Almost every cyclist on the planet owns a jersey or two, but a good quality cycling jacket is just as vital to long-term performance and enjoyment. To excel, you have to want to ride. And to do that, you need to stay warm and dry in the saddle during seasons when the weather attempts to keep you inside.

This guide outlines the different kinds of cycling jackets on the market, explaining all the things you should consider before picking one up for yourself. 

Styles Of Cycling Jackets

There are several types of cycling jackets available, each built to combat a specific issue or external factor that can influence your rides. MAAP currently develops three main styles of jackets - windproof, insulated and waterproof jackets.

We’ll take a closer look at our collection later in this piece, or you can peruse the full selection of MAAP cycling jackets in men's and women's right now. 

Key Features To Consider

Choosing cycling jackets can be a difficult task – especially if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for.

There are a few key features to take into account when making your decision.

To begin with, breathability and ventilation are crucial for cyclists that want to stay warm without overheating. High quality cycling jackets should be built from breathable fabrics that allow for regular perspiration. The better a fabric is at keeping rain out, the less well it will tend to perform in terms of air permeability and moisture management – so there is often a trade-off. Many jackets balance this by including venting in areas less easily reached by rainwater… so your body can still breathe, while staying dry.

If the majority of your riding is going to be done in cold climates, your cycling jacket also needs to offer good insulating properties. Thermal jackets often employ fleeced fabrics, while some employ the down insulation technologies more frequently seen in outdoor and mountain gear. 

Materials Matter

For every jacket purpose, there’s an appropriate material.

In terms of design, there are two main styles of jacket – softshell and hardshell. Softshell jackets tend to be more lightweight and breathable but a bit less capable in extreme wet weather, meanwhile hardshell jackets are often built from heavier materials that improve waterproofing and durability. It helps to have at least one of each style in your cycling wardrobe.

MAAP is proud to work very closely with industry-leading fabric technology companies, including Pertex®, Polartec®, Sympatex® and Drytex®.

The ATMOS Jacket is lightweight and packable, courtesy of the Pertex® Shield Fabric it is made with. With low profile bonded and elasticated armhole and hem construction, it’s a jacket optimised for changeable conditions and ultimate packability.

The Prime Jacket is another great example of the right material deployed for a purpose, employing Polartec® NeoShell – a softshell fabric – to deliver excellent weather protection, alongside dynamic air exchange that keeps you feeling fresh. It’s designed for rides where there’s a chance of light rain.

Our Ascend Pro Rain Jacket, built for heavy rainfall, uses a Sympatex® membrane which is waterproof to a hydrostatic head of 45,000.

The Alt_Road Thermal Jacket is made using Polartec® Alpha, a high-performing synthetic insulation designed for keeping you warm throughout stop-start activities. The Alt_Road Thermal Jacket also boasts good wind-blocking, another benefit in cold temperatures.

If you’re looking for a stalwart jacket made with material to reflect your own dedication and drive, the Training Winter Jacket is the one. Made with Drytex® TPU membrane with a thermal brushback lining to keep you warm in cool-to-cold and changeable conditions. It is ideal for controlled, sustained efforts, or longer days on the bike.

Weather Conditions And Jackets

Of course, weather is the main thing that influences our decision to wear a jacket – it is beneficial to know which jackets suit which season.

In the spring and early summer, you may only need a lightweight jacket or cycling jersey to keep you warm as wearing a jacket on hot days can cause you to overheat. During these transitional rides, MAAP recommends the Draft Team Jacket, which packs down super small and can be put in a jersey pocket when you’ve warmed up a bit.

As the climate begins to cool, bigger and more high-performing jackets come out of hibernation and onto our shoulders.

As things get even chillier, you may want to upgrade your outer layer to a tougher jacket such as the Alt_Road Thermal option mentioned above.

In reality, jackets are often needed all year-round – making them one of the best investments a new cyclist can make as they start to build out their wardrobe.

Layering With Cycling Jackets

In cold conditions, effective layering is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the elements. A cycling jacket offers up the best protection from the wind and rain, however they are even more efficient when partnered with other helpful items of cycling clothing.

The best way a cyclist can layer-up is to begin with a base-layer, these thin garments are built from close-knit fibres that trap in warmth and help to keep you dry by moving the moisture away from the skin.

Next, a cycling jersey to act as a mid-layer that can become your top layer if the temperature rises during your ride. Long-sleeved jerseys are particularly helpful while out on winter roads.

Finally, your cycling jacket goes over the top to do everything we’ve discussed already. By layering in this way you prevent any cold air or rain from touching your skin – if you want to stay extra-warm you could even consider wearing a neck warmer. 

Maintenance and Care

A garment that experiences so much action (and the occasional coffee spillage) can become worn in time, but if you know how to care for your cycling jackets you can extend their life significantly.

How to wash cycling jackets is a bit of a minefield at times. All MAAP products have specific care instructions on the label, and if you are in any doubt you can contact us directly.

Airtight storage is another great way to prolong the life of your cycling jackets as this prevents any mould or mildew forming – as well as protecting the other items in your wardrobe from any mud that may have been picked up on your travels.

For waterproof jackets, the coating can become less effective with continuous usage. It’s wise to consider reapplying a DWR coating every couple of years to ensure the jacket doesn’t lose its waterproof 

MAAP’s Cycling Jacket Collection

Our collection of cycling jackets is the product of a lot of careful design work, and has been put together specifically with the needs of bike riders and racers in mind.

Here are a selection of our most popular, high-performing pieces, ordered from least to most severe weather protection. 

Now you’ve heard everything you need to know about cycling jackets you’re prepared to build your own defence against inclement weather conditions in the fall, winter and spring seasons (or even summer!). Explore our full range and build your own Winter Layering Bundle to receive an exclusive 15% discount when combining any jacket and jersey.