Best cycling gilets for women

By Andrew Lloyd

Published: Wednesday, 06 October 2021 at 12:00 am

Cycling gilets are typically lighter than a cycling jacket and can keep the worst of the weather at bay without overheating you on your ride, making them a worthy addition to your gear cupboard. The best cycling gilets will do all of this while maintaining good breathability so your performance isn’t hampered.

There are a range of things to consider when buying the best cycling gilet for you, including pack size, the level of weather resistance and how reflective you want it to be for riding in low light.

Using industry knowledge and analysing a range of user reviews, we’ve put together our picks of the best cycling gilets for women.

Best cycling gilets for women

Proviz Women’s Reflect 360 Cycling Gilet

Designed to help you stand out on the road, this gilet is made from a polyester fabric that appears to be grey in daylight, but utilises millions of reflective glass beads to give it a glowing effect when light bounces from it at night.

Made to keep the wind out during winter months and cold periods, it also has a perforated mesh back, which is said to let extra heat escape during intense workouts and summer rides.

It has two zipped pockets, ideal for storing essentials such as your phone, keys or gels, as well as bigger items like gloves, hats or a thin base layer.

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Castelli Squadra Long Cycling Vest

If you’re looking for a cycling vest to offer substantial weather protection, this option from Castelli looks like it could be a good one to consider.

It uses a waterproof ripstop fabric and durable water repellent coating in the front to prevent the rain getting in, while the back is fitted with mesh to help keep you cool, let the sweat out and help maintain a balanced temperature.

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dhb Aeron Women’s Packable Gilet

Made to be worn on cool, dry days, this cycling gilet is constructed from fabric that dhb says is very wind-resistant, which would make it a great go-to when you don’t want to take a jacket with you on your ride.

The brand says this gilet is easy to store away and will fit comfortably in a jersey pocket once packed down, meaning it’s easily within reach when the weather turns.

It features a mesh back and a two-way zip for ventilation, while the collar is said to feature a soft, high-wicking tricot lining for maximum comfort. Reflective logos and reflective inserts in the shoulders and rear hem should help with visibility after dark.

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Primal Women’s Makona Wind Cycling Vest

For extra protection while whistling down descents, this cycling gilet has a fleece-lined collar and uses a fabric that the brand says is both wind and water-resistant. Meanwhile, a two-way YKK zipper allows you to create additional airflow when riding, increasing ventilation while keeping the cold air off your chest.

The Makona Wind Cycling Vest is said to be lightweight, so it should be easy to stow away. It also has three rear cargo pockets where you can store additional layers and warmers if you expect the weather to worsen.

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Gore Wear Ambient Women’s Vest

Protect yourself from sudden showers and cold wind with this cycling vest. Designed to be incredibly light and compact so it can fit in a jersey pocket with ease, it’s made for pulling out on cold descents or when the weather changes for the worse.

The garment boasts Gore-Tex Infinium and Gore Windstopper technology on the front, as well as a durable water repellent treatment, so it should keep shed rain effectively from the front. A mesh insert is then fitted at the back to aid ventilation and provide a place for moisture to escape.

The Ambient Vest features a cycling-specific cut with a dropped tail, as well as elastic at the waist to keep the gilet firmly in place. A reflective logo helps boost visibility in low light.

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Triban Women’s Cycling Windbreaker Gilet

This gilet has been made with a neon yellow colour and reflective patches to make sure you’re seen around the clock, no matter the conditions.

It also uses a windproof fabric in order to protect you from blustery weather, while a couple of pockets on the side of the garment look well suited for energy gels. At the rear, you’ll also find a discreet opening that allows you access to your cycling jersey’s pockets.

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Endura Women’s Pakagilet Packable Gilet

Whether you need to wrap up with an extra layer on a cold morning or whip out a windproof on a chilly descent, Endura says this packable gilet should help keep the chill off thanks to the windproof ripstop fabric.

As the name suggests, the Pakagilet Packable Gilet is said to be incredibly light, which means it should be easy to roll up and store it in a pocket, ready to pull out and enjoy an extra layer when you begin to feel the cold.

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Santini Women’s Stamina Vest

Designed to prevent windchill on cold rides, this gilet is lined with Polartec’s Alpha fabric, which works alongside windproof panels on the shoulders and chest to help keep out the cold on steep declines.

Claiming a smooth fit as a result of the stretch woven fabric used in the garment’s construction, Santini says you should experience minimal flapping material so you’re not wasting any extra energy when battling ascents.