Choosing the Best Cycling Tights – It’s a Matter of Degree.
Rain, wind, extreme cold, low light, or a mix of all are no problem with the right cycling tight. This season we once again scoured the cycling universe to bring you the very best in women’s cycling tights for all conditions.
We also put cycling tights to the test in some pretty extreme conditions from wet road surfaces to frigid temperatures. While the option always exists for layering a shell tight over bike shorts, our testers favor the integrated, dedicated cycling tights with chamois. The main reason is less bulk, and therefore a reduction in the potential for chafing at waist, back of knee, and through the crotch, where multiple fabric layers can be extra problematic.
Years of development and sourcing have resulted in what we think is a pretty comprehensive array of options – and the best cycling tights for female cyclists. If you’re a serious rider trying to eke out every rideable day possible, you’ll get your money’s worth out of any one of these bike tights choices.
Best Cycling Tights for Touring and 35º – 60º
Coolweather are our best cycling tights for mostly dry, above freezing conditions. Not only are these good for a wide temperature range, we make them for a wide variety of riders (petite, regular, tall and plus). They’re not thermal but the fabric is a densely knitted tri blend designed to wick extremely well. We’ve also added an option with our most padded chamois (Flex Air Tour) designed for all day in the saddle. These will be in the kit for any bike trips the next 6 months.
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A sculpted, thermal option for mild to cool conditions. Features a combination of warm fleecy fabric, premium pad, technical details, all-around visibility and a dark nightshade color that’s next level.
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Our 5-star Wayfarer Tight is a gem, coming in both onyx or new charcoal. Two generous side pockets and satiny UPF 50+ compression fabric make this the supreme choice for an all-season touring tight.
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Best Bike Tights for 30º – 50º
Thermal Tights, best cycling tights for mixed weather conditions
Great choices here, all made of a fleece-backed fabric that adds loft and warmth. All three are five-star rated and offer slightly different fits as well as differences in chamois. Of course we’re biased toward our own Thermal and Powerstretch Pro Tights, but the others are great options, too.
Available in a variety of configurations (padded or unpadded, knicker or tight), our higher rise, dual pocketed, fleece backed Thermals are the way to go for warmth and functionality.
Equipped with a handy leg pocket and our ridiculously comfortable soft wing chamois. Fleecy against the skin, wind resistant, water repellent and warm.
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Castelli’s newest and best coldweather tight offers a great blend of warmth and riding comfort. This is the tight that keeps you protected and riding comfortably in the widest possible range of conditions with minimal, carefully placed seams and Progetto X2 Air Chamois.
Amazing value in a padded thermal tight from the master fabric engineers at Gore.
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Best Cycling Tights for 20º – 50º
Windfront Tights, great for the coldest and/or wettest conditions
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What makes this the ideal Wind Tight for cycling? A highly specialized fabric combination that’s wind and water-proof in front, stretchy thermal fabric that wicks and is brushed inside, a reflective print that illuminates when light hits it and a really fabulous price. Excellent insulation for serious cyclists who ride all year.
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Designed to meet the steep demands of winter riding and the expectations of the most discerning performance cyclists. Polartec Hardface Windpro in the front blocks wind and repels moisture. In the rear, we’ve strategically placed Polartec Powerstretch Pro to add stretch and advance moisture management. Fully windproof and highly water resistant, this bib will ride with you through the worst conditions. Its compression fit and high rise design help lock in body heat while providing full core support. Elasticized straps make getting in and out quick and easy. Add to that our premium Flex Air Carbon chamois with low-bulk, multi-level padding, excellent moisture transfer and natural antimicrobial properties, and there you have it–one of the best options for all-day, all-weather riding this winter.
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Our warmest group of tights, designed for the worst conditions. Up front, Polartec Hardface WindPro jersey/velour with DWR water repellency and polymer surface to shed moisture and block wind; Powerstretch Pro in rear for stretch and moisture management. Fully windproof and highly water resistant. Also available in petite length for shorter riders and unpadded for layering and off-bike use.
Best Tights for Layering
For the beset in ultimate versatility and economy, we recommend an unpadded layering tight that’s made out of performance thermal fabric. Not only can you use them on the bike, but they make wonderful all-sport tights cool weather options, as well.
Fleecy next to skin, built-in pockets, higher rise and available in a new sapphire or solid black.
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The absolute warmest option for winter cycling, alpine hiking, Nordic skiing or driveway shoveling. Polartec’s absolute warmest combination of fabrics and Terry fit.
Best Bike Tights for Sun Protection
An economical choice for full sun protection that extends comfort down to moderately chilly conditions. Silky performance fabric, comfortable fit, chamois ready for a full day’s cycling.
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Lightweight UPF 50+ coverage in a sleek stretch Italian performance fabric that works well in all seasons. Like many of our tights, it’s also sewn in the USA, comes in two colors and has one of our fabulous Italian Fleet Air chamois.
Best Choice When Bike Tights Aren’t Enough
Easily packable, and tough enough to take on a torrential downpour. Extremely breathable and robustly waterproof and windproof, with a cycling-specific cut, they’re the secret weapon for all-season riding.
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Transit Pant by Showers Pass is waterproof and rugged and made with a 3-layer waterproof, breathable Artex material. A generous helping of reflective trim keeps you visible during low light hours.
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How to Choose The Best Cycling Tights For Your Needs
Cycling tights give you full length protection from chilly or freezing weather, or from the sun. Consider the weight of the fabric to suit the range of conditions you’ll be riding in.
To pad or not to pad.
Unpadded tights are normally worn over your cycling shorts or liners, giving the advantage of being useful for other off-bike purposes. The disadvantage is that double layers of fabric can add to friction and bulk which we like to avoid.
Padded tights are cycling specific and a lovely way to go full length without the added bulk of fabric and seams over seams which can cause friction and chafing.
Evaluate the fabric.
A range of options exist, from thermal wind-protective, fleece interior Winter Tights (20-40º), to 3-season, moisture wicking Coolweather Tights (30-50º+). Neither are waterproof, so consider adding a GORE-TEX® shell (pant or short) as an outer layer if faced with wet conditions.
Seam placement.
Pay attention to placement of the seams on cycling tights. Poor placement can lead to chafing, particularly around and behind the knee.
Select the proper size.
Cycling tights should fit tightly, with no bagging or sagging fabric that will catch on your saddle.
Length is important of course, since we’re all shaped a little differently. Our most popular Terry bike tights are available in different lengths to suit taller or shorter riders. If in doubt, our customer service team will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Match your cycling tights to the riding conditions.
Choose fabric weight, lining and water resistance to the weather and road or trail conditions you expect.
Shop our complete selection of bike tights here.
Check out our “how to choose” articles on cycling shorts and cycling knickers, and if you find this information helpful please share with your friends!
