For cycling to the office, layers, practical trousers and possibly a spare top are handy. Wear the heavier layer on the way and put on the smart layer at the office. This makes it easier to adjust at the office after the ride.
Why cycling in autumn needs a plan
In November the morning light is scarce, the wind is chilly and the street is often wet. Still, many people cycle to the office every day, and that calls for clothing that can handle those conditions. The challenge is twofold: you want to be warm enough on the way and at the same time not arrive sweaty. A fixed routine makes the morning simpler.
The starting point is simple. You dress for the ride in layers you can swap, and you keep the polished layer, the layer you are seen in all day, protected for as long as possible. This keeps the clothing underneath better protected from wind and rain.
The layers of a cycling outfit
- Base layer: a fine jersey knit or polo that lies directly on the skin and moves with you.
- Middle layer: a cardigan or thin sweater for warmth, which you can unbutton at the first traffic lights.
- Outer layer: a coat or jacket that helps against the wind. Choose a style that falls over your hips.
- Spare layer in your bag: a clean blouse or polo, rolled up in a pouch, in case you arrive sweaty or wet after all.
Choose the right top
A fine-knit polo can be a compact base layer under a coat. Edmund is a fine-knit quarter-zip polo of 100% lyocell in dark charcoal melange. With the zip you can close the neckline more or less. For women, Veronique is a fine-knit cardigan of 100% lyocell in light blue, which you wear as a middle layer and keep on at the office as a smart top layer.
Do you want to wear a blouse under your coat? Delphine is a fitted blouse with darts in shadow blue. Keep her under a closed coat during the ride and only take the coat off at the office, so the blouse stays neat.
The bottom half: trousers and skirt
Most cyclists find their trousers the trickiest part. Choose a straight style that cannot catch in the chain and that keeps its shape when you sit. Arabelli is a pair of high-waist pleated trousers in navy that you wear all year round. For men, Frederick is a pair of pleated trousers with a brushed inside in black, which is pleasant in the cold. Make sure loose trouser legs cannot reach the chain, for example with a trouser clip.
If you wear a skirt, pay attention above all to freedom of movement and wind and choose a different layer for the ride if needed.
Three weather situations, three solutions
| Weather | What you wear on the way | What you put on at the office |
|---|---|---|
| Dry and fresh | Fine polo, cardigan and light coat | Just polo and cardigan |
| Rain | Polo, water-repellent coat or cape, trouser legs clipped | Dry polo or blouse from your bag |
| Cold and windy | Quarter-zip polo, cardigan, thick coat, gloves | Leave the cardigan on, coat off |
Your bag as a changing room
A good bag makes the difference between arriving polished and coming in untidy. Choose a backpack or pannier with a compartment in which you can lay your clothing flat, and pack blouses and polos so they crease as little as possible and take up little space. Put shoes separately in a bag, so the soles do not dirty your clothing.
For anyone cycling with a briefcase or shoulder bag: wear the bag diagonally across your chest, so the strap does not rub along your collar. That prevents knitted fabric from pilling on the shoulder, a spot where bags often leave marks. Switch the side you carry it on a few times a week.
A routine for when you arrive
Allow five minutes before you sit at your desk. Hang up your coat, check your collar and take out a pouch with a few things: a small brush, a tube of hand cream, a clean sock and a handkerchief. Do not push your hair away with your hands, but comb it back with your fingers. This way nobody sees that you have just cycled.
- Bring a clean shirt or blouse and hang it up straight away on arrival.
- Put shoes to change into in your bag, if you cycle in sneakers.
- Do not spray perfume to hide the smell, but freshen up with water.
- Check your trouser legs for marks from the road.
On the way: small details that decide your comfort
A scarf or higher collar can be pleasant in a cold wind. Choose gloves thin enough to feel your handlebars. Wear a hat that fits under your helmet if you use one, and in the dark make sure you have the legally required bike lighting and visibility. They are small adjustments, but they make sure you start your day with a calm feeling.
Materials that can handle the bike
Choose fabrics that are soft and crease little. Lyocell feels cool and smooth, and wool naturally stays fresh for longer, even if you have sweated a little. Read more on our pages about lyocell and merino wool. After a wet ride, let knitted clothing air dry calmly and follow the care instructions for washing.
Are you looking for a complete office look you can wear on the bike? Take a look at Office for Men and Office for Women. Choose a palette of at most three colours, so all layers can be combined with each other and you do not have to hesitate when dressing in the dark.
Shop the look
Edmund: quarter-zip polo in lyocell, dark charcoal melange
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Delphine: fitted blouse with darts, shadow blue
Arabelli: high-waist pleated trousers, navy
Frederick: trousers with brushed inside, black
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid arriving sweaty?
Wear layers you can open on the way and bring a clean layer. Cycle the last kilometre calmly, so your body can cool down.
Which trousers are suitable for cycling?
A straight style without overly wide legs. Clip the legs or tuck them into your socks so the fabric does not get into the chain.
What do I bring in my bag?
A clean polo or blouse, a handkerchief, hand cream and possibly a second pair of socks.
What if my clothing turns out not to fit?
Check the current return conditions on the returns page.
