Gravel Bike Clothing Guide
Our Top Picks to Wear When Gravel Riding
Hailing from the neverending dirt paths of California, gravel riding has grown in popularity across the globe of late and with it so has the demand for gravel clothing. Gravel cycling demands lightweight gravel kit and clothing that delivers in terms of functionality and performance. At Sigma Sports, we curate the best lightweight jerseys, gravel cycling shorts and quick drying layers from the leading gravel cycling clothing brands so you can enjoy long days in the saddle riding off road.
What to wear on a gravel bike?
While the simple and most common answer is ‘wear whatever you like', we have taken a closer look at your gravel bike clothing options. No matter how hot or wet the weather you are gravel cycling in, we have a vast array of quick drying kit from the best brands.
What is Gravel Riding?
The perfect middle ground between mountain biking and road cycling, this exciting and somewhat new discipline has been the driving force behind many riders venturing further afield, exploring new routes and boosting their bike handling skills. With so many cyclists moving with the times and adding a dedicated gravel bike to their stable, questions regarding what to wear are flooding in.
As mentioned, with gravel riding sitting directly between mountain biking and road riding, there is an overlap in apparel, from both a technical and stylistic standpoint.
This holds true from a brand perspective too; performance led road brands including ASSOS have branched out to the off-road market, while mountain born brands like MAAP have tailored their cuts to complement days on the drops.
"Social media is full of shots of beards and sandals riding bikes out in the wilderness. Where we would all have once baulked at the idea of an SPD sandal and hairy legs, the trends have come full circle. What was once the staple of the round the world explorer has now become en vogue for anyone fancying an off-road adventure and night under the stars" .
Phoebe Sneddon, gravel aficionado and friend of Sigma Sports
Pas Normal Studios
A brand that caters for both on and off road adventures, hailing from Copenhagen, Pas Normal Studios are passionate about exploration and going beyond the boundaries of everyday riding.
Extending the brand's range of renowned technical clothing, the brand offers, in addition to their performance focused wear, a slightly more casual, less performance-oriented style, together with practical details and endurance comfort. This makes it ideal for bikepackers, gravel riders and those who simply wish to head further from the beaten track. Encompassing everything from shorts and jerseys to t-shirts, jackets and even bandanas, this collection delivers, no matter which bike or which path you choose to take.
Universal Colours
Universal Colours challenges current conventions through progressive design and considerately sourced materials. The brand and the team behind it are innovators and their range of clothing ranges from everything from cargo bib shorts to rain jackets.
MAAP
MAAP's gravel and adventure gear sits within their cycle clothing range. Here the fashion-forward Australian brand brings together their classic, stylish designs in earthy tones with technology and features well-suited to mixed terrain riding.
Performance-oriented cargo bib shorts and jerseys, looser t-shirts, jackets, and accessories are all available, and both manufacturing methods and materials focus on sustainability and being kinder to the environment. Comfort and durability are also a priority, with extra touches include the maximising of storage space where possible and the use of odour-resistant yarns.
ASSOS
Swiss cycling icons, ASSOS, are just one example of a premium road brand making the move over to the gravel cycling market.
Perfectly marrying their signature style, fabrics and quality with features and fits tailored to enhance your off-road experience, this is a top choice for those chasing optimum performance out on the trails. Whether you're transitioning across from the road or starting your cycling journey on the off the beaten track, it really doesn't get much better than ASSOS.
Cafe du Cycliste
Last but certainly not least, French brand Cafe du Cycliste epitomises everything off-road adventure should be - an ideal choice for the hardy gravel cyclist.
Tough, functional and technically advanced, their range has been tried and tested in some of the harshest conditions to ensure you can ride with the utmost confidence in your kit. Covering all elements of apparel, Cafe du Cycliste offers everything from waterproof jackets through to summer-ready shorts. If no-nonsense durable wear sounds appealing, explore the range now.
Gravel Bike Clothing Essentials
While many pieces of road cycling gear can be used when gravel riding, there are some gravel cycling clothing essentials you won't want to be without. If you are still unsure what to wear gravel biking, here are the must haves:
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Gravel Jersey - often featuring a more relaxed fit that road jerseys, gravel cycling jerseys use more robust fabrics, and often feature additional zipped jersey pockets compared to road cycling jerseys.
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Cargo Bib Shorts - Gravel shorts are typically built with more durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics and often include extra features like cargo pockets for carrying essentials. The chamois in gravel cargo bibs may also offer more padding for varied terrain and longer rides.
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Gravel Riding Jacket - Gravel jackets prioritise durability and a more relaxed fit with extra pockets for carrying tools and snacks, whereas road cycling jackets emphasise a close, aerodynamic fit and lighter weight for speed and efficiency.
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Gravel Cycling Gloves - Gravel gloves offer durability and an enhanced grip for varied terrain, often featuring robust materials and extra padding for vibration absorption compared to road cycling gloves.
Beyond these core items of gravel bike clothing we also have a vast range of premium shoes and lids designed for the trail. Why not take a peek at our gravel bike shoe top picks for 2025.
So whether you're looking to sit closer to the road or mountain bike end of the style spectrum, we have the gravel bike clothing to suit your needs. There are no set rules, you may wish to follow social trends and marry a bib short with a technical t-shirt or go full aero, just remember, comfort is key.
Enjoy the trails!
