‘Tis the season to shop for that obsessive cyclist in your life and there are no better gifts than stylish apparel that can be worn when riding. Here is my gift guide of cycling kit that I would love to wear – some race-like and some casual gear. All of these companies do both men’s and women’s clothing. So this should get your loved ones riding with panache!

Guilder Long Sleeve Jersey from Velobici

This Guilder jersey (£150) from Velobici looks great for fall, winter and the early spring. The medium-weight, long-sleeved jersey is made of luxurious meryl/lycra with a knitted thermal loop. Water resistant, it has reflective piping, silicone gripper on the hem and five pockets, two of which are waterproof. The VB logo is Cornelli embroidered on the chest with subtle Velobici branding on the back pocket. The front and pocket zips complete the look with VB chain ring logo zip pullers. Free UK standard delivery on this item. 

B006 / Wind Cheater / Gillet from Pedla

I love the subtle tree and branch pattern and the orange inside collar on this Pedla Wind Cheater gilet (AUS$165). Specially designed using the most advanced Italian Windtex windproof membrane, the gilet features front shield style panelling that insulates and protects you from wind and light rain. Soft and breathable, this stylish gilet performs. The Pedla uses DHL for its international shipping (Australian orders go via registered Australia Post.) Be aware, customs and duties charges may be applicable on international orders. 

The Utrecht from Road Holland

It could look French, American, or British and it has a Dutch name – yet the Utrecht (US$120) is made by a Florida company. But I love Road Holland’s simple striping and casual yet upscale feel. It’s a classic quarter zip with three exterior back pockets and a fourth external stash compartment, reflective edging, and a silicone waist gripper. The 39%/61% Merino wool poly blend makes it ideal for a variety of temperatures. I also love the look of the Aalsmeer (US$105) for women.

Road Holland ships out of the US via FedEx. Shipping charges, via FedEx, are $10 and $12 for US and Canadian orders, respectively. International shipping, via FedEx, is $30 to most countries. Customs and duty charges may apply.

Women’s Tenspeed Hero Stealth Club Jersey

The striping on the Tenspeed Hero’s Women’s Stealth Jersey (US$120) is very Mondrian-meets-Paul Smith. I love that there is no pink – the stripes are strong primary colours for strong women. The shoulders and side panels are constructed of a super lightweight lycra with no binding on the cuffs. The three rear pockets are tailored with a fourth zipper pocket. The rubber waistline gripper holds the jersey in place while a hidden zipper on the front makes for less bunch lines. Contact Tenspeed Hero for shipping details. Tenspeed Hero also makes a men’s version.

Suzanne Jersey by Cafe du Cyclists

Speaking of lovely striping, the Suzanne Jersey from Cafe du Cyclists (€115) takes the Zebra! With its nautical styling and white side panels, this is an instant classic. [Very Jean-Paul Gautier! – Kitty.] The Suzanne has a full zip front, three rear pockets, a pump pocket, and reflective elements on the back. Pair them with some CdC bibs and you get a 15% discount. Based in France, Cafe du Cyclists offers European shipping for €15, US shipping €17, rest of the world €20.

Grand Prix Jersey from Panache Clothing

Of course I had to include a stylish jersey that is named after me! The Panache Grand Prix Jersey (US$130) is a nice asymmetric design with bold colour blocks. One of the clubs in our area is using Panache clothing and they have been impressed with quality and the fit looks pro. This is a race fit jersey, which means it’s going to hug your body nicely and offer more aerodynamic advantages. It looks perfect for hot summer days. Panache Clothing also sells a matching pair of bibs. Contact Panache Clothing for international shipping details.

Men’s Long Sleeve Merino Alpine Jersey from Vulpine

If there is anything I’ve learned about Nick Hussey, Vulpine supremo, through my interactions with him on Twitter, it’s that he is concerned about quality and does all he can to make sure Vulpine clothing meets high standards. I love the deep colour of this Vulpine long sleeve merino Alpine Jersey (£95), set off with the red zipper. The rear pockets look to be large and the two main pockets are closed with V-stitched engraved buttons to provide extra security. There is flatlock stitching to ensure comfort and silicon at the longer-cut rear to prevent slipping. This jersey looks versatile for cooler temperatures and, of course, it’s made of fine 180g Tasmanian merino wool. Standard shipping is free anywhere in the world! 

Winter Collar by Rapha

Winter is here and I’m always up for a bit of luxury to help me get through it. Enter the Rapha Winter Collar (£25, US$40). Made from a merino wool/spandex blend, this collar is designed as an extension of Rapha’s base layer system to cover your neck and mouth if needed. It’s available in a variety of colours including the lovely bright blue shown here and is versatile for everything from casual city riding to full on winter training. UK orders are shipped via tracked Royal Mail and it’s a standard £4 for orders under £100, free shipping for orders over £100. US standard shipping is $10 for orders under $150, free for orders over $150.

Giro LX Gloves

These Giro LX Gloves (US$65) have a cool classic style with their supple looking, vented Pittards® cabretta leather tops. Providing plenty of evenly distributed padding, they have an absorbent microfibre wiping surface, sonic-welded pull tab and a low-profile Velcro closure. These gloves are just plain sexy. Check the giro.com website for retailers near you who sell Giro products.

Full inGamba Cycling Kit

A dream of mine is to one day go on a cycling vacation with InGamba. I hear they provide an experience of a lifetime. And when I have my cycling vacation with them, I want to be in this stylish full kit (US$300), which includes Giordana’s Vero Jersey and Scatto Bib Shorts, gloves, socks (the perfect height) and a cap! The Vero jersey is a slim cut – very much like the pros wear, which is what I like. The bibs are a combination of textured, lightweight fabrics for the perfect balance of durability, comfort and compression. The deep red, white and black mixed with a bit of Italian tricolour is elegant eye candy. Now if it just came with that Pinarello! Check the InGamba website for shipping details and costs.

All prices and links correct at time of going to press.

All of these companies have a variety of products – most also have stylish urban cycling clothes as well as accessories like snoods and caps, so make sure you have a look at their entire range. If you do buy anything from these companies, let us know what you think of them!