Cycling gilets are thin, sleeveless layers that are worn over jerseys and jackets. They're often an overlooked and underused piece of cycling kit, but they offer an extra layer of protection from the wind and cold.
What are cycling gilets for?
Cycling gilets provide extra protection from the elements while still remaining breathable and compressible, which means you can easily stash them away in a jersey pocket when they're not needed.
Cyclists wear gilets to protect the torso from the brunt of the wind and rain on particularly miserable rides, but they're also a handy extra layer for when temperatures are mild, too, as they're normally thin and breathable.
In terms of materials, grab a gilet that boasts windproof and water-resistant capabilities, as well as either a mesh back or back air-flow panels to keep you from overheating.
Other key features to look out for include a durable zip like those made by YKK, a zip garage to avoid uncomfortable pinching at the neck, elasticated arm holes for a snug fit, an in-built stuff-sack to simplify tucking the gilet away when not needed and a bright design or reflective details to aid visibility.
The gilets featured below have been picked based on our own experiences, in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Best cycling gilets in 2024
Castelli Aria Vest
- £95
The Aria is Castelli's lightest and most packable wind shell, so you should have no issues when trying to stash it into a pocket.
Once on, it's designed to fit close to the body without restricting movement thanks to the stretch back.
While the front panel is designed to be a wind blocker, the rear is constructed from a breathable material to help avoid overheating.
There's a pocket at the rear, reflective detailing and a choice of three colours (moss brown, dark gray and silver gray).
You can get the gilet in men's sizing (from XS to 3XL) and women's sizing (XS to XL).
Van Rysel Road Cycling Windproof Gilet Racer
- £34.99
Built to protect against front-on windchill, this Van Rysel gilet also claims to be water-repellent, while the entire back section is made of moisture-wicking mesh.
There are also three jersey-style back pockets.
Proviz Reflect 360 Cycling Gilet
- £59.99
One of the issues we tend to find with modern-day bike kit is that often it's not very visible, which doesn't help in terms of safety on the roads.
That's not so with this Proviz gilet though, which uses the brand's Reflect 360 technology to ensure high visibility from any direction.
Meanwhile, the perforated back is designed to allow for heat and moisture to escape, while there are zipped side pockets for any essentials.
The garment also features a high collar and elastic hems on the waist and shoulders in an attempt to ensure a close fit.
Giro Chrono Expert
- £59.99
This compact and compressible gilet is designed to act as a barrier against wind and cold temps.
It features a breathable, perforated back section, a soft zip garage and collar with reflective details.
Stolen Goat Kiko Gilet
- £75
For winter layering, this gilet from Stolen Goat is a fantastic option.
The front is lined with Polartec’s Alpha Direct fabric, which is constructed out of recycled polyester and delivers a handy bit of warmth without feeling clammy.
That front section also blocks wind effectively, while the lightweight rear panel helps improve breathability and avoid overheating.
The two-way zip helps in this regard, letting you ventilate when needed. There’s one rear jersey pocket and an opening either side to access pockets underneath, while the zip guard ensures comfort on the front.
It’s lightweight and packable (140g; size medium), fits comfortably close to the body and offers good visibility on the roads. It’s a winner in our eyes.
Verdict: A versatile, valuable addition to your winter cycling kit
Score: 90%
Pearson Ins and Outs
- £90
From family-owned Surrey brand, Pearson, this windproof, reflective gilet has a zipped back pocket for valuables, a water-repellent design and back air vents, which also provide access to jersey pockets.
For more bike gear, why not check out our gear section.
