Best Cycling Jackets Guide

Stay Warm and Dry on Every Ride

In the depths of winter, thin layers and Lycra just don’t provide enough insulation to make bike riding comfortable and enjoyable, so whether you are a hardy all-weather commuter or a committed bikepacker, a cosy, cycling jacket can be very useful.

Best Winter Cycling Jacket

Castelli Espresso Air Jacket

When it comes to winter cycling jackets, the Castelli Espresso Air Jacket stands out for its impressive warmth and breathability. Key features include:

Designed for conditions ranging from 0 to 10°C
Ristretto Warm fabric, combining a warm, fleecy interior with just enough airflow to prevent overheating
PFAS-free DWR treatment that provides excellent water resistance, suitable for light rain and damp roads.

The jacket includes several thoughtful features:

Double-layer cuffs that integrate seamlessly with winter jackets to keep the cold air out.
Three lie-flat back pockets with inner security lip, offering plenty of storage for essentials.
A top- and bottom-opening YKK® Vislon® zipper that allows for easy temperature regulation, making it a decent jacket for various cold temperatures.

Overall, the Castelli Espresso Air Jacket is a fantastic choice for winter cycling, offering a perfect balance of warmth, breathability, and water resistance.

Best Cycling Jacket For Road Cyclists

Assos MILLE GT EISENHERZ Ultraz Winter Jacket

Ideal for road cyclists who won’t let winter weather keep them indoors, the ASSOS Mille GT EISENHERZ is engineered to withstand harsh conditions and keeps cyclists warm and protected when temperatures drop. The advanced AIRBLOCK-EVO.888 softshell material is both windproof and waterproof, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even in severe weather.

The thermal waffle-structured HEATER textile offers:

Excellent insulation, trapping warm air while letting sweat escape to prevent overheating during intense rides and maintaining optimal body heat.
A regularFit design that provides a snug yet comfortable fit, ideal for long rides.
Reflective detailing that enhances visibility, making it an excellent choice for road users.

However, the design doesn’t accommodate a thick mid layer, so it’s best paired with a decent base layer. Despite the higher price point, the Assos MILLE GT EISENHERZ Ultraz Winter Jacket is a worthy investment for serious road cyclists looking to brave the elements.

Best Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Gorewear Spinshift Goretex Jacket

Designed with both performance and environmental responsibility in mind, the Gorewear Spinshift Goretex Jacket is the Sigma Sports pick for the best waterproof cycling jacket. Key features include:

Utilises the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane, providing lightweight, durable, waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance
Made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice without compromising quality
Weighs only 123 grams, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to pack and carry on your rides. Available in some really smart colourways, the Spinshift Gorewear waterproof cycling jackets are perfect for any cycling enthusiast.

The innovative body mapping design offers a second skin-like fit, allowing for unrestricted movement. The overall performance and environmental benefits of the Gorewear Spinshift Goretex Jacket make it a standout option for cyclists seeking the best in waterproof protection.

Best Windproof Cycling Jacket

GOREWEAR Spinshifter Windbreaker Jacket

The GOREWEAR Spinshift Windbreaker Jacket is a revolutionary windproof layer, designed for three-season cycling in cool to mild conditions (approximately 8°C to 18°C).

The jacket features a highly breathable, wind-blocking fabric combined with a DWR finish, providing reliable protection against wind chill, drizzle, and road spray.
What sets the Spinshift apart is its groundbreaking next-to-skin comfort, achieved through a specially woven, 3D-structured interior.
This anti-wet cling lining enhances moisture management, preventing the clammy feeling often associated with lightweight shells. Its "Kinetic Design" ensures a natural fit tailored to a cyclist's forward-leaning posture, with pre-shaped shoulders and an elastic bottom hem gripper to keep it securely in place.

Practicality is a key feature, as the jacket is incredibly light and can be easily packed away into its own rear pocket, making it the perfect emergency layer for changing weather. The jacket is completed with reflective details on the cuffs, shoulders, and lower back, ensuring increased visibility during early morning or late evening rides.

Best Hi Vis Cycling Jacket

GOREWEAR Spinshift Thermo Jacket

Visibility is paramount during winter rides, especially in low-light conditions. The GOREWEAR Spinshift Thermo Jacket excels in this area by offering:

360-degree reflective details that ensure you’re seen by other road users
Made from innovative one-layer thermo-stretch fabric with a soft fleece backing
Excellent insulation against the cold

The jacket offers several features:

Wind-resistant material and water-repellent finish add an extra layer of protection against the elements, making it versatile for various winter conditions.
Ergonomic cuffs and silicone gripper on the bottom hem enhance comfort and keep the jacket in place.
Three-gusseted back pocket and safety zip pocket provide ample storage for essentials.

However, the close-to-body fit might not suit everyone’s preferences, and its water-repellent properties are better suited for light rain rather than heavy downpours. Despite these minor drawbacks, the GOREWEAR Spinshift Thermo Jacket is an outstanding choice for cyclists prioritising visibility and comfort.

Best Cycling Jacket for Men

Rapha Pro Team Shadow Winter Jacket

The Rapha Pro Team Shadow Winter Jacket is designed for men who demand the best in performance and protection during winter rides. Key features include:

Crafted from a lightweight microporous membrane
Offers excellent wind protection and breathability
PFAS-free DWR treatment to keep you dry in damp conditions without compromising the environment.

The grid fleece lined thermal liner offers several key features:

Provides warmth
High-stretch fabrics allow for unrestricted movement, making it ideal for training and racing in cold, unpredictable weather
Double-zip design allows for rapid airflow and heat dumping during high-intensity efforts

The three spacious back pockets offer ample storage for essentials, making it a practical choice for long rides. Although the higher price point might be a deterrent for some, the jacket’s performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious cyclists. We have a wide selection of mens cycling jackets in stock.

Best Cycling Jacket for Women

Rapha Women's Brevet Insulated Jacket

The Rapha Women’s Brevet Insulated Jacket is designed for endurance rides, making it the perfect companion for long distances in cold conditions. Key features include:

Lightweight and packable design
Adaptable insulation that keeps you warm and comfortable without adding bulk
Wind-resistant outer shell
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating for protection against light showers
Lightweight active insulation that maximises warmth-to-weight ratio
Efficient moisture management to prevent overheating

The dual-fabric design regulates temperature perfectly during steady, mid-tempo efforts, allowing you to ride further in comfort. While the higher cost and lack of multiple pockets might be drawbacks, the jacket’s performance and practicality make it an excellent choice for female cyclists looking for a reliable winter jacket. We have a variety of other womens jacket options for you to browse at Sigma Sports.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Cycling Jacket

Choosing the right cycling jacket involves considering several key features to ensure you stay warm, dry, and comfortable during your rides. The right jacket can make all the difference in harsh winter conditions. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind when looking for the best winter cycling jackets:

Weather protection is paramount. Look for jackets that offer:

Both waterproofing and windproofing to shield you from the elements.
Fully waterproof jackets with taped seams and waterproof zips, ideal for heavy rain.
Water-resistant options that can handle light drizzle.

At Sigma Sports, you'll find waterproof jackets, windproof jackets and winter jackets to allow you to go for a pedal whatever the weather. Visibility and safety are also essential, especially if you ride in low-light conditions. Hi vis materials, bright colours and reflective details can enhance your visibility to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents.

Breathability and Ventilation

Breathability is a crucial aspect of any cycling jacket. When you’re cycling, your body generates a lot of heat, and a jacket needs to let sweat escape to prevent you from getting clammy and cold. This balance between staying dry from rain and dry from sweat is vital for comfort. Look for cycling jackets with:

A high breathability rating, typically 10,000 g/m²/24h or higher, indicating how well the fabric allows moisture to escape.
Zippered ‘pit zips’ under the arms for additional ventilation.
Mesh panels on the back to help regulate temperature.

These features can be particularly useful during high-intensity rides or when the bad weather or wet weather changes suddenly. Another important factor is the jacket’s ability to manage moisture. Some jackets come with advanced moisture-wicking liners that draw sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. This is especially important for long rides where you need to maintain a steady body temperature.

Cycling Jacket Cut, Fit & Length

The cut, fit, and length of a cycling jacket are vital for comfort and performance. A cycling-specific cut with longer arms and a drop tail covers your wrists and lower back when leaned forward on the handlebars, ensuring protection from the elements without compromising mobility.

Fit preferences vary by riding style. Road cyclists typically prefer a snug, aerodynamic race fit to minimise drag and enhance performance. Conversely, mountain bike riders or commuters might choose a more relaxed MTB or gravel jacket fit for additional layering and comfort during casual rides.

Consider the collar and cuffs as well. A high collar seals out wind and rain, keeping your neck warm and dry. Tight or adjustable cuffs prevent cold air from entering the sleeves, enhancing overall comfort. Jackets with these features provide maximum protection and comfort during rides.

Why not visit us in store at Hampton Wick, Letchworth or Oakham to try our cycling jackets?

Chosen wisely, a good cycling jacket will repay the investment many times over by making cycling throughout the autumn and winter enjoyable and rewarding, resulting in better fitness and ensuring that you are ready to go when spring arrives.