Which cycling jacket do you need in the summer?

There’s a huge selection of functional summer jackets. They’re available for men, women and children, for cyclists or walkers, for road bikes or mountain bikes. Here you’ll find out which jackets are available for summer weather, whether you even need a cycling jacket in summer, and you can quickly and easily find out in the Q&A which one is best suited to your cycling plans.

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide between a wind jacket, a gilet or a summer cycling rain jacket. Our comprehensive guide explains what each jacket can do, because there are big differences between summer cycling jackets. You can also read the decision help in the Q&A at the very bottom and quickly and easily find the right jacket there.

But let’s start with the basic question: Do men really need to buy a men’s cycling jacket for summer and women a women’s jacket? Or is the difference not that important after all?

Men’s cycling jackets & women’s jackets for summer

↪Is that really important?

With many other accessories, the gender of the wearer is often not that important. With cycling trousers and cycling jackets, it’s different: they need to fit well, otherwise they cut in or form creases that chafe or pinch. If the cut is adapted to the body, that usually doesn’t happen.

Two cyclists in summer with cycling jackets

Summer cycling jackets come in men’s cuts and women’s cuts.

Men’s summer cycling jackets

Longer sleeves, room at the shoulders and a longer back – the cut of men’s summer cycling jackets is adapted to the riding position as is the case with other cycling outerwear. Men’s jackets often have broader shoulders, but otherwise a straight cut. They don’t widen at the lower hem. Bike rain jackets are usually a bit longer too, so rainwater doesn’t run down your back and onto your trousers.

Women’s summer cycling jackets

Unlike the straight-cut men’s jacket, women’s summer cycling jackets are usually tailored and are a bit wider again in the hip area. That way the jacket sits comfortably on the upper body. The riding position on the bike is also taken into account here: longer sleeves, freedom of movement for the shoulders and a back panel that covers your back even when seated. If a jacket can also be individually adjusted with Velcro fasteners and drawcords , it sits especially well and doesn’t flap in the wind.

The colour is also hard to tell apart between men’s and women’s cycling jackets today, because the outdated division into pink and blue no longer applies. They’re also available in all kinds of styles.

In general, cycling jackets have a special cut. They’re adapted to the seated riding position, which is why they have a longer back, long sleeves and plenty of room at the shoulders. That means you can usually close the collar high so the neckline doesn’t hang down when you’re in the saddle.

These cycling jackets are best for summer

↪ Softshell, hardshell, gilet or ultralight – you can wear these cycling jackets in summer

A rain jacket is also a classic among summer cycling jackets. Most rain jackets are hardshell jackets, but there are other options too!

Hardshell cycling jackets for summer

Hardshell jackets can consist of several layers, and the top layer is usually not elastic, which is where their name comes from. Since the fabric doesn’t give, a special cycling jacket is particularly comfortable here! They are often largely waterproof and keep you dry for longer even in heavy showers. But they can also be only water-repellent. Hardshell jackets are usually also windproof, but they have a downside: the sealed fabric is quite stiff compared to fabrics and can “crackle” with every movement.

Hardshell jackets are sealed with a coating ("membrane") or they are chemically “reproofed”.

Hardshell jackets come in different versions:

Single-layer summer jackets: light, small pack size; they’re “laminated” (= coated with a membrane) to make them waterproof.
Single-layer summer jacket with bonded lining: comfortable to wear and a bit warmer; the lining fabric also protects the membrane, and these jackets are particularly durable. Depending on the construction, this material sandwich is called “two-layer ” or “2.5-layer”.
Cycling jacket with loose inner lining made from mesh fabric, attached at only a few points and otherwise hanging loosely inside the jacket. These jackets are considered particularly well ventilated; they’re also referred to as “three-layer” (outer fabric + membrane + lining) or also as “two-layer” (outer fabric/membrane + lining).
Note: there are often differences in how these layers are counted together. Looking at the product description usually helps if you want to know exactly how a manufacturer defines “single-layer, 2.5-layer or three-layer”.

Hardshell summer jackets aren’t always waterproof! If you want to buy a waterproof jacket, you should read the product description.

This summer hardshell rain jacket has a “helmet hood”; it fits over your helmet in bad weather.

Softshell jackets are the all-rounder for bike tours

Softshell jackets are usually “only” water-repellent, but they’re stretchy and warm somewhat better than hardshell jackets. These jackets come in different fabric thicknesses, so they’re suitable for different weather conditions. A thin softshell jacket can be used well as a summer bike jacket because it protects you from wind and light rain. Thicker fabrics are suitable for cool weather in the transition season. The inside is usually brushed, making it particularly soft against the skin, so the jacket is also very comfortable to wear in summer over a top or T-shirt.

Windbreaker or wind jackets for fast bike rides

Most hardshell rain jackets and many softshell jackets are windproof, so why buy a wind jacket? Very simple: windbreakers or wind jackets are usually much more breathable than rain jackets and therefore much more pleasant to wear on windy but dry days or when there’s a lot of riding wind. They’re also often particularly light.

What is the windchill effect?

On a bike, the windchill effect is always a factor. “Windchill” means that wind or riding wind blows away the warming layer of air around your body, so you freeze even though temperatures are warm. That can be quite pleasant in hot weather, but on colder days cyclists cool down particularly quickly because the riding wind quickly drops the “feels-like temperature” by a few degrees. There are formulas to calculate the windchill effect, but you don’t want to calculate – you want to ride.

So our tip: A thin wind jacket or a windproof cycling gilet is helpful in dry weather, especially if you like to ride fast (hello road bike and downhill riders!).

Bike gilets

Especially on road bikes or when bike trekking, bike gilets are often worn in summer . Most are made from water-repellent fabric, so in light drizzle your back stays dry while your arms are uncovered and can help with temperature balance.

A bike gilet helps in draughts. This one also makes you visible right away! Image © Endura

And then there are high-visibility gilets that make you easier to spot in poor visibility, or a way to keep a group of cyclists together. You could debate the style, but from a safety point of view they’re definitely a good idea.

Fleece jackets as a summer bike jacket … rather not!

While fleece jackets are often taken along for hiking, jogging or other sports, these fabrics are rarely used in cycling. The fabric is also quite open-weave and therefore very wind-permeable, which is why fleece jackets are a good base layer for winter, mountains or sea air. As the only summer bike jacket, they’re impractical!

Ultralight bike jackets

Ultralight bike jackets for summer live up to their name: there are models that weigh just a little over 100 grams . They’re mainly intended for road cyclists, but trekking riders, mountain bikers or city riders also benefit if they can pull a tiny pack out of their pocket that protects them from a sudden downpour.

Ultralight jackets are usually water-repellent or waterproof, and they also work as windbreakers. But their heat retention isn’t that great.

Which summer bike jacket for which cycling discipline?

A day’s bike tour

Here you don’t need to plan too much; depending on what weather is expected for the travel day, you should have a light wind jacket and a rain jacket as options.

If you know you can shelter somewhere on the way, a water-repellent jacket in your backpack is enough.
If you’re riding in remote areas, a waterproof hardshell jacket can never hurt.
On cold days we recommend a “onion look”. If it’s still cool in the morning or evening, you can wear a warming layer under the jacket.
For a single day, you can also just wear any jacket you like.

Which jacket do you need for bikepacking?

Bikepacking and multi-day bike tours require a bit more planning, because you can rarely pin down the weather in advance. That’s why you’re best off with as flexible clothing as possible.

At the latest after two or three days in a row, real cycling clothing – i.e. a good cycling functional jacket – pays off.
There are cycling jackets that become a gilet thanks to detachable sleeves.
A rain jacket is part of the standard equipment.
A wind jacket is optional.
In cool weather, a jumper or a thin fleece jacket fits under a larger rain jacket.
Since you’re already travelling with bike bags, you don’t have to judge pack size quite as strictly.
A gilet with lots of pockets stores important small items within reach and protects the upper body from draughts.

More information about optimal bikepacking equipment can be found in the article “The bikepacking pack list”.

Which jacket do you need for road bike training?

Ultralight rain jackets and tight wind jackets – as always, road bike clothing is primarily aerodynamic.

Road jackets have particularly smooth outer surfaces.
There’s no unnecessary material, so they don’t offer unnecessary wind resistance.
They’re also single-layer, which saves weight.

Road bike jacket, light, for women

Narrow cut and no gram too much... road cycling clothing speaks its own language, and summer jackets are no exception. Image © Maap

MTB tours

Jackets for mountain bikers have to deal with two opponents that other pieces of clothing rarely encounter: mud and branches. That’s why they’re particularly dense and also particularly tear-resistant.

There’s room for more freedom of movement.
Also, protectors fit under the jacket.
A roomy, breathable rain jacket is usually the best choice.
As always with MTB clothing, there’s often a relaxed hoodie street style here.

City riders

Here there are many different styles, from plain and smart to colourful and sporty, so you can complement your outfit. Many commuters prefer a simple urban style that doesn’t look like sportswear.

Summer jackets for city riders are often a bit looser so your everyday clothing fits underneath; if needed, you can also carry a small messenger bagunderthe jacketto keep it dry.
In road traffic, you need to be seen above all, so jackets with reflectors are highly recommended in dirty weather.

☀️ These are the features a good summer bike jacket should have

Waterproof, breathable... of course. But what else does a good summer bike jacket need to be able to do?

The summer jacket must breathe!

Especially in high heat, you sweat quickly and a lot. In a jacket that doesn’t let liquids through, you’d quickly get wet; there’s a risk of heat build-up. There are a few ways to improve air circulation.

Many jackets have ventilation openings, i.e. small eyelets and mesh fabric in the armpit area or zips under the arms (“Pit-Zipps”) or on the chest that you can open or close when needed.
The jacket pockets are often used directly as a ventilation opening. The inner pocket is then made of mesh fabric; when the pocket is open, moisture can escape and fresh air can enter.

How can a jacket be waterproof and breathable at the same time? Here’s the secret:

Step 1 of breathability is vapour permeability. Tiny droplets of vapour can pass outwards through the fibres. Raindrops are much larger; they can’t get from the outside into the inside of the jacket.
The fibres can also actively draw moisture from the inside to the outside, similar to how a candle wick absorbs wax. This is also called the wicking effect (wick, English “wick”).

Waterproof summer jackets for cycling

Not every summer bike jacket is waterproof (i.e. a rain jacket). Many jackets are at least water-repellent; they’re waterproof from a water column of 10,000 mm. There are also matching waterproof gloves that protect your hands on the handlebar from moisture and provide good grip.

🔎 More important features

Waterproof zips and seams are important! They reliably keep riding wind and raindrops out.
Front ≠ back on the bike jacket! The back of many summer bike jackets is ventilated; on the belly, chest and arms there’s a windproof layer.
A helmet-compatible hood protects cyclists twice. Often the hoods are disproportionately large. That’s not because the designers fell asleep; the oversized hoods protect your head plus helmet from wind and weather!
Reflective elements ensure better visibility.
Light, bright colours are easier to see. Also important: black summer bike jackets heat up particularly well... light-coloured clothing feels less warm.
The silicone trim keeps the jacket in place. On the hem of many bike jackets you’ll find a silicone strip that prevents the jacket from sliding up your back. There can also be anti-slip coatings on the sleeve cuffs.
The back pocket stays accessible. The classic storage space for cyclists is also on the summer jacket; it either has its own back pockets or an opening that lets you reach your jersey pockets.
There are other features like detachable sleeves (rare), compartments for lift tickets, clips for your key, built-in lens cleaning cloths, waterproof phone compartments, and more!
Some sportswear has odour-inhibiting coatings – also a good idea for cycling!

Black summer bike jacket, for men

☝️Summer bike jackets – frequent questions as a decision aid

Our ultimate buying help: with a few simple questions to find the perfect summer jacket for riders!

Q: Who needs a jacket?

A: Are you looking for a summer cycling jacket for men or for women? There are also cool cycling jackets for children, making summer tours even more fun. Here you can simply filter down to the right jackets.

Q: What type of jacket do you want?

A: A rain jacket, a wind jacket, a light hardshell or a softshell jacket… there’s plenty to choose from!

Q: Which cycling discipline do you need a summer jacket for?

A: You’ve already read it... there’s a suitable jacket for every (riding) style!

Q: Do you prefer the jacket to be windproof or well ventilated?

A: Either fully rainproof or with a few ventilation openings – unfortunately you can’t have both at the same time.

Q: What equipment do you want?

A: Detachable sleeves, odour-inhibiting, pockets on the back, waterproof phone pocket, adjustable hem or a built-in way to carry it – there are lots of cool ideas that make a cycling jacket especially practical. Online shops also have filters for that.

Q: Which jacket fits and do you like?

A: We’re not responsible for style advice, but there are cycling jackets in all colours and sizes, and they’ll definitely suit your style too!

Q: What do you want to spend?

A: Last but not least, buying sportswear is always also a question of price. There are very cheap cycling jackets, but in test reports and practical tests it becomes clear that your jacket stays in shape much longer if you invest in a good one. As always with bikes and bike accessories, the following rule of thumb has proven itself when buying cycling clothing:

The more often and the longer you get on your bike, the more it’s worth investing in good materials!

Summer jacket for bike, MTB, black, pink

🌐 Which bike jacket do you need WHERE in summer?

Summer can be very different. North Sea or mountains? City or sea?

North Sea, Baltic Sea: especially at the North Sea it’s very windy and it also rains again and again. Here a waterproof jacket is mandatory; a wind jacket or gilet should also be in your luggage. And a warming, light fleece jacket underneath can reduce windchill. At the Baltic Sea, if you’re lucky, it’s a bit milder, but you should still be able to protect yourself from wind and rain.
Mountains: wind and fast weather changes are also an issue in the mountains, but at higher altitudes it’s often significantly colder than in the valley. An extra layer is always a good idea, especially if you ride downhill quickly with little pedalling effort! A good rain jacket is a must; depending on the weather, a slightly warming base layer in the form of a jumper or fleece jacket provides additional warmth. A light wind jacket or a windproof gilet protects you on fast descents.
Franconia and the Rhine valley: these two areas are the warmest parts of Germany, so you should focus mainly on good ventilation and make sure your cycling clothing offers UV protection. A light, well-ventilated rain jacket should still be in your bike bags, but enough water supplies may be more important.
Aside from these extreme conditions, you can adapt your jacket to the current weather situation.

Cycling jackets for women, men & children to buy

Fahrradjacken Damen | Fahrradjacken Herren | Fahrradjacken für Kinder | alle Fahrradjacken

Buy bike jackets online at BMO

Conclusion:

We naturally wish you perfect weather for your bike tours: dry, not too warm and not too cold. But if the weather doesn’t play along, with this buying guide you’ll have the right jacket in your luggage! We also supply you with a Fahrrad or E-Bike, Bike Bekleidung, Fahrradteilen and Zubehör 😉.