5 Bike Commuting Kits That Won’t Make You Look Like a Dork

Technical fabrics, elevated style.

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Published March 30, 2017

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Updated August 25, 2022

The weather is once again getting nice for those of us trapped in places other than Southern California, and that means that it’s time to start biking to work again. Cycling to work has many benefits: it’s active, it wakes you up, it reveals tons of cool things along your route you’d otherwise miss by driving. But bike commuting can also mean sweat, stench, chafing, uncomfortable clothing and looking like a dork. But all of that can be avoided with the right wardrobe. We picked out five of the best brands making clothing perfect for a spirited ride to the office or a slow spin to work. The best part? You won’t have to change when you get there.

Mission Workshop

Commuter Cycling Wear That Can Take More Than a Small Beating

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Favorite Piece: Signal 5-Pocket Pants
The Bike to Pair It With: Speedvagen Urban Racer

San Francisco–based Mission Workshop is known for its tough bags, but it also produces some incredible clothing pieces. Durability and innovative materials are key here; these pieces have everything from Polartec to Schoeller. The Bremen Wool raincoat even boasts a waterproof wool-based fabric.

The Rummy Bag Waxed Canvas by Mission Workshop $275
Signal 5-Pocket Pant by Mission Workshop $225
The Bremen Wool Jacket by Mission Workshop $765
The Sector Merino Tee by Mission Workshop $72

Rapha

Road Cycling’s Top Brand Does More Than Skin-Tight Racewear

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Favorite Piece: Loopback Jacket
The Bike to Pair It With: The Bixby by Shinola

Most people know Rapha for its high-end road cycling apparel, but the brand’s City collection does more than an adequate job at keeping riders comfortable on your commute. Just like its road cycling wear, Rapha’s commuter digs fit well and offer a minimalist aesthetic. The Oxford has a great fit, built-in stretch and an on-seam hidden pocket. It even looks sleek under a sport coat.

Loopback Jacket by Rapha $210
Cotton Oxford Shirt by Rapha $140
Loopback Trouser Relaxed Fit by Rapha $170

Outlier

Technical Apparel as Tough as the City of New York

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Favorite Piece: 60/30 Jacket
The Bike to Pair It With: Cannondale Bad Boy 1

Outlier started in New York City strictly making bike commute clothing, but has since branched out to elevated staples built with durability in mind. Its commuter wear is still top notch, boasting breathability, quick dry times and most of all durability.

Ultrahigh Quadzip Pack by Outlier $375
Slim Dungarees by Outlier $198
60/30 Jacket by Outlier $420
Ultrafine Merino Tee by Outlier $98

Arc’teryx Veilance

Tailored, Technical and Built to Last a Lifetime

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Favorite Piece: Field Overshirt
The Bike to Pair It With: Stromer ST2 S

Arc’teryx’s Veilance line focuses solely on technical urban wear. Even though its digs are a bit on the pricey side, they are well worth it for their versatility: they’re perfect for cycling to work, taking a meeting, then having a beer in the trendiest of neighborhoods.

Field Overshirt by Arc’terx Veilance $525
Nomin Pack by Arc’terx Veilance $700
Align Pant by Arc’terx Veilance $375
Frame Shirt LS by Arc’terx Veilance $250

Levi’s Commuter

OG Style Paired with Technical Accents

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Favorite Piece: Workshirt
The Bike to Pair It With: State Bicycle Co. Elliston Deluxe

If you prefer your commuter gear a tad simpler, Levi’s Commuter collection is perfect. The 511 jeans offer a slim, athletic fit, but with enough stretch to move with you. Reflective details dot both the Trucker Jacket and the jeans for safety in traffic.

511 Slim Fit Jeans by Levi’s Commuter $98
Trucker Jacket by Levi’s Commuter $148
Workshirt by Levi’s Commuter $90