Do You Need a Cycling Vest? When to Wear a Gilet
A wind vest is the most useful layer in cycling. Here's when to wear one, when you need a jacket instead, and which to pick.
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A cycling vest, or gilet, is a sleeveless wind layer you wear over your jersey. It blocks the chill on your chest, where you feel it most, without making you overheat on the climbs. If you only buy one extra layer, make it this one.
When to wear one
- Cool starts: wear it for the first hour, then take it off as the day warms up.
- Descents: slip it on at the top of a long climb. Your sweaty jersey plus 30 mph of wind gets cold fast.
- Windy days: a headwind takes a lot out of you. A vest keeps the gusts off your chest.
- Changeable weather: it packs small, so it lives in your pocket until you need it.
Vest or jacket?
A vest leaves your arms free, so you stay cool on the climbs. When it's properly cold, or you'll be out all day in it, a jacket covers more. Our CxM lightweight jacket is made for rides between 40 and 65°F (4 to 18°C), with a two-way zip and zipped side vents so you can cool down without taking it off. For more, see what to wear cycling at every temperature.
What to look for
- A full-length zip, so you can vent without taking it off.
- Rear pockets, so you can still reach food and a phone.
- A close fit, so it doesn't flap in the wind.
Our vests
- GC wind vest: light, packable and windproof, and it folds into a jersey pocket. White with black chevrons to match the GC kit.
- Stealth wind shell vest: all black, with a full zip and two rear pockets under a moisture flap. Sizes XS to 4XL.
- Prime LM3 gilet: dark brown, windproof, with a full zip and two rear pockets. Made to go over the Prime kit.
Every vest is made to order and delivered in 5–6 weeks. Check the size guide before you order: a vest should fit close over your jersey.
