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 will learn 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 questions & answers which one is best suited for your cycling plans.

It is sometimes difficult to choose 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 the summer. You can also continue reading directly at the decision-making aid in questions and answers at the very bottom to quickly and easily find the right jacket.

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

Men's & Women's Cycling Jackets for the Summer

↪Is that really important?

For many other accessories, the gender of the wearer is rather irrelevant. For cycling pants and cycling jackets, they must fit well, otherwise they cut in or form folds that chafe or pinch. When the cut is adapted to the body, this usually does not happen.

two cyclists in summer with cycling jackets

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

Men's Summer Cycling Jackets

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 have a straight cut. They do not widen at the lower hem. Cycling rain jackets are usually a bit longer, so rainwater does not run onto the back and pants.

Women's Summer Cycling Jackets

In contrast to the straight-cut men's jacket, summer cycling jackets for women are usually tailored and become a bit wider in the hip area. This way, the jacket sits comfortably on the upper body. The seating position on the bike is of course also considered 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 still be individually adjusted with Velcro fasteners and cords, it fits particularly well and does not flap in the wind.

In terms of color, men's and women's cycling jackets are rather hard to distinguish today, as the outdated division into pink and blue no longer applies. They are also available 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 space at the shoulders. For this reason, 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 ultra-light – these cycling jackets you can wear 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 topmost usually being non-elastic, which is where their name comes from. Since the fabric does not give way, a special cycling jacket is particularly comfortable here! They are often largely waterproof and keep you dry even in heavy rain for a long time. However, they can also be just water-repellent. Most hardshell jackets are also windproof, but they also have a disadvantage: the sealed fabric is relatively stiff compared to fabrics 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 bonded lining: comfortable to wear and a bit warmer, the lining fabric also protects the membrane, these jackets are particularly durable. Depending on the construction, such a material sandwich is called "two-layer or 2.5-layer".
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, they are also referred to as "three-layer (outer fabric+membrane+lining) or also as "two-layer ” (Outer fabric/membrane+lining) referred to.
Beware, there are often differences in how these layers are counted. A look at the product description usually helps if you want to know exactly how a manufacturer defines “single-layered, 2.5-layered or three-layered”.

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 mostly “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 can be well used 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 period. The inside is usually brushed and therefore particularly soft on the skin, making the jacket very comfortable to wear over a top or t-shirt in summer.

Windbreakers or wind jackets for fast bike rounds

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

What is the wind chill effect?

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

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 the road bike 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 regulate 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 visible in poor visibility conditions, or help 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 … not really!

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 examples weighing little more than 100 grams . They are primarily intended for road cyclists, but trekking riders, mountain bikers, or city bikers also benefit when they can pull a tiny package from their pocket to protect them from a downpour.

Ultralight jackets are usually water-repellent or waterproof, and they also function as windbreakers. However, their thermal capacity is not very high.

Which summer cycling jacket for which cycling discipline?

A day cycling tour

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

If you know you can find shelter along the way, a water-repellent jacket in your backpack is sufficient.
If you're traveling in remote areas, a waterproof hardshell jacket is always a good idea.
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 wear any jacket.

What jacket do you need for bikepacking?

Bikepacking and multi-day cycling tours require a bit more planning, as the weather can rarely be pinned down precisely in advance. Here you are best off with the most flexible clothing pieces possible.

At the latest, after two or three days in a row, real cycling clothing – that is, a good cycling functional jacket – pays off.
There are cycling jackets that can become vests thanks to removable 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 already traveling with panniers, you do not 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.

You can find more information on the optimal bikepacking equipment 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 bike clothing is primarily streamlined.

Road jackets have particularly smooth surfaces.
There is no excess material, so they do not offer unnecessary wind resistance.
They are also single-layered, as this saves weight.

Road bike jacket, light, for women

Tailored and not a gram too much... Road bike clothing speaks a language of its own, and summer jackets are no exception. Image © Maap

MTB Tours

Jackets for mountain bikers have to cope with two adversaries that other clothing items rarely encounter: mud and branches. They are therefore particularly dense and also particularly tear-resistant.

There is room for more freedom of movement.
Additionally, protectors 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.

City Bikers

Here, there are many different styles, from simple and chic to colorful and sporty, you can complement your outfit with them. Many commuters prefer a simple urban style that does not look like sportswear.

Summer jackets for city bikers are often a bit wider so that your everyday clothing fits well underneath; if necessary, a small messenger bag can also be worn under the jacket to keep it dry.
In road traffic, you primarily need to be seen, so jackets with reflectors are highly recommended in bad weather.

☀️ These Features Should a Good Summer Cycling Jacket Have

Waterproof, breathable... of course. But what else must 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 buildup threatens. There are some options here to ensure better air circulation.

Many jackets have ventilation openings, such as small grommets 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 also often used as ventilation openings. The inner pouch 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 the vapor permeability. Here, tiny vapor droplets can escape between the fibers. Raindrops are significantly larger, so they cannot enter the inside of the jacket from outside.
The fibers can also actively wick moisture from the inside to the outside, similar to how a candle wick absorbs wax. This is also known as the wicking effect (wick, English “wax wick”)

Waterproof Summer Jackets for Cycling

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

🔎 Other Important Features

Waterproof zippers and seams are important! They reliably keep wind and raindrops 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 asleep; 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 particularly well... light clothing feels less warm.
The silicone trim keeps the jacket in place. At the hem of many cycling jackets, you'll find a silicone strip that prevents the jacket from riding up your back. There can also be non-slip coatings on the 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 reach your jersey pockets.
There are additional features like detachable sleeves (rather rare), pockets for lift tickets, clips for your keys, built-in glasses cleaning cloths, waterproof phone pockets, and more!
Some sportswear has odor-inhibiting coatings – a good idea even in cycling!

Summer cycling jacket black, for men

☝️Summer cycling jackets – common questions for decision-making

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 children, which make summer tours much more fun. Here you can easily filter out the right jackets.

Q: What type of jacket do you want?

A: A rain jacket, a windbreaker, a light hardshell, or a softshell jacket... there is plenty of choice!

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

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

Q: Do you want the jacket to be more sealed 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 certainly matching your style!

Q: What do you want to spend?

A: Ultimately, buying sportswear is always a question of price. There are very inexpensive cycling jackets, but tests and practical experiences 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 bike, MTB, black, pink

Actually an MTB hardshell for the summer... but this jacket also works in the city, on tours, or when hiking. Image © iXS

🌐 Which cycling jacket do you need WHERE in summer?

Summer can be very different. Lake or mountain? City or sea?

North Sea, Baltic Sea: Especially at the North Sea, it gets very windy, and it also rains repeatedly. Here a waterproof jacket is a must, a windbreaker or a vest should also be in your luggage. And a warming, light fleece jacket underneath can mitigate the wind chill. At the Baltic Sea, it is milder with a bit of luck, but you should still be able to protect yourself from wind and rain.
Mountains: Wind and rapid weather changes are also an issue in the mountains, but here it is often significantly colder in higher altitudes than in the valley. An extra layer is always good, especially if you ride downhill quickly with little effort! Here a good rain jacket is a must, depending on the weather, a lightly warming base layer in the form of a sweater or a fleece jacket provides additional warmth. A light windbreaker or a windproof vest protects you during 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 your cycling clothing offers UV protection. A light, well-ventilated rain jacket should still be in your bike bags, but sufficient water supplies might be more important.
Apart from these extreme locations, you can adjust your jacket to the current weather conditions.

Buy cycling jackets for women, men & children

Cycling jackets women | Cycling jackets men | Bicycle jackets for children | all bicycle jackets

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Conclusion:

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