What to Wear Cycling in 25°C

At 25°C and above, the challenge shifts from staying warm to managing heat. Aerodynamic, ventilated kit minimises fabric contact and maximises airflow. Hydration becomes the dominant performance variable — sweat rates at 25°C can exceed 1 litre per hour on hard efforts.

Effective temperature: 25.0°C (accounts for wind chill at zone 2 pace)

Upper body

Short-sleeve jersey

comfortable at this temperature

Shop ↗

Moisture-wicking base layer

manages sweat on longer efforts

Shop ↗

Lower body

Bib shorts

standard summer kit

Shop ↗

Extremities

Short-finger gloves

grip without overheating hands

Shop ↗

Standard cycling socks

breathable comfort

Shop ↗

Sunglasses

UV and wind protection

Tips

  • Wear the lightest, most ventilated jersey you own — aero mesh panels make a real difference.
  • Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, including neck, arms, and the back of the hands.
  • Carry significantly more water than usual — two bottles minimum for any ride over 90 minutes.
  • Avoid black kit in direct sunlight — it absorbs significantly more heat than white or light colours.

Get a live recommendation

Use your actual local weather, pick your intensity, and adjust for conditions.

Open app →

FAQ

What to wear cycling in 25°C?

Aero or short-sleeve jersey, bib shorts, short-finger gloves, thin summer socks, and sunglasses. At 25°C, prioritise ventilation above everything else.

Do I need a base layer at 25°C?

An ultralight mesh base layer can help by wicking sweat away from skin faster, keeping you cooler overall. Avoid anything with thermal properties.

Some links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.