What to Wear: from Outdoor to Indoor
How to Bike in Style
With the pandemic, many people are biking as a form of their commute instead of taking the subway. The subways can get packed like sardines and difficult to social distance. But, what comes with biking in the middle of summer in New York heat is the heat and humidity. Here are some tips so you don’t look gross and sweaty as you bike to work or anywhere.
FABRICS
With biking, you face the big question of: what can I wear for my bike ride that I can also wear to work or a lunch date? Opt for more breathable fabrics, light-weight, and loose-fitting clothing. Think of cotton, linen, silk, chambray, jersey, seersucker, and rayon. This means that wool suit is not the best option for this endeavor. If you enjoy biking and decide to partake in as your new form of transportation, investing in some cycling clothes or buy clothes that have the ability to moisture-wick. Moisture wick removes sweat and dries sweat quickly keeping you dry... and not gross and sweaty at your destination.
WHAT TO WEAR OR WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Wear clothes you are not afraid to get dirty or wet when biking, just in case. Avoid wearing dark colors like grey if you sweat easily because people will see your sweat. If you have stuff to carry, put the items on your bike (using a pannier bag) not your back to allow parts of your body to fully air out while you bike. Also, to avoid sweat patches. If you are wearing dress shoes, boots, or sneakers use flat pedals for your bike so you can bike comfortability. The stiffer the sole of the shoe the easier it is to ride your bike.
FRESHENING UP
Use baby wipes to freshen up afterward. You can’t do wrong with a T-shirt and some shorts for the summer. Give yourself some time to freshen up, change, or cool off before you head into work or the place.
SUN PROTECTION
If you are riding with a tie make sure to tuck it in your shirt to keep in place while you ride. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun while you ride. In terms of UV protection, opt for glasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays and remove 75% to 90% of visible light. Wear long clothing to protect your skin from sun damage. Also, wear sunscreen, everyone needs sunscreen!
When biking make sure you wear a helmet! Helmet hair is no fun, but the best way to help that is by using beach spray or have a comb, brush, and hair products ready to touch up your hair before work or heading to an event.
FROM WORK TO HAPPY HOUR
After work you may go out and get some drinks or food, what should I wear? If you are going out after work you can take the clothes you’re wearing and spice them up a bit. Unbutton a few top buttons of your dress shirt, roll up the cuffs, untuck or front tuck your shirt, take off the belt, and swap out your dress shoes for a casual shoe and woo la you have a more casual outfit. You can also roll up the hem of your pants and remove your socks or switch into a low-cut or no-show sock to wear with your shoes. You can also take those cool sunglasses you wear to bike and wear them with the outfit.
If you work from home, you can use the same tips or tricks to make your outfit look put together. Take off those sweatpants you’ve been wear for several days straight for fitted pants. Go for a dress shirt and use the same tricks as mention previously. Make sure you are wearing those summer-friendly fabrics I mentioned earlier. Opt for dress shoes if the event is fancier or for sneakers if it’s casual. If you want more comfort for your bike ride go for shorts in a chambray fabric which is way more comfortable and breathable than the traditional denim.
Clothing from Acne Studio.
These tips can apply to any occasion, not just work attire.
Now, enjoy your bike ride! Not only are you social distancing and helping the environment but also saving money which is always a plus.