Which cycling jacket do you need in the summer?

There is a huge selection of functional summer jackets. They are available for men, women, and children, for cyclists or hikers, for road bikes or mountain bikes. Here you can find out which jackets are available for summer weather, whether you need a cycling jacket at all in the summer, and you can quickly find out in Q&A which one is best suited for your cycling plans.

It is sometimes difficult to decide between a windbreaker, a vest, or a summer cycling rain jacket. Our comprehensive guide explains what each jacket can do, because there are big differences, especially with cycling jackets for summer. You can also continue reading directly in the decision-making aid in Q&A at the very bottom and quickly and easily find the right jacket there.

But let's start with the fundamental question: Do men need to buy a men's cycling jacket for summer and women a women's jacket? Or is the difference not soooo important?

Cycling Jackets for Men & Women for Summer

↪Is that really important?

With many other accessories, the gender of the wearer is rather irrelevant. For cycling shorts and jackets, it is important that they fit well, otherwise they can pinch or form folds that chafe or pinch. When the cut is adjusted to the body, this usually doesn't happen.

two cyclists in summer with cycling jackets

Summer cycling jackets are available in men's and women's cuts.

Summer Cycling Jackets for Men

Longer sleeves, room at the shoulders, and a longer back – the cut of summer cycling jackets for men is adapted to the riding position, as is the case with other cycling outerwear. Men's jackets often have broader shoulders but otherwise a straight cut. They do not widen at the lower hem. Cycling rain jackets are usually a bit longer, so rainwater doesn't run onto the back and pants.

Summer Cycling Jackets for Women

In contrast to the straight-cut men's jacket, summer cycling jackets for women are usually tailored and become a bit wider around the hips. This way, the jacket sits comfortably on the upper body. The sitting position on the bike is also taken into account here, with longer sleeves, freedom of movement for the shoulders, and a back part that covers the back even when sitting. If a jacket can be individually adjusted with Velcro fasteners and cords , it fits particularly well and doesn't flap in the wind.

In terms of color, cycling jackets for men and women are rather difficult to distinguish today, as the outdated division into pink and blue no longer applies. They also come in all possible styles.

In general, cycling jackets have a special cut. They are adapted to the sitting riding position and therefore have a longer back, long sleeves, and plenty of room at the shoulders. For this, you can usually close the collar high so that the neckline doesn't hang down when you're in the saddle.

These cycling jackets are the best for summer

↪ Softshell, hardshell, vest, or ultralight – these cycling jackets can be worn in summer

A rain jacket is also a classic among cycling jackets for summer. Most rain jackets are hardshell jackets, but there are other options as well!

Hardshell cycling jackets for summer

Hardshell jackets can consist of several layers, with the top layer usually being non-elastic, which is where their name comes from. Since the fabric doesn't give, a special cycling jacket is particularly comfortable here! They are often largely waterproof and keep you dry for a longer time even in heavy rain. However, they can also be merely water-repellent. Most hardshell jackets are also windproof, but they also have a disadvantage: The sealed fabric is quite stiff compared to other materials and can "rustle" with every movement.

Hardshell jackets are sealed with a coating ("membrane") or they are chemically "impregnated".

Hardshell jackets come in different variants:

Single-layer summer jackets: light, small pack size; they are "laminated" ( = coated with a membrane) to make them waterproof.
Single-layer summer jacket with glued lining: comfortable to wear and slightly warmer, the lining fabric also protects the membrane, these jackets are particularly durable. Depending on the construction, such a material sandwich is called "two-layered or 2.5-layered".
Cycling jacket with loose inner lining made of mesh fabric, which is attached at a few points and otherwise "hangs" loosely in the jacket. These jackets are considered particularly well-ventilated and are also referred to as "three-layered (outer fabric+membrane+lining) or also as "two-layered" (outer fabric/membrane+lining).
Attention, there are often differences in how these layers are added together. A look at the product description usually helps if you want to know exactly how a manufacturer defines “single-layer, 2.5-layer, or three-layer.”

Hardshell summer jackets are not always waterproof! If you want to buy a waterproof jacket, you should read the product description.

This bike hardshell rain jacket for summer has a "helmet hood," it fits over the helmet in bad weather.

Softshell jackets are the all-rounder for bike tours

Softshell jackets are usually “only” water-repellent, but they are stretchable and warmer than hardshell jackets. These jackets come in different material thicknesses, making them suitable for various weather conditions. A thin softshell jacket is great as a bike jacket for summer, as it protects you from wind and light rain. Thicker fabrics are suitable for cool weather in the transitional season. The inside is usually brushed, making it particularly soft on the skin, so the jacket is very comfortable to wear over a top or T-shirt in summer.

Windbreakers or wind jackets for quick bike rounds

Most hardshell rain jackets and many softshell jackets are windproof, so why should you buy a wind jacket? Simply put: Windbreakers or wind jackets are usually much more breathable than rain jackets and therefore much more comfortable to wear on windy but dry days or with a lot of headwind than a dense rain jacket. They are also often particularly light.

What is the windchill effect?

On the bike, the windchill effect is always an issue. "Windchill" means that the warming air layer around your body is blown away by wind or headwind, and you feel cold despite warm temperatures. This can be quite pleasant in the heat, but on colder days, cyclists cool down particularly quickly because the headwind lowers the “perceived temperature” by a few degrees. There are formulas to calculate the windchill effect, but you want to ride your bike, not do calculations.

Therefore, our tip: A thin wind jacket or a windproof cycling vest is helpful in dry weather, especially if you like to ride fast (hello road cyclists and downhillers!).

Bike vests

Especially on road bikes or during bike trekking, cycling vests are often worn in summer. They are usually made of Water-repellent fabric, so your back stays dry in light drizzle while your arms remain uncovered, helping to balance the temperature.

A cycling vest helps with drafts. This one also makes you visible! Image © Endura

And then there are high-visibility vests that make you more recognizable in poor visibility, or keep a group of cyclists together. You could debate the style, but from a safety perspective, they are definitely a good idea.

Fleece jackets as a cycling jacket for the summer … rather not!

While fleece jackets are often taken along for hiking, jogging, or other sports, these fabrics are rather rare in cycling. The fabric is quite coarse-meshed and therefore very wind-permeable, so fleece jackets are a good base layer for winter, mountains, or sea air, but as the only summer cycling jacket, they are impractical!

Ultralight cycling jackets

Ultralight cycling jackets for the summer live up to their name, with some models weighing little more than 100 grams . They are primarily intended for road cyclists, but trekking cyclists, mountain bikers, or city bikers also benefit if they can pull a tiny package from their pocket that protects them from a downpour.

Ultralight jackets are usually water-repellent or waterproof, and they also function as windbreakers. However, they don't provide much warmth.

Which summer cycling jacket for which cycling discipline?

A one-day bike tour

Here you don't need to plan much in advance; depending on the weather forecast for the travel day, you should have a light windbreaker and a rain jacket to choose from.

If you know you can take shelter along the way, a water-repellent jacket in the backpack is sufficient.
If you are traveling in remote areas, a waterproof hardshell jacket can never hurt.
On cold days, we recommend a layered look. If it's still cool in the morning or evening, you can wear a warming layer under the jacket.
For a single day, you can also set out in any jacket.

Which jacket do you need for bikepacking?

Bikepacking and multi-day cycling tours require a bit more planning because the weather is rarely predictable in advance. Here, you are best equipped with the most flexible clothing pieces possible.

At the latest, after two or three days in a row, real cycling clothing – such as a good cycling functional jacket – pays off.
There are cycling jackets that can become vests thanks to detachable sleeves.
A rain jacket is part of the standard equipment.
A wind jacket is optional.
Under a larger rain jacket, a sweater or a thin fleece jacket fits in cool weather.
Since you are traveling with bike bags anyway, you don't have to judge the packing size too strictly.
A vest with many pockets stores important small items within reach and protects the upper body from drafts.

More info on the optimal bikepacking equipment can be found in the article "The Bikepacking Packlist".

Which jacket do you need for road bike training?

Ultra-light rain jackets and skin-tight wind jackets – as always, road cycling clothing is primarily aerodynamic.

Road jackets have particularly smooth surfaces.
There is no excess material so they don't offer unnecessary wind resistance.
They are also single-layered, which saves weight.

Road bike jacket, light, for women

Slim cut and not a gram too much... Road cycling clothing speaks its own language and summer jackets are no exception. Image © Maap

MTB Tours

Jackets for mountain bikers must contend with two adversaries that other clothing pieces rarely encounter: mud and branches. Therefore, they are particularly dense and also particularly tear-resistant.

There is room for more freedom of movement.
Protectors also fit under the jacket.
A wide-cut, breathable rain jacket is usually the best choice.
As always with MTB clothing, there is often a casual hoodie street style here.

City Bikers

There are many different styles here, from simple and chic to colorful and sporty, you can complement your outfit with them. Many commuters prefer a simple urban style that doesn't look like sportswear.

Summer jackets for city bikers are often a bit looser, so your everyday clothes fit well underneath, and if necessary, a small messenger bag can be worn under the jacket to keep it dry.
In traffic, you must be seen, so jackets with reflectors are highly recommended in bad weather.

☀️ These Features a Good Summer Cycling Jacket Should Have

Waterproof, breathable... of course. But what else should a good summer cycling jacket be able to do?

The Summer Jacket Must Breathe!

Especially in high heat, you sweat quickly and a lot. In a jacket that doesn't let liquids through, it would quickly get wet, and heat build-up threatens. Here are some options to ensure better air circulation.

Many jackets have ventilation openings, such as small eyelets and mesh fabric in the armpit area or zippers under the arms (“pit-zips”) or on the chest, which you can open or close as needed.
The pockets of the jacket are often used directly as ventilation openings. The inner bag is then made of mesh fabric, and when the pocket is open, moisture can escape, and fresh air can enter.

How can a jacket be both waterproof and breathable? Here's the secret:

Level 1 of breathability is vapor permeability. Here, tiny vapor droplets can pass through the fibers to the outside. Raindrops are significantly larger, they cannot enter the jacket from the outside.
The fibers can also actively wick moisture from inside to outside, similar to how a candle wick absorbs wax. This is also known as the wicking effect (wick, English “wick”)

Waterproof Summer Jackets for Cycling

Not every summer cycling jacket is waterproof (like a rain jacket). Many jackets are at least water-repellent, and they are waterproof from a water column of 10,000 mm. There are matching waterproof gloves that protect hands on the handlebars from moisture and provide good grip.

🔎 Other Important Features

Waterproof zippers and seams are important! They keep wind and raindrops reliably out.
Front ≠ back on the cycling jacket! The back of many bike summer jackets is ventilated, while the belly, chest, and arms have a windproof layer.
A helmet-compatible hood provides double protection for cyclists. Often the hoods are disproportionately large. This is not because the designers were sleeping; the oversized hoods protect your head plus helmet from wind and weather!
Reflective elements ensure better visibility.
Bright, colorful colors are more visible. Also important: Black cycling jackets for summer heat up especially well... light clothing feels less warm.
The silicone trim keeps the jacket in place.On the hem of many cycling jackets, you'll find a silicone strip that prevents the jacket from riding up the back. There can also be anti-slip coatings on the sleeve cuffs.
The back pocket remains accessible. The classic storage space for cyclists is also available on the summer jacket; it either has its own back pockets or an opening through which you can access your jersey pockets.
There are additional features like detachable sleeves (rather rare), compartments for lift tickets, clips for your keys, built-in glasses cleaning cloths, waterproof phone pockets, and more!
Some sportswear has odor-inhibiting coatings – also a good idea for cycling!

Summer cycling jacket black, for men

☝️Summer cycling jackets – frequently asked questions as decision-making aid

Our ultimate buying guide: With a few simple questions to the perfect summer jacket for bikers!

Q: Who needs a jacket?

A: Are you looking for a summer cycling jacket for men or women? By the way, there are also cool cycling jackets for kids, making summer tours much more fun. Here you can easily filter out the appropriate jackets.

Q: What type of jacket do you want?

A: A rain jacket, a wind jacket, a lightweight hardshell, or a softshell jacket... there is a lot of choice!

Q: For which cycling discipline do you need a summer jacket?

A: You have already read... there is a suitable jacket for every (riding) style!

Q: Do you want the jacket to be tight or well-ventilated?

A: Absolutely rainproof or with a few ventilation openings – unfortunately, both at the same time is not possible.

Q: What features do you want?

A: Detachable sleeves, odor-inhibiting, pockets on the back, waterproof phone pocket, adjustable hem, or a built-in transport option – there are many cool ideas that make a cycling jacket particularly practical. There are also filters for this in online shops.

Q: Which jacket fits and do you like?

A: We are not responsible for style advice, but there are cycling jackets in all colors, sizes, and guaranteed to match your style!

Q: What do you want to spend?

A: Finally, buying sportswear is always a question of price. There are very affordable cycling jackets, but tests and practical experience show that your jacket stays in shape much longer if you invest in a good one. As always with bicycles and bicycle accessories, the following rule of thumb has proven itself when buying cycling clothing:

The more often and the longer you ride your bike, the more worthwhile good material is!

Summer jacket for cycling, MTB, black, pink

🌐 Which cycling jacket do you need WHERE in summer?

Summer can vary greatly. Lake or mountain? City or sea?

North Sea, Baltic Sea: Especially at the North Sea, it gets very windy, and it rains repeatedly. A waterproof jacket is a must here, and a windbreaker or vest should also be in your luggage. A warming, lightweight fleece jacket underneath can mitigate the wind chill. At the Baltic Sea, it's milder with some luck, but you should still be able to protect yourself against wind and rain.
Mountains: Wind and rapid weather changes are also a topic in the mountains, but here it is often significantly colder in higher altitudes than in the valley. One more layer is always good, especially when you descend quickly with little pedaling effort! A good rain jacket is a must here, depending on the weather, a lightly warming base layer in the form of a sweater or fleece jacket provides additional warmth. A lightweight windbreaker or windproof vest protects you on fast descents.
Franconia and the Rhine Valley: These two regions are the warmest corners of Germany, here you should mainly ensure good ventilation and make sure that your cycling clothing offers UV protection. A lightweight, well-ventilated rain jacket should still be in your bike bags, but sufficient water supplies may be more important.
Apart from these extreme locations, you can adjust your jacket to the current weather situation.

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Conclusion:

We naturally wish you perfect weather for your bike tours: dry, not too warm, and not too cold. But if the weather doesn't cooperate, with this buying guide, you have the right jacket in your luggage! We also naturally provide you with a bicycle or e-bike, bike clothing, bicycle parts and accessories 😉.