This post was originally published for Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures. To learn more visit the Sacred Rides Blog.

When this topic came up in the Sacred Rides office, the responsibility of authoring such an article was tossed around. We discussed: “whose right is it anyway to tell you what you should and shouldn’t wear from a fashion perspective while mountain biking?” To each their own, right? Right. So, my approach for this article on fashion choices for mountain biking is based around function, not fashion. The best part is, functional fashion will have you looking like a pro in no time.

DON’T WEAR:
Underwear with a chamois. Along with the dreaded underwear line, wearing underwear in your padded bike shorts will increase the likelihood of rubbing, chafing and pressure points where the sun don’t shine.
DO WEAR:
Chamois commando style. Chamois are designed for this!

DON’T WEAR:
A helmet not meant for cycling. You risk not being properly protected. Bike helmet manufacturers design helmets to take impact on the most common areas hit when crashing on a bike.
DO WEAR:
A certified bicycle helmet. Look for one of these certification stickers from the CSA, EN, ASTM, CPSC or Snell B90/B95.

DON’T WEAR:
A helmet incorrectly. “Beginner Gap” is a real thing, and if you rock an open uncovered forehead, you are not protected.
DO WEAR:
A helmet correctly. See section on “How to wear a helmet”.

DON’T WEAR:
A see-through chamois. Do the squat test in a mirror – can you see your umm…crack? If so, so can everyone else when you are stretched out on your bike. If you can, it is likely you need a new pair of padded bike shorts anyway.
DO WEAR:
A non see-through chamois. If that is not in the budget, toss on a pair of trail riding shorts and save the x-rated riding for home.

DON’T WEAR:
Cotton or down. Save the cozy attire for chill time at post ride beers. Cotton and down soak up sweat like a sponge and once its wet, it will stay wet, risking rubbing, chafing and chills at rest stops. Cotton and down are both extremely heavy when wet as well – why shave off grams on components, and add 2 lbs of sweat to your ride?
DO WEAR:
Breathable layers. Synthetic or wool is your best bet for quick drying materials offering comfort and style.

DON’T WEAR:
Baggy jackets and pants. Baggy tops and jackets risk getting snagged by branches, either ripping your shirt or you off the bike. Baggy pants will – not might – get caught in your chain ring wrecking your pants, possibly you and your chain depending on how fast you were going when it snagged.
DO WEAR:
Form fitting clothing.

DON’T WEAR:
Sandals or flip flops. With rocks, roots, and branches coming at you – or you at them – protecting your feet and toes is important.
DO WEAR:
Closed toed shoes with some traction. If just starting out, a pair of flat skate shoes or running shoes will do the trick. Make sure your laces are tied tight, as they can easily get caught up in your chain. Bike shoes with clipless pedals would be the next step and will avoid the shoe lace conundrum.

DON’T WEAR:
An unfit backpack. A swaying, lopsided pack will quickly throw you off balance on that ladder bridge you have been eyeing.
DO WEAR:
A good utility pack. Look for packs with adjustable chest straps, waist straps and a cinching feature allowing you to tighten up a half full pack. A bladder slip with hole for the drinking tube would be an added bonus feature. We’re big fans of Osprey Packs. Check them out at www.ospreypacks.com

DON’T WEAR:
Aviator sunglasses. Or any other sunglass not meant for sweaty activity. Why you ask? A few reasons: they will fog up, likely slip off your face from sweat and will eventually get beat up.
DO WEAR:
Sunglasses designed for activity. Save the Top Gun look for the beach, Maverick. Pick up some cycling shades with vents to minimize fog and rubber arms to keep the shades in place even if you do eat dirt for dinner.

Do you have any mountain bike fashion for function do’s and don’ts to share? If so, leave them in the comments below!