Bike riding attire

[ToastedTeacakes]

I am considering buying a bike for errands, visiting friends and family in daytime,etc. Nothing sporty exactly, just nipping about here and there - I don't drive, and am usually very happy walking places, so this bike thing is new to me.

But what do you wear to comfortably ride a bike? I'm a bit lost here!

Was wondering especially about shoes.

I don't want to dress much differently (am not at all sporty and usually prefer skirts to pants) so wondered if jeans, etc might be good?

I hate trainers, so is there an alternative?

Am also planning to get a rucksack.

I'm Dutch and so useless at this: we are born on bikes and do not do special attire. Anything but a mini skirt even though I sure did do that as well when I was teeny young. Longer skirts can be a usance getting caught in the wheel so maybe avoid them if you're a novice ;-)
As for shoes.. Leather soles can be slippery but apart from that anything goes. A heel can even be used to 'hook' your foot on the peddle.
Good luck, you'll be all fit and healthy!

Fairly short (loose around legs) dresses over leggings with flat boots or fastened shoes (no open shoes or anything with uncovered toes). Skinny Jeans are ok if you aren't going far otherwise there will be chafing.

I cycle three miles to work everyday. I wear exactly what I would usually wear, except:

• avoid dry clean only tops and dresses as they might be sweaty
• I can wear higher heels that I normally do as your feet don't get sore cycling!
• if it looks like it might rain I avoid jeans/trousers as they take ages to dry
• I have a pair of reflective/flashing armbands, which I put on over my coat for extra vis.

I wear mini-skirts, sandals in summer etc.

I have a pannier bag for my bike, which I love, as rucksacks give me a sweaty back.

The Dutch have the right idea, imo. All the specialist gear people wear to cycle in this country just puts normal people off cycling.

thanks for the suggestions! i am surprised how many of you would wer skirts! maybe in summer....

so i need to concentrate on grippy soles. still can't decide though.
i will likely wear loose-ish jeans which are rolled at the cuffs. wish i had kept my nike dunks now but i gave them away (fool!)

Well theoretically I'd wear anything BUT as the UK tends to be rather damp, you can easily end up with a nice racing stripe of mud up your back. This is the only reason I have cycling gear.

With that in mind, in our shoes I'd get a waterproof jacket you're not too fussed about to wear over the top and a basic pair of comfy black leggings that you can wear with "normal" clothing.

Oh and OP check out the other thread on smart waterproof coats for cycling!!

If you don't plan on expending more energy when cycling than you would walking, then wear what you would to walk. You'll soon figure out what shoes/skirts/trousers (and knickers seams) are uncomfortable or impractical.

Good mud/skirt/chain guards fitted on the bike will help.

Thanks again :)
I hadn't thought of leggings - good idea!

In warmer months I wear a cagoul (is that the correct spelling?) so no worries there, but always have issue finding decent winter waterproofs at an affordable price.

I usually cycle to work in my work clothes. But if i plan to wear a long or straight skirt i cycle in leggings and have the skirt in my bag. Quick change in the ladies' on arrival. Sometimes i leave smart shoes at my desk and cycle in older ones that i don't mind getting wet. Waterproof coat is about all i have bought for cycling, but i only do about 20mins each way.