Quick Answer

For most rides, start with a moisture-wicking base layer and add a mid-layer like the Claudia overshirt when temperatures drop. Your cycling jacket should be the outermost shell, not your only layer.

Why Layering Matters More Than the Jacket Alone

A cycling jacket is designed to block wind and water, but it doesn't provide much insulation on its own. The key to staying comfortable is trapping warm air between layers while allowing sweat to escape. Without proper layering, you'll either overheat on climbs or freeze on descents.

The Claudia overshirt fills a specific gap: it's lightweight enough to wear as an outer on mild days, yet breathable and stretchy enough to function as a mid-layer under a shell. Its textured ripstop fabric from a French mill moves with you, so it won't bunch or restrict your pedaling motion.

How to Layer Under Your Cycling Jacket

  1. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer: Choose a base layer made of merino wool or a technical synthetic that pulls sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and chills you. If your base layer feels damp after a ride, switch to a more breathable fabric.
  2. Add a mid-layer for insulation: When temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), add a lightweight mid-layer like the Claudia overshirt. Its stretch and breathability let you move freely while trapping warmth. If you start sweating heavily on climbs, consider a lighter mid-layer or unzip your jacket.
  3. Finish with your cycling jacket as the outer shell: Your jacket should block wind and water while allowing excess heat to escape. Make sure it fits over your mid-layer without being too tight, so you maintain full range of motion. If your jacket feels restrictive, size up or choose a more relaxed cut for layering.

  • Claudia: The Claudia is a versatile, lightweight overshirt using a breathable, textured ripstop fabric from a French mill with just the right amount of stretch. Its breathability and stretch make it ideal as a mid-layer under a cycling jacket, keeping you warm without overheating.

    Claudia

    Claudia