In part, what you wear for mountain biking depends upon your personal style, comfort, weather conditions, and protection.

A trail rider or downhiller tends to wear a baggy kit consisting of loose-fitting shorts with a pair of padded Lycra shorts underneath and a loose jersey, whereas cross-country riders are more likely to wear full Lycra gear.

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As you progress, you’ll likely want clothing designed for mountain biking’s specific demands. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours, and you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What you wear will depend on where you ride and when you ride. During the middle of summer when the weather is warm and the trails are mostly dry, you’ll need less protection from the elements than in the dead of winter.

It is also important to consider the demands of your ride. If you’re going on an all-mountain adventure in the Alps or Rockies, for example, you’ll need more serious gear because you’ll have to prepare for harsh mountain weather.

Regardless of where you’re riding, there are certain essentials you’ll likely need.

1. 1. Chamois or padded shorts will make riding the saddle much more comfortable. Odor-proof and moisture-wicking fabric for your underwear is also a thing you might want to consider wearing to prevent chafing.
   2. Tight-fitting shorts or pants are more aerodynamic and provide better muscle support. Consider the temperature and the elements you’ll be battling when choosing what to wear. Protect your legs from the sun, abrasion, or the cold by wearing UV protective pants. You can wear shorts if you’re not riding downhill and the weather is good for it.
   3. For your tops, consider sweat-wicking materials and long-sleeves for protection against abrasions. Biking will ultimately keep you warm in cold weather, so jackets are optional.
   4. Well-fitting mountain bike gloves will keep your hands warm and reduce fatigue on your hands and arms, allowing you to ride longer. They also provide protection if you crash.
   5. Wear moisture-wicking socks up to your calves with mountain biking shoes for grip, power, comfort, and protection.
   6. Mountain bike helmets are a must. Proper helmets provide better impact protection for the back of the head and around the ears.
   7. Wear knee pads and goggles or glasses if your riding style and location call for them. It’s better to be safe, even if you’re an experienced rider.
   8. It’s essential to wear the right shoes. It is important for riders to feel secure over rough terrain and to be able to pedal efficiently up steep, technical climbs. There are two types of pedals to choose from flat pedals and clipless pedals. A lot of trail and cross-country riders will choose to ride clipped in, like road cyclists, with cleats on the soles of their shoes attached to the pedals. The shoe looks like a road cycling shoe but has a recessed cleat and a chunky tread to allow the rider to walk more normally. Other riders choose to ride with ‘flat’ shoes and pedals, where the pedals have a rough-textured surface and pins that project outward to grip the shoes. It is more common for flat pedal shoes to look like skate shoes or trainers, and they have a lace-up fastening with an elasticized band to tuck the laces into. Furthermore, their soles have tread patterns that match the pedal pins and are made from extra-grippy rubber for the same reason. During the cold, dark months, you should consider winter mountain bike shoes, which are made from warm, weatherproof materials.

It is paramount to put your safety first when choosing how to dress when you’re mountain biking. Wear the proper protective gear and always consider that downhill mountain biking poses a higher likelihood of falling, so protect yourself accordingly.

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