Does a cycling raincoat exist?
When you ride your bike to work or simply to get around, rain is one of the hazards of everyday life. Staying dry becomes a challenge, so it's essential to have the right clothing.
Another parameter also comes into play when it comes to the "cycling rain" combo: once off your bike, it is essential to be presentable with a look appropriate to your dress codes or those of your profession. This is where the "elegance" parameter of the jacket comes into play. Combining style, functionality and rain protection is a challenge for brands that target urban cyclists. In this article we will attempt to do a more in-depth study on cycling rainwear that is also required to be Design because it will accompany us all day.
Features of rainwear
A rainproof cycling jacket must withstand the most intense downpours. This stylish cycling raincoat, to be 100% waterproof, must be made from high-quality materials and feature sealed seams to prevent any water infiltration. These technological materials are membranes often composed of polyurethane, designed to stop the rain and promote the wicking away of your sweat. No other technology integrated into a garment offers this dual performance essential when exercising in the rain.
What materials should I use to protect from the rain?
Modern raincoats incorporate laminated fabrics like Gore-Tex, a breathable, waterproof membrane that stops rain and wicks away perspiration. These waterproof jackets also feature thermo-bonded or welded seams to prevent water from seeping through vulnerable points. Fabric manufacturers often also apply water-repellent treatments to enhance waterproofing by allowing rain to escape more quickly. Men's and women's rainwear (except for the rain poncho, which is more practical than aesthetic) also features waterproof zippers, otherwise water can seep in through these openings.
How to measure the waterproofness of a cycling jacket
The unit of measurement used is the water column, expressed in millimeters (mm). This measurement determines the water pressure that the fabric of the men's or women's cycling jacket (or poncho) can withstand before allowing moisture to penetrate.
A quality waterproof jacket can have a water column ranging from 5,000 mm to over 20,000 mm, providing increased protection against rain and moisture. This rating is crucial to ensure the garment effectively resists bad weather. The jackets offered by VEST PARIS incorporate these technologies, capable of withstanding hundreds of rainy days, to ensure maximum protection for urban cyclists.
Waterproof and windproof cycling jacket
Rain and cycling jackets are more than just rain gear. They also provide effective wind protection, as the membranes used act as a barrier against both water and wind. These membranes prevent wind from penetrating, providing protection against changing and unpredictable weather. The combination of waterproofing and windproof properties makes waterproof jackets versatile and suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, allowing you to confidently face pouring rain and strong winds. This means you're protected from head to toe.
Waterproofness vs. Breathability
When a man or woman rides a bike, staying dry also depends on the breathability of the materials the jacket is made from. It's difficult to arrive at work or an appointment with sweat marks under your cycling rainwear. That's why membrane manufacturers are the only ones to offer technology that allows your clothing to wick away the perspiration resulting from your efforts while protecting you from the falling rain.
Design, Waterproofness and Safety
Waterproofing means rain, and rain means visibility issues. That's why a cycling rain jacket usually includes reflective elements, which aren't just accessories; they're designed to improve visibility at night.
It's often unsightly in a cycling jacket, and it's quite rare to find a reflective jacket that's discreet and doesn't detract from your look. A cycling rain jacket must be able to adapt to your demands for elegance. This is very rare.
At VEST PARIS, this is our business. This clever blend, designed for those who cycle to work, took us years to develop. A poncho won't fully satisfy you because it doesn't incorporate the "safety" dimension.
Features required in these clothes
Staying dry on your bike also means having the right features.
It starts with the pockets. They should be numerous, waterproof, secure, and easy to access in rainwear. Especially for storing your phone. You can find these in a cycling jacket or a poncho. Some waterproof jackets are equipped with pockets for storing personal belongings, providing additional comfort.
Another feature in rainwear, also designed for cycling, is the zippers. They must first be waterproof and, above all, make it easier to sit, so they must be equipped with a double head so that the bottom can be raised to facilitate pedaling. This is a problem you won't have if you're equipped with a rain poncho.
Designer waterproof jacket for cycling
The problem with design isn't when you're on the bike, but when you're off it. On a bike, we only talk about protection from the elements, road safety, and functionality.
Design is irrelevant during the journey. However, once you get off, the image you project will be essential, and if you made the wrong choice of clothing when you leave home in the morning, it will follow you all day.
At VEST PARIS, we offer the opportunity to be both protected during your travels and stylish in your everyday life.
Conclusion
You can find a variety of designer cycling raincoat options in specialty bike shops, sports stores, and online. Unfortunately, they're often too "sporty" or "bike-centric," or don't take your safety into consideration. Make sure you choose a jacket that matches your style and provides full protection while cycling.