A staple of any cyclist’s wardrobe, a cycling gilet probably provides the best bang-for-buck core warmth and wind protection, both in terms of cost and weight. This article is a buyer's guide to the best gilets, highlighting the versatility and performance of the humble gilet as an essential, lightweight, and practical layer for cyclists.
In a notoriously changeable climate like the UK, it is practically a year-round requirement to have one in a jersey pocket just in case the weather changes. Adaptable clothing is crucial for changing weather, and gilet offers provide flexibility for riders who need lightweight, storable options that can be layered as needed.
Conquer the Cold with a Packable Cycling Gilet
They are also very handy to have available to prevent getting chilled at café stops or whilst performing roadside repairs, and are easily shed once you warm up. Extra layers like arm warmers can be combined with a gilet for adjustable insulation and moisture management, especially in colder or unpredictable conditions.
The best gilets are essential for year-round use, and this buyer's guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Why Choose a Cycling Gilet for Wind Protection?
Usually made from a very thin, densely woven fabric and weighing somewhere around 100 grams, cycling gilets add a surprising amount of extra warmth when worn over insulating layers.
For optimal layering, many cyclists wear a cycling jersey underneath a gilet, as a good cycling jersey provides comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties during rides. The sleeveless design is key, as it keeps your core warm while allowing your arms full freedom of movement and preventing overheating by allowing more heat to escape from your armpits. The air inside the gilet is warmed up by body heat and then kept in place by the windproof layer rather than being whisked away by the breeze.
Best Cycling Gilet For Women - Castelli Women's Espresso 2 Cycling Vest
Lightweight, breathable and highly packable, the Castelli Women's Espresso 2 Gilet combines a wind-protective stretch front with breathable Air_O Stretch fabric across the back and sides for comfort in changeable conditions. Three rear pockets, a two-way YKK zipper and secure elasticated waist add everyday practicality, making it an ideal extra layer for cool starts, breezy descents and rides between 12–20°C.
Castelli
Women's Espresso 2 Cycling Vest
Best Cycling Gilet for Men - Castelli Espresso 2 Mens Cycling Vest
Lightweight, breathable and highly packable, the Castelli Espresso 2 Gilet provides wind protection across the front while stretch fabrics on the back and sides regulate airflow and deliver a close, comfortable fit. Three rear pockets, a two-way YKK zipper and secure elasticated waist make it a versatile extra layer for changeable conditions, cool starts and fast descents.
Castelli
Espresso 2 Men's Cycling Vest
Other Types of Cycling Gilets
Cycling gilets come in a range of styles, each tailored to meet specific needs and weather conditions, making them a must-have in any cycling wardrobe. Whether you’re heading out on chilly mornings, tackling hilly rides, or bracing for changeable conditions, there’s a gilet designed to keep your upper body protected and comfortable. Here’s a closer look at the main types of cycling gilets and what makes each one a valuable addition to your cycling kit:
Windproof Gilets
Perfect for blocking cold air and providing reliable wind protection, windproof gilets are a staple for riders who want to stay warm without much bulk. Windproof front panels help keep cool air out for extra protection. These gilets often feature a DWR coating for water resistance, making them ideal for unpredictable weather. Their lightweight, breathable fabrics ensure you avoid overheating, while a snug fit keeps the gilet from flapping as you ride. Many models include practical touches like a zipped pocket or rear pockets for stashing essentials, so you can keep your jersey pocket free for snacks or tools.
Best Windproof Cycling Gilet - ASSOS MILLE GT Wind Vest S11
Ultralight and highly packable, the Assos MILLE GT Wind Vest S11 provides full front and rear wind protection with water-resistant Buster fabric, making it a versatile layer for cool starts, fast descents and changeable weather. Flexible side panels create a streamlined, comfortable fit, while the double-slider zipper makes it easy to regulate airflow and access jersey pockets on the move.
Assos
MILLE GT Wind Vest S11
Insulated Gilets
Insulated gilets provide warmth for cold weather without bulk, making them a smart outer layer when temperatures drop. Higher priced gilets often reflect better materials and design, with synthetic or down fills adding extra insulation against the chill. A relaxed fit allows for layering over a long sleeve jersey or under a winter jacket, making them a versatile extra layer for your cold-weather cycling kit. Some insulated gilets also feature several pockets, including a zipped pocket for valuables, so you can keep everything secure on the move.
Shop Insulated GiletsBest Insulated Cycling Gilet - Rapha Pro Team Shadow Gilet
Built for fast riding in unpredictable conditions, the Rapha Pro Team Shadow Gilet combines a lightweight microporous membrane with windproof, breathable protection and a PFAS-free DWR finish to help shield against wind and light rain. High-stretch fabrics and taped seams enhance comfort and weather protection, while three rear pockets, a double zip and silicone hem gripper deliver practicality for high-intensity rides in cool 8–12°C conditions.
Rapha
Pro Team Shadow Gilet
Waterproof Gilets
For those days when the weather turns truly wet, a waterproof gilet is your best defense. Made from completely waterproof materials and often equipped with a storm flap and sealed seams, these gilets keep you dry in heavy rain. Despite their robust protection, many are still easily packable, so you can stash them in a jersey pocket when the skies clear. Look for models with rear pockets or a single zipped pocket for added convenience during wet rides.
Best Waterproof Cycling Gilet: Rapha Pro Team Shadow Gilet
The Rapha Pro Team Shadow Gilet is engineered for high intensity cycling, offering superior waterproof and windproof protection in unpredictable conditions thanks to a new lightweight membrane, PFAS-free DWR finish, and critically taped seams. Its design, informed by World Tour riders, includes a refined fit, excellent breathability, a double zip for ventilation, and three generous back pockets, making it the ultimate choice for performance and versatility. This gilet improves upon the previous Infinium range, delivering real world comfort and elemental defence for dedicated cyclists.
Reflective & Hi Vis Gilets
Safety is paramount, especially in low light or poor visibility, and high-vis gilets are designed for added safety after dark. Reflective gilets are designed with reflective details or panels to boost your visibility to other road users. These gilets are a smart choice for early morning or evening rides, and they often combine wind protection with lightweight, breathable fabrics. Reflective detailing is usually paired with practical features like a snug fit and elasticated hem, ensuring comfort and safety go hand in hand.
Best Hi Vis Cycling Gilet: Castelli Squadra Stretch Vest
The Castelli Squadra Stretch Vest is an ideal, entry-level, high-visibility gilet offering excellent wind protection without overheating. Its coated ripstop nylon body blocks cold air, while the tightly knit stretch side panels provide ventilation and a great fit. Furthermore, the vest includes a high collar and strategic reflective details to boost visibility and coverage in low-light conditions.
Affordable, light, and highly effective, a well-fitting windproof cycling gilet should be right up there near the top of any cyclist’s clothing list. Through testing bikes and riding out on the road in a variety of conditions, we’ve found these features make a noticeable difference in comfort and performance. At Sigma Sports, we have a wide choice of jerseys from the leading brands such as Rapha, ASSOS, Castelli, Universal Colours, Pas Normal Studios and MAAP to name a few.
There aren’t many UK days when popping a gilet in a jersey pocket before a ride isn’t a prudent move, so it’s well worth considering buying one.
Shop all giletsCycling Gilet FAQs
Are Cycling Gilets also waterproof?
As the fabric isn’t totally waterproof and the seams aren’t sealed, cycling gilets aren’t 100% waterproof but they will often have a hydrophilic chemical DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment on the surface. In real life, most riders find water resistant gilets sufficient for light rain and road spray, even if they are not completely waterproof. This treatment causes light rain and road spray to bead up and roll off rather than soaking into the fabric, providing good protection in showers. Sustained or heavy rain will breach this barrier and penetrate the garment, but the DWR treatment can be maintained at home with wash-in treatments or sprays.
How breathable are Cycling Gilets?
Some cycling gilets have vents or mesh panels (often on the back) to specifically aid breathability, but as the fabric isn’t a fully waterproof barrier, the breathability is normally very good anyway. This mesh-back design is a key feature of the best cycling gilets, preventing a ‘boil-in-the-bag’ feeling when riding hard. It is definitely worth finding one that fits well and is close-cut, as the light fabric can flap irritatingly in the wind, increasing drag into the bargain. Make sure that it fits over any prospective winter clothing as well as just a summer jersey.
Affordable, light, and highly effective, a well-fitting windproof cycling gilet should be right up there near the top of any cyclist’s clothing list. Through testing bikes and riding road in a variety of conditions, we’ve found these features make a noticeable difference in comfort and performance. There aren’t many UK days when popping a gilet in a jersey pocket before a ride isn’t a prudent move, so it’s well worth considering buying one.
