Cycling Warmers

Merino vs Thermal: Finding the Right Fabric

Most warmers on the market fall into one of two camps; the first being thermal synthetic warmers. These winter must-haves usually come with a brushed fleece or Roubaix-style fabric and are the most common choice. They warm up quickly, handle a light shower without soaking through, and are generally the more affordable option. You’ll find this used in most of our Castelli and Giro ranges.

Merino wool warmers regulate temperature more naturally and are more odour-resistant over a full day in the saddle. This makes them a great choice with riders taking on back-to-back long rides or multi-day tours. They’re usually a little more expensive and need a little extra washing to stay fresh, but plenty of our regulars swear by them once they’ve made the switch.

Neither is wrong. If you’re commuting or doing club rides where a warmer needs to come on and off a few times a week, thermal synthetic is the practical pick. If you’re chasing all-day comfort on those longer weekend rides, merino is worth the extra spend.

Understanding Fabric Tech and the Finer Details

The sign of a really good warmer is if you forget you’re wearing it. You don’t want to keep fidgeting with it whilst out on a ride, and if you are it’s unusually  usually down to the small details.

Look for flatlock stitching, which sits flush against the skin instead of the raised seams you get on cheaper garments. Chafing will be prevented this way and that’s enough to ruin an otherwise good ride. Wind-blocking panels on the front of the thigh or forearm cut through the chill on descents, while UPF-rated fabric protects your skin on the days that start cold and finish under full sun. 

So much of our range also includes reflective detailing on the cuffs, which is a small inclusion that genuinely helps on early morning, pre-sunrise bunch rides.

When to Wear Your Cycling Warmers

There’s not a definitive answer here and it’s really down to the rider. Still, as a rough guide, warmers do their best work somewhere between 5°C and 15°C. Below that, most riders are better off in full thermal bib tights and a proper winter jacket. Anything above 15 or so, you will likely overheat.

The other advantage worth mentioning is their compact nature. Just roll them up and they fit easily into a jersey pocket, so there's no reason not to bring them along on the ride if the forecast looks changeable. For Melbourne riders, you’ll know all about this. 

Getting the Fit Just Right

A loose warmer is a warmer that’s not really doing the job it’s meant to. Gaps let cold air in and undo most of the insulation you paid for, so fit really changes whether you’re getting your money’s worth. 

Most brands size warmers off upper arm or thigh circumference rather than your usual jersey size, so it is worth measuring before you buy rather than assuming your regular size will carry across. A general rule; arm warmers should overlap your jersey sleeve by a couple of centimetres, and leg warmers should tuck just under your bib short leg, leaving no strip of bare skin between the two layers. 

Don’t worry if you’re unsure. Pop in and see us in store or contact our team and they’ll be happy to help you check to see if this is right.

Washing and Caring for Your Cycling Warmers

Warmers use elastane and silicone grippers to stay in place, and both will break down if you don’t care for them correctly.

Generally, wash them cold, either by hand or on a gentle machine cycle. Also steer clear of fabric softener which coats the fibres and kills the stretch over time. Skip the tumble dryer too - high heat is the fastest way to degrade the elastic and cause the silicone gripper bands to crack or peel away from the fabric. Air drying will take a little longer, but it’ll add real years to the life of a good pair of warmers. This is all general care information; stick to the manufacturers instructions for the best results. 

Layering Up for Cold Melbourne Winters

If you are building up a warmer kit from scratch, start with knee warmers. They cover the widest temperature range and suit the way most Melbourne autumns and winters actually play out, with plenty of days that only need a light layer rather than a full thermal setup. Add leg warmers once you’re regularly riding below 10°C or heading out on those longer weekend rides where the temperature might change.

On colour, black is the low-fuss default and matches most kits. Pair with reflective panelling or a high-visibility option if you’re commuting through traffic or riding before sunrise.

For the top half, pair your warmers with a well-fitted men's cycling jacket or women's cycling jacket, and a set of men's base layers or women's base layers underneath. Cold hands are usually the first thing to complain on a chilly morning, so bike gloves are a great investment while you are at it.