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Women's cycling apparel: a comprehensive guide

All the useful tips to choose the ideal women’s cycling clothing, combining comfort, performance and style

19 JUN 2025

Women's cycling apparel: a comprehensive guide

Whether you’re a novice cyclist, long-distance road racer or mountain bike trail enthusiast, one thing is certain: wearing the right clothing can completely transform your experience on two wheels. The choice of technical cycling clothes affects not only the comfort in the saddle, but also the performance, safety and physical well-being. A wrong outfit can cause discomfort, rubbing, thermal changes and even promote injuries, especially when you face long or particularly demanding outings. On the contrary, garments specifically designed for the female body, made of high-quality materials, designed to accompany movements and manage perspiration, can become true allies in the saddle.

Every garment is important in the choice of a women’s cycling suit: from shorts or skinsuits with ergonomic pad, to sports bras with high support, from breathable t-shirts to wind jackets that fold up in your pocket, up to gloves and petticoats that protect against sun and wind.
Before making the purchase it is essential to evaluate some essential aspects, such as the season in which you ride, the discipline practiced (road, MTB, gravel), the duration of the rides, the type of climate, your physical conformation and - why not - also the personal style.

In this short guide we offer you all the useful tips and suggestions to find the cycling clothing that best suits your needs and create the perfect outfit for every season.

Women’s cycling clothes: what characteristics should they have?

Before buying women’s cycling clothes, it is important to consider both technical aspects such as materials and fit, and design elements that should express personality, but without sacrificing performance and comfort. On a technical level, the first crucial aspect is the choice of materials: breathable, lightweight, elastic and quick-drying fabrics are essential to keep skin dry and regulate body temperature. In the warmer months, it is essential to opt for garments with mesh inserts and ergonomic cuts that promote ventilation, while during winter and mid-season clothing should provide thermal insulation and protection from wind and rain, without compromising breathability.

Garments made with fabrics equipped with water-repellent and wind-resistant treatments are the ideal choice to face unpredictable weather conditions. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment - which characterizes Nalini garments - makes the fabric resistant to rain and splashes, preventing it from soaking and keeping the body warm and dry. The wind panels instead protect the most exposed areas such as chest, shoulders and arms, without compromising breathability. This type of "intelligent" protection allows to maintain an optimal level of comfort even during fast descents or in the presence of cold wind, avoiding thermal changes that could affect the performance in the saddle.

Another essential technical element is the presence of the pad in shorts or skinsuits, which must be specifically designed to fit the female anatomy, offering support in strategic areas and reducing friction with the saddle, Especially during long outings. The fit also makes the difference: a well-designed women’s cycling garment must follow the natural lines of the body, have a good grip and at the same time ensure freedom of movement, avoiding movements or annoying tensions. The structure of the seams is equally important: they must be flat or heat-sealed, so as to avoid skin rubbing, and the elastic edges must be adherent but not constrictive, to ensure a perfect hold without leaving marks on the skin.

From a design point of view, in addition to the choice of colors and patterns, it is essential that the garments guarantee good practicality: easily accessible back pockets, front zip to adjust the temperature, reflective elements to improve visibility, and in some cases even strategically placed waterproof or windproof details, can greatly improve the riding experience. In addition, women’s bike clothing should adapt to more conditions, be easily superimposed in case of layering and be easy to put on and take off as needed.

Pedalare al femminile: guida definitiva all'outfit perfetto

Women’s cycling clothing sets: the items that can not miss

A women’s cycling set should offer well-being during the ride, adaptability to weather conditions and freedom of movement. It is important to remember that every cyclist is different and has specific needs, which can vary depending on the type of cycling practiced, the season, the duration of the rides and also their physical shape. However, despite the differences, there are a few basic pieces that make up any women’s cycling clothing set, regardless of their level of experience:

technical cycling jersey, with short or long sleeves depending on the season. A good cycling jersey should be made of breathable and lightweight technical fabric, able to dry quickly and regulate the body temperature. It is essential that it has a snug but comfortable fit, with an anatomical cut to avoid creases or annoying rubbing. The back pockets should be stretchy and easily accessible to carry small accessories such as snacks, bars and useful items. A full-length front zip can be useful for adjusting ventilation, while reflective inserts increase visibility on the road.
Shorts or skinsuits with ergonomic pad, essential to ensure maximum comfort in the saddle. Shorts are often more practical to wear, but skinsuits are the best choice in terms of performance, stability and comfort. Thanks to the straps, in fact, the pad remains perfectly positioned throughout the pedaling, avoiding annoying movements or folds. The bib braces should be elastic without tightening excessively or creating pressure points and annoyances, possibly crossed on the back or Y to fit the female torso. It is also important the presence of silicone edges on the thighs, which prevent the head from moving during the ride.
Technical underwear or base layer: often underestimated, the technical underwear is the first layer in contact with the skin. It must be free of seams in the most sensitive points, breathable, elastic and designed to promote the evaporation of sweat and moisture outside. For the winter it is preferable to choose thermal underwear, which keeps the body warm and dry; for the summer, instead, lighter and breathable garments, which are delicate in contact with the skin. In any case it is essential to avoid cotton because it retains sweat, cools quickly and can cause irritation.
High support sports bra specific for cycling, essential to ensure the right comfort, especially in long rides or on uneven terrain. It should be breathable and provide good support, but not too restrictive. The best models - such as the Seamless Lady Bra by Nalini - have wide and crossed straps, inserts in the lower cup to give more support and no seams in the sensitive areas.
Cycling jackets or windproof or waterproof vests: for trips in varying conditions or during the mid-seasons, a light wind and waterproof jacket is essential. The most suitable models are compact, which can be quickly stored in the back pockets of the shirt or backpack when not needed, and equipped with breathable inserts under the arms and on the back, that provide protection against rain and wind without overheating the body. The waistcoat is a good alternative in the mid-seasons, perfect to wear downhill or early morning.
Cycling gloves, useful both in summer and winter, protect the hands from vibration, friction, wind and cold. The best summer models - such as the New Summer Gloves by Nalini - are lightweight but at the same time protective, equipped with an anatomical palm and breathable mesh on the back of the hand to promote adequate perspiration. The winter ones - like the Reflex Winter Gloves - are instead made with thermal fabrics and equipped with W.R. treatment to ensure more warmth and protection.

Nalini cycling clothing: technology, comfort and style for road, gravel and MTB rides

The line of women’s cycling clothing by Nalini is designed to meet the needs of cyclists of all levels, both amateur and professional, regardless of the type of terrain - road, gravel or MTB - and the weather conditions. All garments are distinguished by the use of high quality technical materials, cutting-edge technologies, ergonomic design and a fit specifically designed for the female body.

Cycling jerseys are distinguished by their ability to fit the body like a second skin, thanks to stretchy, breathable and ultra-light fabrics. The anatomical construction with feminine cuts and contoured waist ensures a perfect fit, able to enhance the body shapes while offering support and protection. Among the best models for road cycling we find the New Lady Laser Jersey, a top of the range cycling jersey that combines comfort, aerodynamics and high breathability thanks to the Kinetech woven fabric with iridescent 3D structure on the sleeves.

The lightweight striped mesh sides ensure effective ventilation, keeping your body dry even on hot days. Equipped with a long reverse zip YKK® camlock and elastic silicone gripping bottom mesh, it stays perfectly in position without compressing. Three back pockets with reflective piping and reflective transfer to increase visibility and safety in low light conditions complete the garment.

Nalini women’s cycling pants also include a wide selection of models: from skinsuits for cyclists who seek maximum support and stability, to shorts without braces for those who want more practicality, all share the same attention to the quality of the materials and the pad and the anatomical construction. The compression fabrics promote muscle support, while the silicone grip finishes and flat seams eliminate friction and unwanted movement.

The Road Lady Short, for example, is perfect for those looking for a practical but highly technical garment. Made of lightweight compression lycra, they offer excellent freedom of movement and muscle support. The contoured waist belt with double fabric low front ensures stability and comfort in the abdominal area, while the bottom of the leg in microfiber with silicone grip keeps the head in the correct position without tightening. Available in different colors, they are easily matched and ideal to create coordinated and versatile looks.

The Fast Lady Bib Short is instead ideal for cyclists who seek the maximum performance. Designed to ensure comfort, muscle support and freedom of movement, they are equipped with straight-cut microfiber straps without seams that adapt perfectly to the body, avoiding pressure points and ensuring greater comfort. This type of structure leaves the bust free, improving breathability and making the garment perfect even for warmer days. The shorts are made of compact and compressive Lycra, which supports the muscles and helps to reduce fatigue. The fabric also protects from UV rays thanks to a +50 UPF factor, making them perfect for long rides in the sun.

Choosing Nalini means investing in cycling clothes designed in every detail, designed to support your performance and offer you maximum comfort in all conditions. Whether you are a road cyclist, a Gravel lover or a MTB rider, in our women’s collection you will find the perfect garment to accompany you on every adventure.

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