Women's Cycling Clothing

Recommended women's cycling clothes for your London to Paris bike ride

When it comes to working out what women’s cycling clothing is needed for the London to Paris bike ride, come rain nor shine you need to be prepared for it all.

There are a huge number of cycling clothing options available. Here is a shortlist of some of the best women’s cycling clothing which come highly recommended by other London to Paris cyclists:

Women’s cycling arm warmers

Arm warmers are ideal to keep in your bag for use when cycling in the cold.

Even in the summer, early starts can be chilly, but not enough to add layers. Arm warmers can be quickly put on or taken off as needed plus they don’t take up a lot of space or weigh much.

Here are some great women’s cycling arm warmers that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling base layers

Quality base layers are a cyclist’s best friend. They are lightweight and comfortable and great for keeping you warm throughout your London to Paris bike ride.

If you’re cycling in the spring, autumn or winter then these are an important option to consider.

Here are some great cycling base layer options for women that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling gloves

Cycling gloves are a must for any long-distance bike ride like the London to Paris one.

A lot of pressure is felt on the hands and wrists and can quickly become a problem over time. Choosing the right gloves not only keep your hands warm and protected in case you fall from your bike, but they help to dissipate some of this pressure.

Here are some great cycling gloves for women that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling hats & headwear

Cycling hats can be a useful addition to your London to Paris cycle kits.

When completing the ride in winter, it’s a good idea to wear a cycling hat underneath your bicycle helmet to help keep your head warm, especially useful in high winds.

Some hats are aimed at cyclists in the summer, to provide extra protection from the sun.

Here are some great cycling hats and headwear for women that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling jackets

Cycling jackets are an important consideration for your London to Paris cycle ride

If you plan to cycle at night time or in the winter months then a cycling jacket is a must. Giving you an extra layer of protection from the sun and wind, many are bright and reflective and help improve your visibility by other road users.

No matter the time of year, cycling jackets can also protect you from the rain which tends to make an unwelcome appearance on many a cycle ride.

Here are some great cycling jackets for women that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling jerseys

When you think about what to wear when cycling, it’s the jersey that typically comes to mind first.

Choosing which cycling jersey to buy for your London to Paris cycle ride is an important decision.

Breathable materials on a cycling jersey are key. You will sweat a lot during the ride and also when the rain comes, you want to be wearing a cycling jersey that will quickly dry.

Here are some great cycling jerseys for women that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling leg warmers

Leg warmers are ideal to keep in your bag for use when cycling in the cold.

Even in the summer months, early starts can be chilly, but typically not enough to add layers. Leg warmers can be quickly put on or taken off as needed plus they don’t take up a lot of space or weigh much.

Here are some great women’s cycling leg warmers that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling rain ponchos

If you’ve chosen not to wear a cycling jacket then carrying a cycling rain poncho with you is something to consider for your London to Paris cycle ride.

The weather is changeable in both England and France, so it’s always a good idea to be ready for the rain.

If you are already taking a waterproof cycling jacket with you, then this likely isn’t a necessary purchase, unless the forecast is for torrential rain then extra protection would be recommended. When the rain stops though you’ll want to take it off soon after so you can increase airflow to your body again, and reduce the wind resistance.

Here are some great rain ponchos for cyclists that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling sets

Sometimes a separate cycling jersey and shorts just isn’t enough for your London to Paris cycle ride. Instead, you may prefer your cycling tops and bottoms to match.

In this case, there are many bib shorts and jersey cycling sets which not only look great, but can increase your performance.

Here are some great women’s cycling sets that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling shorts

Cycling shorts are an important part of your cycling kit for your London to Paris cycle ride.

Cycling shorts can provide additional comfort and protection for a key point of friction between your body and the bike (the saddle).

Choosing women’s cycling shorts made from breathable materials is key, as is the fit. Minimising wind resistance where possible is recommended, especially on faster rides like the 24-hour London to Paris bike ride, therefore Lycra shorts are the go-to for many cyclists because of this.

Padding built into cycling shorts are essential for comfort and to minimise injury.

Here are some great women’s cycling shorts that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling socks

Look after your feet. Too many cyclists neglect to do this. Choose the right cycling socks to include in your cycling kit for your London to Paris cycle ride.

Cycling socks provide additional comfort and protection for a key point of friction between your body, your cycling shoes and the pedals on your bike.

Choosing women’s cycling socks made from breathable materials is key, as is the fit.

Here are some great men’s cycling socks that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling skinsuits

The use of cycling skinsuits are a good option when cycling London to Paris in 24-hours, or especially if it’s in a race event.

Cycling skinsuits are incredibly lightweight, breathable and they minimise air resistance.

Here are some great women’s cycling skinsuits that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling sunglasses

Sunglasses are an essential part of your London to Paris bike ride kit.

No matter what time of the year you cycle from London to Paris, having the right protection for your eyes is critical.

In low light, clear or yellow-tinted glasses are recommended to keep unwanted particles in the air coming into contact with your eyes. Something that is always a danger for cyclists. When the sun is out, UV protection is also critical.

On long-distance bike rides like the London to Paris cycle ride, with the many hours we spend outdoors in the elements, it’s worth investing in a pair of sunglasses just for cycling.

Here are some great women’s cycling sunglasses that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Women’s cycling trousers / leggings

While cycling shorts are the right choice for most London to Paris bike rides, sometimes it’s important to be able to cover your legs, especially in the winter months.

Here are some great women’s cycling trousers and leggings that other London to Paris cyclists have used and recommended:

Essential L2P Kit

Here is a list of essential cycling equipment for any London to Paris bike ride (we assume you already have a bike):


Bicycle friendly hotels

Need somewhere to stay?
We've listed recommended hotels which are cycle friendly for your London to Paris bike ride.

Recommended cycling kit

What to take with you?
See recommended cycling equipment for your London to Paris cycle ride.


Other helpful links

Some useful links for planning your very own London to Paris cycle ride:

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