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Gravel cycling is a discipline that combines the best of road cycling and mountain biking: you ride on a mix of asphalt, dirt roads, compact dirt roads, easy trails, and rougher sections, often during the same outing. It is a freer and more adventurous way of experiencing the bike, which involves tackling unpredictable routes and conditions. The “hybrid” nature of the gravel makes choosing equipment, and clothing in particular, essential: it's not just about dressing comfortably but choosing clothes that can adapt to variable rhythms, changes in temperature and weather conditions, as well as greater exposure to dust and mud than on the road.
A gravel bike ride can involve long, low-speed climbs, fast descents, and dirt or muddy trails, which require a good level of protection and durable materials. For this reason, the right clothing must balance breathability, durability and performance, effectively manage humidity, dry quickly and offer practical details such as additional pockets and less “compressive” but still high-performance cuts.
In this article we will see what to wear on a gravel bike, the technical characteristics to consider when choosing gravel clothes and how to best combine them according to the season and the type of route, so that you always ride in maximum comfort and with the right protection.
Gravel cycling clothing must meet different needs than that designed exclusively for road cycling or mountain biking: it must be versatile, adaptable, and designed to handle variable conditions without compromising comfort and performance. From a wereability point of view, the key word is balance. In gravel, in fact, you often cycle for many hours, alternating sections on the road with more technical and challenging routes, and it is not uncommon to get off the bike, walk, stop for a break or tackle long journeys at a slow pace. For this reason, clothing should not be “race fit” and compressive like street clothing, but not too loose either. The ideal garments are those with a regular fit, which leaves freedom of movement to the shoulders and back, avoiding pressure points on the neck and armpits.
At the same time, it's important that garments still feel fairly snug because gravel often alternates between slow climbs and fast descents: a well-thought-out cut, with elastic fabrics and ergonomic panels, allows for aerodynamics and comfort without sacrificing freedom of movement.
In terms of technical characteristics, gravel requires above all optimal management of temperature and humidity, because the intensity of the effort changes continuously. Fabrics that are highly breathable and that promote the escape of sweat are essential to avoid the effect “wet on”, which can become annoying, especially when going downhill or in the colder months. At the same time, effective protection from wind and temperature changes is needed: it is therefore better to choose easily overlapping garments such as technical base layers, lightweight shirts, windproof vests and jackets.
Best gravel bike clothing should also favor waterproof materials or with water-repellent and quick-drying treatments. The presence of DWR treatments on vests, jackets or shorts can make a difference in case of rain or adverse weather conditions. Equally important is resistance: compared to the road, in gravel clothing is more exposed to abrasions and contact with branches and stones. It is therefore advisable to opt for garments made with more robust fabrics and reinforced constructions in strategic points. UV protection is also an often overlooked aspect: gravel bike rides can last hours in the sun, and a good jersey or baselayer with sun protection can help to reduce the risk of sunburn and fatigue.
Finally, gravel clothing should also be thought of in terms of functionality and practicality. The presence of extra pockets (side, chest, thighs or lower back) is extremely useful because gravel requires more equipment than on road trips, such as windproof vest or jacket, light gloves, power bank, snacks. Details such as reflective inserts, visible colors, and small safety features become even more important if you ride on mixed routes and in low-visibility conditions.
Before delving into the characteristics of each garment, here is a list of essentials that should not be missing in a gravelist's wardrobe:
A gravel jersey made from breathable technical fabrics should not be missing from any gravel player's wardrobe. Unlike road cycling, where aerodynamics are important, in gravel the jersey should offer a good balance between ergonomic fit, protection and freedom of movement. Outings on dirt require constant changes of position, and a good gravel link should have a snug yet comfortable cut that accompanies movement without causing excessive pressure.
During longer outings and on particularly challenging routes, it is essential to carry everything you need. The best gravel jerseys feature side pockets for easy access to items like smartphones or snacks without having to carry your hands behind your back. UV protection is also important for long hours in the sun, while flat seams help prevent chafing and irritation.
Nalini Five Pockets Jersey features five strategically placed pockets (three traditional back pockets and two on the sides) and is made from a compact, breathable technical fabric with micro-perforations in the underarm area and built-in UV protection. Ergonomic construction ensures that the garment stays perfectly in place even in the most technical steps.
For those looking for a more casual aesthetic, the Ghiaia Shirt offers a slightly looser cut and a Fast Dry fabric that promotes sweat evaporation, soft and silky on the skin, and flat seams for maximum comfort. The sleeves are made of durable fabric, with anti-abrasion properties, while the side zip pockets allow you to carry all your essential items.
Pure Jersey, on the other hand, is perfect for more performance-oriented gravelists. Thanks to the soft and highly stretchy fabric, it features a tighter yet comfortable fit, and a seamless construction, with seamless heat-sealed hem on the front and sides, which eliminates chafing.
When it comes to men's or women's gravel bike clothing, overalls are an essential piece to ensure maximum comfort during every outing. Unlike road cycling, where contact with the saddle is relatively constant, in gravel the stresses are extremely variable: continuous vibrations on dirt, lateral movements, alternating between sitting and off-the-shelf positions on the steepest climbs and continuous movements on technical descents. A good gravel pad must absorb vibrations and protect against prolonged pressure, but not be too bulky to limit freedom of movement on fast sections.
Gravel bib shorts offer the advantage of eliminating the elastic waistband, keeping the bottom always in the optimal position through ergonomic suspenders that distribute the weight across the shoulders, without creating pressure points. The best shorts are those made with fabrics that guarantee comfort, protection and the right level of compression, best when equipped with silicone grip at the end of the leg to ensure a perfect grip while pedaling, even in the presence of sweat.
Nalini Gravel Bib Short was specifically designed to meet these needs, with a latest-generation pad featuring differentiated shims to ensure maximum comfort even after many hours on dirt terrain. The braces, made of elastic and soft microfiber, offer superior comfort, evenly distributing weight and promoting breathability, while the seamless construction in sensitive areas eliminates chafing. The special Lycra Sport woven fabric ensures optimal muscle support thanks to its compressive capacity. The modern and clean design of the shorts is enhanced by a laser-cut leg bottom, which ensures an elegant and functional finish, while the inside of the hem features a grippy silicone print for a perfect grip while pedaling.
For those who experience gravel as a more exploratory and adventurous experience, cargo shorts are a perfect alternative to fitted overalls. These garments combine functionality and versatility of use, being comfortable even in leisure time and ideal for bikepacking. The wider cut offers greater freedom of movement and comfort even on the hottest days. They still retain essential technical features such as the cycling-specific pad and the higher rear profile to cover the lumbar area.
The presence of multiple pockets is the main advantage of this type of shorts: the side pockets with zips on the hips allow you to carry your smartphone, wallet, keys and other useful accessories making them easily accessible. Here too, fabrics must be designed to ensure abrasion resistance and equipped with water-repellent treatments, perfect for sudden rains or exits in adverse weather conditions. The design favors rip-stop materials that resist vegetation, brambles and rocks, equipped with reinforcements in the most exposed areas such as the butt and inner thigh.
Adventures Shorts are gravel cargo shorts designed to balance freedom of movement and functionality. The integrated case back offers adequate protection, while the polyamide stretch fabric with WR treatment provides water protection and abrasion resistance. Multiple zippered pockets ensure convenience and security, allowing you to carry everything you need. The adjustable waist closure system ensures a comfortable and customizable fit, while the reflective elements on the hip are discreetly but effectively integrated for night safety.
Winter and mid-season gravel clothing cannot ignore a quality jacket. In gravel, you often face variable weather conditions: setting out in the sun and being in a downpour after a few kilometers is part of the adventure. The ideal jacket must be lightweight and compressible to be easily carried in the shirt pockets, but offer effective protection when needed. Essential features include waterproofness or high water repellency, breathability to help sweat escape during exertion, and a cut designed for cycling, with an elongated back profile and contoured sleeves.
Wind protection is equally important: even on mild days, wind can cause a significant drop in perceived temperature, especially when going downhill or after climbing. The most advanced windbreakers - such as the Breva Wind Jacket Nalini - are made with elastic and breathable fabrics, or integrate windproof panels in the most exposed areas and stretch materials to ensure breathability and freedom of movement. Despite its three-layer construction, the Breva Wind jacket feels very lightweight and can be easily folded and stored in your pocket. Refractive front and back logos improve visibility in the evening hours, while the three back pockets are perfect for storing small items, especially useful for long-distance travelers.
Gloves are often underrated accessories in gravel bike clothing, yet they are essential for ensuring maximum comfort and safety in the saddle. Hands absorb a lot of vibration on dirt tracks, and quality gloves can help reduce handlebar pressure on your hands and fatigue, preventing sore palms and protecting your fingers in the event of falls. Gravel requires gloves that offer a balance between protection and sensitivity: short-fingered models are ideal for hot days and those who prefer greater control, while winter gloves become essential in low temperatures.
The most suitable winter gloves for gravel - such as Logo Thermal Gloves - feature grippy silicone inserts to ensure a secure grip, improving bike control, and Water Resistant treatments for maximum protection even in rainy weather. Important details also include the presence of any inserts on the fingertips to use touch screens without removing them, as is the case with the Essential gloves, perfect for gravel bike rides in the mid-seasons or on milder winter days. The choice between the different types depends on the season: lightweight, breathable gloves are ideal for summer, long-fingered models for mid-seasons, and winter thermal gloves with wind and water protection for colder temperatures.
A crucial aspect when it comes to women's or men's gravel clothing is choosing the right size. Even the best quality products will not be able to guarantee optimal performance if they do not fit properly, and in gravel biking, where you spend many hours in the saddle, choosing garments with an optimal fit is even more important. The perfect fit for gravel generally falls somewhere between the slim fit of road cycling and the “comfort” fit of mountain biking: it should be snug enough not to create excessive aerodynamic drag and keep the garments in place, but not so tight that it limits movement or creates too much compression.
Before proceeding to purchase a garment, it is advisable to try it in the position on the bike, not standing. The sleeves should be the right length when holding your hands on the handlebars and the back profile should cover your lumbar area when you are bent forward. For overalls, suspenders should not pull on the shoulders or be too slow. Nalini offers a detailed size chart that considers different physicalities, and garment construction takes anatomical variations into account. All women's gravel clothing is specifically designed for female anatomy, ensuring optimal fit and comfort. Each product is the result of careful design that combines technological innovation, the use of quality fabrics, and artisanal attention to detail, allowing you to tackle any journey in maximum safety and comfort.
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