Pedalling fashion: How to look stylish on a bike

A lot of us have found and fallen in love with new rituals in the new normal. One such ritual is cycling, as around the world, bicycles are being dragged out of sheds and garages. While the bicycle business is booming, a few tricky questions could put a break on your next cycling adventure - bike with basket/ no basket? How big is too big for a bike? And the most essential of all, how to look beautiful in a saddle, or what Italians call a 'Bella in sella’.
Fashion designer Nikhita Tandon recommends bike shorts and a jersey or cotton hosiery ganjees that one can wear on a sports bra. “For those doing it out of leisure, I’d say cotton and denim rompers with sneakers. It gives the room to your legs to move around freely,” she says. Fit is of utmost importance, reiterates digital content creator and sartorial expert Siddharth Batra. “You’re going to need roomy-enough fits for comfort and also, to avoid chafing.”
The 3Fs- Fabric, Fit, Function
Other than the fit, it’s the fabric and function that matter the most. “You’re always going to sweat while cycling, so wear fabrics that are lightweight and opt for lighter colours. As for the functional part of biking- know your purpose. If you’re cycling for leisure, opt for easy tees (could be slogan/graphic too), shorts and your fav sneakers,” says Siddharth.

How to be a CLOB, or Chic Lady On A Bike
First, rule out what you can’t wear - a maxi dress or anything that could get caught in your bike chain. Another contentious piece of clothing is a dress. While Nikhita does not suggest wearing one on a bike, Ishi, a digital content creator who loves fashion, sees skirts touching the knee as a potential runner for bike fashion. “Remember to wear tights inside,” she quips. And that makes us think of bike shorts, once again. “Most comfortable and stylish option would be bike shorts with an oversized graphic T-shirt and a baseball cap,” says Ishi. Great timing, we must say, as bike shorts are having a moment in fashion.

Cycling to work? Don’t go overboard with your style
“If you’re cycling to work, I would suggest going in for lycra cycling liners inside, to avoid the sweat creeping into your work clothes. Needless to say, try opting for work clothes that are wrinkle-free (or carry a portable steam iron in your bag),” says Siddharth. He suggests sticking to neutral, solid-coloured casual wear if you’re carrying a change of clothes. “You don’t want your boss spotting you in the parking lot in a pair of neon shorts and then, in a two-piece suit in the boardroom,” he says.
Bike shorts: Your best bet
Combinations to look chic on a bicycle: