null

Jackets and Vests

Men's Cycling Jackets and Vests

Men's Cycling Jackets and Gilet Vests

When selecting a cycling jacket, you should consider the following aspects: warmth, dryness, visibility, and windproofing. When choosing the proper cycling jacket, one must consider the temperatures and conditions they will be experiencing. For example, the jacket you choose for winter riding in Chicago will probably be different from the one you would use in South Carolina. Also, consider that you will warm up from exertion during your ride. Cycling jackets that offer maximum warmth will protect you against the wind and offer insulation.

Men's Cycling Jackets and Cycling Gilet Vests

Riding in cold weather elements doesn't have to be unpleasant if you have the right jacket or vest! Aero Tech Designs is proud to present our riding jackets and vest selection to keep you riding longer and feeling stronger. We offer various weights of jackets, from freezing weather riding to lightweight, windproof jackets for cool spring mornings. We also provide various jackets to defend against the elements such as wind or rain. A jacket that fits well and has the right features will make all-year riding possible!

Selecting a Cycling Jacket

When selecting a jacket or outer layer, the rider should consider the temperature they will be riding and if moisture will be present. During March, a rider in northeast Vermont would be looking for a different jacket compared to a rider in Portland during the same period. Another significant consideration when shopping for a cycling jacket is wind-blocking. Besides the main benefits of wearing a cycling jacket, warmth and dryness, a good cycling jacket should keep you safe on the road. Reflective elements should be present to make the rider more visible to motorists. Cycling jackets also should provide storage for other gear and ridding supplies. Each jacket can come with one or two of these features, while others can come with tons of great features. Depending on the rider's needs, some features on the jacket are more critical than others. Features include safety reflective, specialized pockets, heavy-duty and windproof zippers, unique fabrics and fabric treatments, attachable hoods, and windproofing and waterproofing.

Cycling Jacket Features

Pockets

Pockets are essential when determining if a jacket will suit your needs as a cyclist. If a rider is on longer rides and needs that extra storage for food or gear, then pockets are a necessity. If the cyclists are from a very wet location, the jacket should have waterproof zippered pockets to protect the items inside. Zippered pockets also add security, so things don't fall out. Pocket locations can be on the sides, front breast, lower back, or sleeves. Some jackets can have specialized pockets for Phones or other devices.

Design

The jacket layout and design can range depending on rider need. Some jackets have parts that can remove as the weather changes to warmer or colder, such as removable hoods or sleeves. Other jackets have on-the-fly adjustments built-in for when the weather changes on the ride. These features include a two-way zipper, drawcords, and adjustable cuffs. Some jackets come with breathable vents to prevent moisture trapping, primarily on rain jackets. These can be located on the back or under the arms.

Fabric

Jackets, vests, and outer layers are available in various fabrics and styles to keep the body warm and have moisture control. The fabric used for jackets is usually one of four different types. These outer layers are available in a Waterproof, Water-Resistant, Wind-resistant, Durable Water Repellent, and Thermal. The types are detailed below.
  • Waterproof performance apparel keeps heavy rain from getting through your skin while also moving sweat back to the surface. If you're planning any activity that gets limbs and lungs pumping, this is your kind of gear because both precipitation and perspiration can soak you. Any waterproof jacket is also windproof. A waterproof jacket has taped seams and waterproof zippers, so the jacket gets the waterproof designation.
  • Water-resistant is also breathable; this gear can handle light rain for a brief time, like windbreakers and featherweight jackets, for example.
  • The windproof layer protects the rider from a gust of wind that would typically chill the body. Essentially the same as a water-resistant jacket, this is often an ultralight garment that easily stuffs into a pocket. Made for short trips and optimistic forecasts, it won't offer much protection in a full-fledged storm. You will also find jackets with windproof technology; typically, made windproof by a laminate. This laminate is only considered water-resistant.
  • Durable water repellent(DWR) adds an exceptional water repellent finish to the outside of the fabric to shed water, prevent saturation, and keep water from sitting on top. DWRs do not inhibit breathability because they do not coat the fabric surface. Instead, they bond to the fibers and do not fill in the spaces between them.

When a jacket's fabric is water repellent, the water rolls off the garment, which isn't the same as a water-resistant fabric. Water-resistant usually has a DWR coating, but the seams are not taped, and the zippers may not be waterproof.

Reflective

Reflective elements on jackets provide safety to the rider. When it is raining, visibility is lower for passing cars most of the time. Having highly reflective elements on a jacket gives motorists a heads-up and keeps riders safer. All cycling jackets have a reflective element.

Important Things to Know About Cycling Jackets

Layering

As a cyclist who rides in all weather conditions, you will be battling the elements, and it is essential to know how to layer your clothes to stay comfortable on the saddle. If you properly layer your clothes, your body will not waste energy trying to regulate your body temperature. There are three primary levels in proper layering. Some are not necessary, depending on the conditions and temperatures. The layering levels start with the baselayer to control moisture, followed by the middle layer is usually used to insulate the body, and lastly, the outer layer protects from the weather elements.

  • Baselayer- As mentioned above, the base layer's primary purpose is to control the moisture produced with vigorous exercise. Baselayers are worn against the skin to move perspiration away from the skin to maintain a consistent body temperature. Baselayer fabric usually is merino wool or synthetic fabric, such as polyester. A cotton t-shirt or garments should never be worn as a base layer because cotton absorbs moisture keeping it against the skin and making body temperatures range instead of keeping it consistent. Various levels of thickness, fabric types, and styles of base layers are available. Having a great base layer will help make the jackets, vest, and other outer layers perform better in tough conditions.
  • Middle Layer- The middle layer's primary purpose is to insulate the body by trapping heat between the jacket and baselayer. Mid-layers can range depending on the weather conditions or how long of a ride. They come in various fabrics and styles, each offering benefits depending on need. The most popular fabric for a middle layer is a Classic Fleece fabric. This polyester thermal fabric provides warmth and is lightweight and breathable, even wet. They dry faster and have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than wool. Wool and wind fleece are other popular fabrics for a middle layer because of the warmth and element protection when matched with a jacket or vest. Other cyclists use standard jerseys when the weather is warming up during the daytime.
  • Outer Layers- Outer layers have been described throughout this article, including Jackets and Vests. Typically, there are three different cycling jackets. They are a lightweight, packable wind jacket (can also be waterproof), a rain jacket, and a softshell jacket. These jackets are used for specific riding conditions, such as pouring rain or a cold, snowy day. A packable jacket is perfect for a spring day that starts cold and windy then turns cool and sunny. As described above, jackets and vests come with tons of great features and fabrics. Various outer layers include windbreakers, thermal softshell, high visibility jackets, rain and snow Jackets, and packable jackets and vests.

Washing

Be sure to follow all washing instructions located inside the jacket or vest. These instructions are often overlooked when purchasing and caring for a jacket. The specialized fabric or coating on the jacket may need special care or have a unique set of washing instructions. If you have any questions about caring for your jacket, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Types of Jackets and Outer Layers

  • Windbreakers – Great for windy or chilly morning
  • Thermal Softshell – Ideal for Cold Weather Riding and Layering
  • High Visibility Jackets // Highly Reflective – Best for commuting and night riding
  • Rain and Snow Jackets - Protects against moisture in the coldest temperatures
  • Commuter Jackets – Normally can be worn on and off the bike while having reflective benefits
  • Packable Jackets and Vests – Best for changing temperatures