How to choose children's cycling clothes: A complete guide

The right cycling clothing will ensure your child's comfort while riding and protection from the weather. Good quality clothing can wick away sweat, protect against wind and rain, and last but not least, prevent abrasions in the event of a fall.

For a basic orientation on the selection of children's cycling clothing, this text will help you. If you would like to ask for further details or consult your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our Skibi brick-and-mortar stores.

Basic layers of cycling clothing

SKIBI TIP: You don't have to buy everything right now. Often you can use the clothes your kids have for the outdoors or other sports. At the very least, however, we recommend considering buying children's cycling pants with liners and cycling gloves.

1. Bottom layer - wicks away sweat

2. Cycling jersey and shorts

3. Outer layer - against the ravages of weather

4. For hands and head

Key features of cycling clothing

Functional materials

  • Choose breathable, sweat-wicking materials
  • Quick-drying fabrics
  • UV protection against the sun
  • Antibacterial treatment

Comfort and fit

  • Anatomical cut to fit the riding position
  • Elastic material for freedom of movement
  • Flat seams against chafing
  • Anti-slip leg and sleeve ends

Safety and visibility

  • Reflective elements on clothing
  • Bold colours for better visibility
  • Protective elements on exposed areas
  • Tight seams against tearing

Basic parts of cycling equipment

Cycling shorts/pants

Cycling pants are the main part of your cycling kit. If there's one thing to invest in, it's definitely cycling shorts with a liner. Your child will be sitting on the bike for hours at a time, and the liner in the shorts will make sure they are more comfortable.

  • With a liner for longer rides
  • Without liner for shorter rides
  • Antibacterial liner for more comfort
  • Looser fit for recreational riding
  • Close fit for sporty riding

SKIBI TIP: cycling pants with liner are worn on the bare body, no underwear is worn underneath

Cycling jersey

We have many variations of children's cycling jerseys to choose from, or you can also successfully use a functional t-shirt for outdoor or sports activities. The important thing is that the jersey or t-shirt is functional. A child can get cold quickly after sweating on the bike and this will not happen to you with a jersey or functional shirt.

  • Fitted or looser depending on riding style
  • Functional material dries quickly and wicks away sweat - keeps baby dry
  • UV protection in the sun - no need to slather on sunscreen under the jersey
  • Often cut with an extended back
  • Pockets on back for snacks and small items
  • Zipper for better ventilation
  • Reflective elements

Windbreaker or jacket

This is where most parents reach for a child's summer outdoor windbreaker or, for colder days, a softshell jacket. Where there is a risk of bad weather, a waterproof jacket is a good idea, ideally after a jacket with a functional membrane. This is because it is waterproof but breathable and children don't sweat as much.

  • Lightweight and packable
  • Windproof
  • Waterproof
  • Ideally with a functional membrane
  • Reflective elements

Cycling gloves

Cycling gloves are not just a fashion accessory - they are an essential part of every little cyclist's safety kit. When cycling, children's hands bear part of the weight of the body and protect the palms in the event of a fall.

Why cycling gloves are important

  • Fall protection: protects the palms from abrasion when falling on asphalt or gravel
  • Comfort while riding: the padding reduces vibration and shock from the handlebars

Multifunctional scarf

The multifunctional scarf is a practical accessory that can be used in all seasons and conditions. The high-quality multifunctional scarf is made of quick-drying elastic material and breathable fabric in a seamless design.

Use of the multifunctional scarf

  • Under the helmet for sweat absorption
  • On the neck for protection against the cold
  • As a headband against sweat
  • For protection from the sun
  • As a drape against dust and insects

Don't forget basic safety equipment

No matter how long you go on a ride, never forget basic safety equipment:

Helmet

  • It is compulsory for under 18 years old
  • Must be properly fitted and fastened
  • Always certified
  • Inspected regularly
  • Suitable helmets can be found in the children's cycling helmets section.

We write more about choosing a helmet in the article "How to choose a cycling helmet".

Cycling glasses

  • Protects eyes from sun (UV), dust and insects, wind, twigs when riding off-road
  • Provides better visibility
  • Children's sizes also available
  • Choice of different lens colours
  • Choose glasses in the category of children's sunglasses.

For more information on choosing children's sunglasses, see the article "How to choose children's sunglasses".

In our e-shop you will find a wide selection of children's cycling clothing from the world's leading brands. For a personal consultation, visit our brick-and-mortar stores, where we will be happy to help you with your selection. Our Skibi store in Prague Radotín and our Brno store specialize in children's cycling, so it's best to go there.

TIP: Take advantage of our e-shop offer, at Skibi Kids up to 60-day return or exchange period!