As a style of riding, it’s true that ‘Gravel’ encompasses a truly massive variety of terrains, intensities, distances and approaches. From wide open dirt roads to technical descents, racing at the highest level to sociable and conversational rides – as well as the choice to ride short or long or break it up with overnighters. All this is reflected in the options available for the best gravel bike clothing.
If you’re coming from road cycling, you’ll probably feel most at home in the more figure-hugging kit. The best gravel jerseys and best cargo bib shorts are all very similar to the best short-sleeved jerseys and best bib shorts for use on the tarmac. The main differences are greater use of natural fibres and additional pockets – sometimes in places which might surprise you!
The main benefits of this more ‘roadie-influenced’ gravel clothing include top-notch breathability, reduced chance of chafing on longer rides, lighter weight and better aerodynamics. Essentially, if speed and distance are important aspects of your gravel riding, this style of kit is best for you.
On the other hand, if you’re coming from mountain biking or if you’re new to cycling in general, baggies will be the closest match to what you’d typically wear. These tend to be harder-wearing garments that will withstand errant foliage on the trails better. They also look more like ‘normal clothes’ – so if you don’t want to attract too much attention in a pub or when sightseeing away from your bike, baggies are generally the better option.
I’ll go into further detail at the bottom of the page in our How to choose section of the guide. For now, let’s jump straight into our round-up of the best gravel kit for men.
Aside from Assos’ usual build quality and bombproof durability, these shorts are exceptionally comfortable with a markedly plush chamois and excellent all-around fit.
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Best budget shorts
3. Endura Hummvee Short with Liner
These shorts are tech-packed, featuring an integrated liner to make hours in the saddle more comfortable and zip vents for enhanced ventilation.
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Best gravel bike jerseys
Best gravel jersey overall
4. Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2
It is very similar in function and form to the Endura Hummvee, but the Mille GTC benefits from much higher-quality fabrics, which provide significantly better wicking and fit.
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Best budget jersey
5. Endura Hummvee S/S Jersey II
Endura’s Hummvee range predates the advent of Gravel – Its loose fit means it doesn’t look out of place away from the bike, but the half-length zip means there’s plenty of cooling.
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Best for comfort
6. 7mesh Ashlu Merino Jersey
A high merino blend jersey that bucks the trend and is ideal for warmer climes. The use of different fabrics to create structure without making it form-fitting is a neat touch.
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load three honourable mentions
Best for performance
7. Assos Mille GTC Zeppelin Cargo Shorts C2
Almost the polar opposite, Assos’ shorts are super lightweight and paired down. They lack a variety of pockets, but they are highly comfortable even in hot spells.
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Best all-rounder
8. 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts
The best products are the ones you don’t think about, and the MK3 cargo bib shorts are exactly that. The chamois is excellent; the fabrics are quick-wicking and have plenty of stretch.
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Best for performance and practicality
MAAP’s Alt_Road Jersey has a figure-hugging, race-oriented fit which incorporates a 47% merino wool blend into its construction. Combined with some synthetic fibres (which help the stretch and strength), it keeps you nice and warm!
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Our pick of the best gravel clothing
BEST GRAVEL BIKE SHORTS
Best gravel shorts overall
(Image credit: Future)
1. Rapha Men’s Explore Overshorts
Best gravel shorts overall
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXL
Colors: Three
Pockets: Four (two zipped + two standard)
Reasons to buy
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Super lightweight
+
Stylish looks
+
Great fit and stretchy fabrics
Reasons to avoid
–
Waistband isn’t as stretchy as the Assos shorts
On the performance side, Rapha’s Nylon/Elastane blend is lightweight, stretchy and a truly excellent hot weather performer. To some extent this is helped by the cut and color: the Sand/Concrete model I had does a good job of reflecting the sun’s rays – plus these overshorts are a little shorter than Endura and Assos’ offerings, and simply having less material goes a long way to a cooler ride.
With that shorter leg length and lofty, stretchy fabric, it was easy to forget I was wearing these overshorts – I didn’t have any pulling on my legs or excessive heat build up. For the most part it was like just wearing a set of bib shorts, except that I had somewhere to stash my phone and head unit when off the bike and the only thing giving away how I got to the cafe was my helmet and shoes.
I also really appreciated the zipped pockets which can accommodate a phone, the reflective detailing and the little loop of elastic inside the waistband which you can use to keep your shorts rolled up when packing them away – really neat solution for bikepacking!
The downside is that the waistband itself doesn’t have much give. You can adjust how tight it is quite easily, but for hard efforts and racing, it is much nicer having an elasticated waistband that gives some room when you’re belly breathing (whilst also keeping your shorts up).
Best cargo bib shorts
(Image credit: Future)
2. Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 Bib Shorts
Best cargo bib shorts for all-day gravel cycling comfort
Specifications
Sizes: XS-XLG
Colors: 1
Pockets: 4 (2 leg pockets + 2 rear waist pockets)
Reasons to buy
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Supreme comfort
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Extra protection for narrow trails
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Soft but durable fabrics
Reasons to avoid
–
Premium performance comes at a high cost
–
Only in black
If you’re after the benefits which the Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 bib shorts are packing, then they’ll probably be your all-time favourite bibs. If you’re not, then likely the 7mesh MK3 Cargo bib shorts will be the better choice.
The chamois is incredibly plush and delivers a cloud-like level of cushion. It’s particularly good on rough terrain, helping to sound out the chattery bumps a little better than a standard chamois – but even just for long distance riding, it really helps with comfort. The downside is that you feel a little isolated from the bike. For harder and faster riding, it’s nicer having a chamois that offers a bit more of a feeling of connection to the bike.
Similarly, the leg length is a little on the shorter side by today’s standards. I actually quite like that – I’m not much of a fan of the super long leg look and prefer something a little higher (although, of course, not too high!). But if you like the look when your Vastus Lateralis thigh muscle is covered up, these probably aren’t the shorts for you.
In terms of the cut, fit, support and pockets, that’s all quite similar to the 7mesh MK3 Cargo bib shorts – i.e. all in perfect proportions and utilizing a cargo pocket with a folded over hem for added security.
Best budget gravel bike shorts
(Image credit: Future)
3. Endura Hummvee Short with Liner
Best gravel cycling shorts for value
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXXXL
Colors: Seven
Pockets: 6 (3 zipped + 3 standard)
Reasons to buy
+
Super rugged
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Lots of pockets
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‘Normal’ looks
These shorts are a little heavy, but then they are super robust and are fully up for contending with branches, brambles and any other trailside detritus. They have a wide variety of pockets, most with zippers for added security.
A bit like with the Endura Jersey, I didn’t find myself using the pockets much when actually riding because of the resultant flapping and weight distribution. But they are very handy when faffing about at a campsite, trying to put up a tent, unpack your bags and set your food cooking all at once.
The downside is that they are pretty hot. If your riding is mainly is forested areas that attract a lot of rainfall, they are great for dealing with the rough and tumble. You can get by in hotter spells – the zip vents help with that – but if you live in a climate that’s hotter and more arid year round, this is probably a bit too much short for your situation.
BEST GRAVEL BIKING JERSEYS
Best gravel biking jersey
(Image credit: Future)
4. Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2
Best relaxed gravel cycling jersey for durability
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XLG
Colors: 4
Pockets: 1 (zipped side)
Reasons to buy
+
The fabrics feel lovely
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Nicely slim fitted
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Feels robust
This jersey is very similar to the Endura Hummvee for most intents and purposes. The differences lie mostly in the materials, the cut and the price. Assos is one of cycling’s most premium brands and pretty much all the products we’ve tested exude both quality and performance.
Let’s dwell on the first point a little longer. Instantly when you put on the jersey, the fabrics feel nicer and softer to the touch. But beyond that, as anyone who’s owned Assos products in that past can attest, Assos kit just lasts incredibly well. It might be hard to tell the difference after just one season, but after several years it really becomes apparent just how solid and well built the kit is.
As it is, I can’t fully comment on the durability of this jersey yet – but the early impression is that this is no departure from that reputation.
Coming now to the second point, although this is a relaxed jersey, it still has a slim fit to it. A little like a high-end polo shirt – flattering but not tight. As such, it encourages a turn of speed, whilst not signalling it to all the world quite like a skin-tight jersey.
Best budget gravel biking jersey
(Image credit: Future)
4. Endura Hummvee S/S Jersey II
Best relaxed gravel cycling jersey for value
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXXL
Colors: 4
Pockets: 4 (3 standard + 1 zipped)
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent value
+
Cool and wicking
+
Relaxed cut
Reasons to avoid
–
Easy to overweight the rear jersey pockets
If you’re in the market for a relaxed top, you’re probably more interested in the ride itself rather than your elapsed time or power numbers. If that’s the case, marginal gains probably also don’t mean as much as durability and good value.
Happily, Endura’s Hummvee Jersey II represents an excellent option for that style of riding. It’s around half the price of those tighter fitting tops, but still offers excellent sweat wicking for comfort in the heat – plus the half length zip and general flowing feeling of the jersey helps to boost airflow too. Quite simply, it’s an excellent summer jersey which you won’t feel self-conscious wearing when stopping by a pub for lunch or evening meal.
Similar to the Sportful Cliff Supergiara Jersey, it does have a downside. But, again similar to the Supergiara, it’s not one which necessarily represents much of a real world problem. The issue is the rear jersey pockets – with the jersey being so loose, if you store anything with some weight to it (such as a phone), then it flaps about and pulls on the jersey.
It’s handy being able to store things in the pockets when hanging around a cafe, but they’re not so useful when riding. At least there’s a simple solution: don’t use them. Sure enough, many relaxed gravel jerseys don’t have triple jersey pockets at all because of this reason.
Most comfortable gravel biking jersey
(Image credit: Future)
6. 7mesh Ashlu Merino Jersey
Best gravel cycling jersey for comfort
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXL
Colors: 4
Pockets: 4 (3 standard + 1 zipped)
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight
+
Wicking
+
Great in hot conditions
Reasons to avoid
–
High merino content means it’s not as form fitting as more synthetic jerseys
This jersey has a particularly rich blend of merino wool in its construction (89%). Not all merino jerseys use quite so much – in fact, most don’t. For context, the MAAP Alt_Road Jersey is only actually 47% wool. To some extent more does equal better. The antimicrobial properties are greater with a higher blend of wool – and there is something about the particular soft comfort you get as well.
On the other hand, merino wool simply doesn’t have the same elasticity as synthetic fibers. 7mesh mitigates this by adding 11% nylon into the mix, but still makes for a looser fit than the skin-tight MAAP Alt_Road jersey.
Still, the thinner material and that less figure-hugging fit means that the 7mesh Aslu Merino Jersey performs better in hot weather compared to the Alt_Road Merino jersey – although it also means that cold breezes cut through it a little more easily on colder days.
The great innovation of the Ashlu Merino Jersey is the pockets being made from a separate material. As mentioned, merino wool doesn’t have the best elasticity, and so traditional merino jerseys tend to suffer from sagging pockets. The polyester and elastane blend used for the pockets of this jersey are much more supportive and can be stuffed with a hefty amount of kit.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Best performance gravel biking shorts
(Image credit: Future)
7. Assos Mille GTC Zeppelin Cargo Shorts C2
Best gravel cycling shorts for performance
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XLG
Colors: 1
Pockets: 2
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight
+
Super stretchy
+
Cool and quick wicking
Contrasting heavily with the Endura Hummvee shorts, these are a lightweight (and expensive) option for more performance oriented riding. Also thanks to that lighter construction and more wicking material, these shorts are much more suitable for hotter and drier climates.
You miss out on some functionality, though. For instance there aren’t anywhere near as many pockets. But, as I mentioned previously, I don’t find much use for pockets on baggy shorts when riding anyway – and the two side pockets are plenty useful enough for stops at the cafe.
Despite being a loose fitting short, they don’t exactly meet the brief of being something you’d be happy wearing in all situation at all times. They do have an air of sport about them, whereas the Endura Hummvee merely exudes practicality. Not necessarily an issue, but something to bear in mind.
If you are after the highest performance baggy shorts on the market, though, being ultra light, fast wicking and super stretchy – then these are certainly it. Unlike the Endura shorts, I didn’t notice them so much out on the trail. But that’s quite a specific remit to be working within.
Best all-rounder cargo bib shorts
(Image credit: Future)
8. 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts
Best all-rounder cargo bib shorts
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXL
Colors: 4
Pockets: 5 (2 leg pockets + 3 rear waist pockets)
Reasons to buy
+
Lots of subtle shades to choose from!
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Wide cargo pockets on the legs
Reasons to avoid
–
Leg length longer than most
The 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts are really great all-rounder bib shorts. The chamois is comfy and offers a good amount of cushion. The legs are compressive without being too tight and the bib straps have an excellent amount of stretch, so that they’re nether too tight nor too loose.
The cargo pockets have a neat construction to them, too, with a generous folded over flap of material which you can hook over to secure high value items (such as a phone) in place while riding – a really smart idea which we’re seeing adopted across ever more cargo bibs.
It does bring a downside that it can be a little bit more of a faff to get your kit out of the pockets, but I think that’s a price worth paying for the upside – and I haven’t come across a better solution for ease of access and security.
In all, these are simply really good cargo bib shorts that do the job without a fuss.
Best performance gravel biking jersey
(Image credit: Future)
9. MAAP Alt_Road Jersey
Best gravel cycling jersey for performance and practicality
Specifications
Sizes: XS – XXL
Colors: 5
Pockets: 4 (3 standard + 1 zipped)
Reasons to buy
+
Warm and great in the rain
+
Excellent skin-tight fit
+
Supportive pockets
Reasons to avoid
–
Greater use of synthetic fibres than merino
First off, I’m going to have to disagree with MAAP’s temperature rating for this jersey. True, the thermoregulatory properties of merino wool do extend to both ends of the spectrum, with the hydrophobic fibers helping with the wicking of sweat and, in being naturally antimicrobial, it helps with any smells, too.
But that doesn’t change the fact that those hot weather properties are best exemplified when the fabric employed itself quite lightweight and thin. A thick merino jersey is, first and foremost, best suited to colder conditions – and I would put MAAP’s Alt_Road jersey in that end of the spectrum.
That’s not to say it doesn’t perform in the heat – on the contrary, I’ve been comfortable riding in conditions up to 28°C / 82.4°F in this jersey. But where I’ve found this jersey to be at its very best is when the temperature is around 16°C / 60°F and it’s persistently drizzling.
The moderately thick fabric does a good job at holding in heat, plus – one of the best features of merino wool – it retains its warmth when wet, meaning you can just ride through the rain (in mild to cool weather) without the need to pull on a rain jacket.
How we test gravel clothing
Here at Cycling Weekly, we take our testing of all the best cycling clothing seriously. One of the beauties of riding a bike is being out in the elements and feeling the wind in your hair, but that leaves us vulnerable and exposed. That’s why we rigorously evaluate performance, durability, and suitability for a number of conditions. We have assessed a wide range of garments, including jerseys, bibs, shorts, and accessories, ensuring they meet the demands of adventurous riding.
Our testing takes place across varied terrain, from loose gravel and technical singletrack to packed dirt and transitional pavement. We expose the garments to a variety of weather conditions and how they wash afterwards. As with everything we test but more so with clothing, rides vary in length and intensity, simulating real-world usage and performance.
Each gravel garment will be assessed and scored on several features and functions, with the key performance indicator being comfort and its suitability for purpose. As with all the clothing we test, breathability, durability, protection, visibility, and storage all play a significant role in a garment’s overall score.
With gravel biking being a more relaxed pursuit within cycling, aesthetics and overall style play a key role in our selection of the best gravel bike clothing. Given that a reasonable amount of time is spent off the bike, it’s nice not to always look like a cyclist.
For more on how the Cycling Weekly team puts the best cycling products through their paces, visit our How We Test page.
How to choose the best clothing for gravel biking
(Image credit: Anna Abram)
What’s best for gravel riding, lycra or casual?
The best style of kit for gravel riding ultimately depends on two things; the situation and rider preference. You’ll tend to see most people in competitive gravel races wearing aerodynamic lycra kit much like road cycling, whereas for multi-day bikepacking trips many riders opt for loose-fit casual gear.
Lycra or baggy, the choice is down to you. There’s more choice than ever in between with brands launching constantly launching gravel-specific threads in addition to road and mountain biking gear, for example baggy shorts that are slim-fit and shorter than traditional mountain biking shorts.
For many, gravel riding can be a more casual alternative to road cycling, and their clothing style reflects this.
Can’t I just wear my everyday clothes?
You certainly can wear your normal casual gear for gravel riding, although you might soon realize the benefits of more technical fabrics and fits that are specific to cycling or at least active wear. Cotton t-shirts don’t tend to dry out very well, and riding without any chamois support can leave you sitting less than pretty.
What materials are best for gravel clothing?
(Image credit: Stefan Abram)
You can largely divide technical materials adopted for cycling gear in two; synthetic and non-synthetic. On the whole, non-synthetic materials including merino and bamboo can help significantly with odor control, which is important for rides over multiple days.
Some synthetic technical tees excel at moisture wicking and breathability, which is really important for hot days in the saddle.
Even though you probably won’t be going as fast as you would be on the road, the extra resistance from riding off-road can really make you work up a sweat, so breathable fabrics and layers are key.
You’re also likely to need a greater range of movement for riding off-road compared to road cycling, as you maneuver over the bike and out of the saddle for technical descents. Look for fabrics that have plenty of stretch to prevent binding and pinching.
Baggy shorts or bib shorts?
(Image credit: Anna and Stefan Abram)
The age-old question. Again, this tends to be personal preference, however there have been technological advances on both sides recently. Cargo pockets on bib shorts now make carrying kit like your phone or snacks easier, and advanced mesh liner bibs for wearing under baggies mean that you don’t have to compromise on chamois comfort.
Frequently asked questions about gravel bike clothing
How should I dress for gravel biking?
This is the beauty of gravel cycling: being an amalgamation of road cycling and mountain biking, there isn’t one strict rule, and it certainly isn’t a law like road cycling has become over the years.
Really, it is all about what you find most comfortable and what suits your style of riding.
If you are racing, for example, you might still want to think about the height of your aero socks and how white your shoes are. However, given the more leisurely pace of most people’s gravel rides, it’s nice to relax your clothing a bit.
Throw on a pair of baggy shorts and a relaxed jersey. Just because the clothing is not form-fitting doesn’t mean it can’t perform technically; there is a wide range of options now using highly technical fabrics and manufacturing techniques to achieve excellent levels of performance.
What is the best gravel clothing brand?
As you can see from our guide here there is a wide range of brands offering gravel specific clothing. Many recognisable from their high performance road kit like Assos and Rapha.
However, brands far more well known for their mountain biking kit are encroaching in on the gravel biking market. Brands like Endura and 7Mesh who are highly reagrded in the off-road communities already.
