable everyday shirts featuring original artwork and graphics inspired by bikes, outdoor adventures, and the good times that come with them.
Pair one with our Stretch Jeans or WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants for a rugged casual outfit that also works well for easy bike commuting or neighborhood cruising.
Cotton isn't our first choice for a long, sweaty training ride, but it's a great choice for casual wear and low-intensity rides.
Casual Shorts and Pants
Our Stretch Jeans, WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Shorts and Pants, and A.T. Plus Shorts and Pants give you plenty of options depending on your style.
Want something rugged? Go WorkHorse.
Want something lightweight, technical, and casual? Go A.T. Plus.
Want that classic denim look with enough stretch to hop on a bike? Grab the Stretch Jeans.
Top It Off With HANDUP Headwear
We've got plenty of ways to cover your head when the helmet comes off.
From classic dad hats and trucker hats to camp hats and pinch-front rope hats, there's a HANDUP hat for just about every head shape and personal style.
Why we love this outfit: Because riding bikes isn't just an activity. For a lot of us, it's part of everyday life.
Complete Your Cycling Outfit With HANDUP Gloves and FootDown Socks
No matter which outfit you're wearing, don't forget the finishing touches.
Our HANDUP Gloves are designed for everything from everyday mountain biking to hot-weather gravel rides, technical racing, and cold-weather adventures.
Match your gloves to your jersey, shorts, or favorite pattern, or mix things up with a completely different design.
And don't forget your feet.
Our FootDown Tech Socks are a great choice for riding, while our FootDown Wool Socks are a comfortable option for cooler conditions and everyday adventures.
Because when your gloves, socks, and riding outfit all come together, you've got a complete HANDUP setup that's ready for just about anything.
Quick Guide: Which HANDUP Cycling Outfit Is Right for You?
|
Riding Style |
Recommended Outfit |
|
Mountain biking and trail riding |
Trail Rambler Shorts + Short Liners + VenTop Jersey |
|
Cool-weather mountain biking |
Trail Rambler Pants + ThermCore Jersey |
|
Gravel racing and long rides |
Cargo Bib Shorts + 3-Pocket Zip Jersey |
|
XC mountain bike racing |
Cargo Bib Shorts + 3-Pocket Zip Jersey |
|
Casual gravel riding |
Cargo Bib Shorts + Graphic ActiviTEE |
|
Gravel social rides |
Cargo Bib Shorts + FlexGrid Button Up |
|
Party rides and bike festivals |
Stretch Jorts + Short Liners + FlexGrid Button Up |
|
Quick lunch-break rides |
A.T. Plus Shorts + Short Liners + ActiviTEE |
|
Everyday bike commuting |
A.T. Plus Pants or Stretch Jeans + Long Sleeve ActiviTEE |
|
Rugged cool-weather riding |
WorkHorse Canvas Pants + Flow Flannel |
|
Trail building and bike adventures |
HANDUP Overalls + ActiviTEE |
|
Casual commuting and cruising |
Stretch Jeans + Graphic Cotton Tee |
|
Post-ride hangouts |
WorkHorse Shorts or Pants + Graphic Cotton Tee + HANDUP Hat |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling Outfits
What should I wear for mountain biking?
For most trail riding, we recommend technical mountain bike shorts or pants paired with a breathable jersey and optional padded short liners. HANDUP Trail Rambler Shorts, 6-inch Short Liners, and VenTop Jersey make a versatile warm-weather mountain bike outfit. For cooler conditions, switch to Trail Rambler Pants and a ThermCore Jersey.
What should I wear for gravel cycling?
Gravel cycling outfits can range from traditional bib shorts and cycling jerseys to casual technical shirts and button-ups. For longer rides, HANDUP Cargo Bib Shorts provide a chamois designed for up to six hours of riding, plus four cargo pockets. Pair them with a 3-Pocket Zip Jersey, ActiviTEE, or FlexGrid Button Up depending on your preferred style.
Can you mountain bike in jean shorts?
Absolutely, as long as they're designed with enough stretch and freedom of movement. HANDUP Stretch Jorts are made for riding bikes while maintaining a classic denim look. Pair them with padded Short Liners for additional saddle comfort.
What are the best cycling clothes that look normal off the bike?
Look for cycling apparel made from four-way stretch, quick-drying, or moisture-wicking materials with casual styling. HANDUP A.T. Plus Shorts and Pants, Stretch Jeans, and Graphic ActiviTEEs are designed to perform on the bike while looking like regular everyday clothing.
Do I need padded shorts for mountain biking?
Not necessarily, but padded shorts can make longer rides more comfortable. HANDUP 6-inch Short Liners feature a minimal chamois designed for rides up to approximately three hours. Riders doing longer gravel or XC rides may prefer our Cargo Bib Shorts with a chamois designed for up to six hours.
Can I wear workwear pants for mountain biking?
Yes, provided they allow sufficient movement and don't interfere with your bike. HANDUP WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants combine a rugged workwear look with stretch and reinforced double knees, making them a versatile choice for casual mountain biking, commuting, and outdoor work.
What should I wear for bike commuting?
For commuting, choose clothes that are comfortable, allow freedom of movement, and have secure pockets. HANDUP A.T. Plus Pants, Stretch Jeans, and ActiviTEEs are useful options when you want to ride to work without wearing a traditional cycling kit. For casual, lower-intensity commutes, WorkHorse Stretch Canvas Pants and heavyweight cotton tees can also work well.
What should I wear for a casual or social bike ride?
For a fun, casual ride, try HANDUP Stretch Jorts with a FlexGrid Button Up and padded Short Liners. The outfit provides the flexibility needed for riding while keeping a relaxed look for hanging out afterward.
Ride What You Want. Wear What You Like.
We don't think cycling needs a dress code.
If you love spandex, we've got you covered. If you prefer baggy shorts and a jersey, we've got that too. And if you'd rather ride in stretchy jorts and a loud button-up shirt, you're definitely our kind of person.
At HANDUP, we're making clothes for people who love riding bikes but also have jobs, families, hobbies, and lives outside the saddle.
Clothes that can go from the trail to the workshop. From a gravel race to a backyard barbecue. From your morning commute to your afternoon adventure.
Quality gear. Everyday versatility. A whole lot of fun.
Find your favorite combination and make it your own.
