Top Men's Gravel Bike Attire 2025: Essential Features for Off-Road Cycling Apparel
As a cycling enthusiast, you might be pleased to hear that gravel riding encompasses a vast array of terrains and intensities - from open dirt roads to technical descents, lengthy rides, and overnighters. The sheer variety in this style of cycling translates seamlessly to the available gravel bike clothing.
If you're transitioning from road cycling, you'll feel at home in the more form-fitting gear. Brands like Rapha and Endura produce excellent gravel jerseys and cargo bib shorts, which closely resemble their road counterparts, with a few notable differences. These include the greater use of natural fibers, such as merino wool, and additional pockets, often ingeniously placed.
The advantages of this road-inspired gravel clothing include superior breathability, reduced chafing during longer rides, lighter weight, and better aerodynamics. If speed and distance are important considerations for your gravel cycling journey, this style of kit is your best bet.
On the other hand, if you're coming from a mountain biking background or new to cycling altogether, baggy clothing will suit you better. These garments tend to be more robust and can withstand the impact of errant foliage on trails. They also have a more 'normal' appearance, making them a good choice if you prefer to blend in when off the bike, at a pub or during sightseeing.
Now let's dive into our rundown of the finest gravel gear for men.
The Quicklist
Best Gravel Bike Shorts
- Rapha Men's Explore Overshorts - These lightweight performers are our personal favorites. They offer excellent breathability and are suited for hot weather riding, while their discreet appearance means you'll stay unnoticed off the bike.
- Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 Bib Shorts - Durable, comfortable, and featuring an exceptionally plush chamois, these Assos shorts are a top choice. The fit is excellent, and the pockets are secure.
- Endura Hummvee Short with Liner - These tech-packed shorts are affordable, comfortable, and feature an integrated liner for added comfort during long rides. They also come with zip vents for increased ventilation.
Best Gravel Bike Jerseys
- Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2 - This premium jersey is similar in function and form to the Endura Hummvee, but benefits from much higher-quality fabrics, which provide better wicking and fit.
- Endura Hummvee S/S Jersey II - Despite being relatively inexpensive, the Hummvee Jersey II from Endura offers excellent sweat wicking for comfort in hot weather. It also boasts a half-length zip and a loose fit suitable for non-technical cycling.
- 7mesh Ashlu Merino Jersey - A high-merino blend jersey that stands out from the crowd with its innovative use of different fabrics to create structure without compromising on comfort.
Our Pick of the Best Gravel Clothing
BEST GRAVEL BIKE SHORTS
Best Gravel Shorts Overall
- Rapha Men's Explore Overshorts - Read more below
Best Cargo Bib Shorts
- Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 Bib Shorts - Read more below
Best Budget Shorts
- Endura Hummvee Short with Liner - Read more below
BEST GRAVEL CYCLING JERSEYS
Best Gravel Jersey
- Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2 - Read more below
Best Budget Jersey
- Endura Hummvee S/S Jersey II - Read more below
Most Comfortable Jersey
- 7mesh Ashlu Merino Jersey - Read more below
We've got three honorable mentions to share with you as well.
Honorable Mentions
- Assos Mille GTC Zeppelin Cargo Shorts C2 - These super lightweight, streamlined shorts lack the variety of pockets seen in other options but provide excellent comfort for hot weather riding.
- 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts - The best products are the ones you don't think about, and the MK3 cargo bib shorts fit that bill perfectly. The chamois is excellent, and the fabrics are quick-wicking with plenty of stretch.
- MAAP Alt_Road Jersey - This figure-hugging, race-oriented jersey is designed for performance-focused riders. It incorporates a 47% merino wool blend, providing both warmth and stretch.
Our Pick: Rapha Men's Explore Overshorts
On the performance side, Rapha's Nylon/Elastane blend is lightweight, stretchy, and an exceptional performer in hot weather. The cut and color are designed to reflect sunlight effectively, reducing heat buildup. The overshorts are a bit shorter than other offerings, reducing material and contributing to a cooler ride.
The shorts' zipped pockets provide space for a phone and head unit when off the bike, and they come with reflective details and a loop of elastic inside the waistband for efficiently rolling up the shorts when packing them away - a handy solution for bikepacking.
The one downside is that the waistband itself doesn't have much give. It's adjustable, but for hard efforts and racing, an elasticated waistband with some give is more comfortable, allowing for belly breathing.
Our Pick: Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 Bib Shorts
These Assos shorts deliver an abundance of comfort with their markedly plush chamois and excellent fit. In addition to Assos' usual build quality and bombproof durability, they are an exceptional choice for long-distance rides, providing outstanding cushioning on rough terrain.
The downside is that the relatively short leg length might not be to everyone's taste, but for those who appreciate the look when their Vastus Lateralis thigh muscle is covered, these shorts are the perfect choice. In terms of fit, cut, support, and pockets, these aspects are 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 Gravel Riding Clothing for Winter
When winter rolls around, it pays to invest in clothing suitable for chilly conditions. Look for gravel jackets and base layers made from merino wool or other insulating materials to ensure maximum comfort and protection against cold weather. If you plan on tackling snowy trails, waterproof or windproof garments may also be necessary to keep you dry and warm. Additionally, consider neck warmers, mittens, and boot covers to shield your extremities.
CM, MECCA Cycling's Gravel Guide
Dive deeper into the world of gravel cycling with CM, Mecca Cycling's comprehensive guide to everything you need to get started, including equipment recommendations, riding techniques, and expedition-style adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to wear street clothing for gravel cycling? - While it's possible, everyday clothing may not provide adequate protection, wicking capabilities, or range of motion for optimal performance. Technical cycling apparel is specifically designed to suit the demands of cycling and ensure comfort and safety.
- How do I choose the best brand for gravel cycling clothing? - When selecting a brand for gravel cycling clothing, consider factors such as their reputation for quality, customer reviews, the clothes' technical specifications, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Experienced riders and online communities can offer valuable insights and recommendations.
Sports enthusiasts who enjoy gravel cycling can find additional gear options to enhance their experience. Cycling brands such as Rapha and Endura cater to this style of riding by producing specialized clothing for gravel cycling, blending elements of both road and mountain bike apparel.
For instance, Rapha offers the Men's Explore Overshorts, which are lightweight and excellent for hot weather riding, while the Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2 Bib Shorts feature an exceptionally plush chamois for increased comfort on long rides. In terms of jerseys, the Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2 offers superior wicking and a form-fitting design, similar to the road counterparts, but with the addition of pockets and greater use of natural fibers like merino wool for improved breathability.
