I’ll admit it — I’m officially FOMO’ing over cycling. Ever since last season, my social feed has been full of women cruising through scenic trails in stylish cycling fits while I was still debating if padded shorts were worth it (spoiler: they are). Now that winter’s here, I’ve made it my mission to find cycling apparel that’s warm, modest, and of course, effortlessly chic.

After some serious browsing, I landed on Orionride — a brand that blends function, comfort, and fashion into pieces that actually look good both on and off the bike. And because I’m a hijabi who refuses to compromise on style (or warmth!), I’m sharing my winter cycling wishlist from Orionride — plus a few tips on choosing the best gear for colder rides.

How to Choose the Best Cycling Apparel for Winter

When temperatures drop, staying comfortable during rides is all about layering smartly. Here are my top 5 editor-approved tips for picking the right winter gear:

1. Start with a moisture-wicking base (something like a breathable cycling jersey t shirt from Orionride) to keep sweat off your skin.
   
2. Your outer layer matters. Choose a wind-resistant jacket or vest to block out chilly gusts.
   
3. Look for thermal fabrics or fleece linings that trap warmth but still let your skin breathe.
   
4. As a hijabi, I need coverage and flexibility. Go for casual cycling apparel that’s not too tight, like the relaxed fits from Orionride.
   
5. Pockets, zippers, and adjustable hems are your best friends when layering. A cycling shirt with pockets from Orionride makes life (and carrying your lip balm) so much easier.
   

My Winter Cycling Wishlist from Orionride

1. Cozy Bicycle Sweatshirt

There’s something timeless about a good bicycle sweatshirt — especially when it’s soft, oversized, and easy to layer. I love that Orionride’s sweatshirts come in floral designs that still feel sporty but chic. As a hijabi, I pair mine with a thermal base layer and a long cycling skirt or modest-fit pants. It’s perfect for pre-ride coffee stops or cool-down walks.

2. Downhill Jersey for Breezy Rides

Okay, this one’s a personal favorite — the downhill jersey. It’s made for performance, but it looks too good to limit to just biking. The longer back hem gives great coverage (hijabi win!), and the breathable material means no overheating, even when I’m climbing uphill. The bold designs are such a confidence boost on grey winter mornings.

3. Half-Zipper Cycling Jersey

I’ve been eyeing a Bike Long Sleeve Jersey with a half zipper — it’s the perfect in-between for unpredictable winter temps. I love that I can unzip slightly for ventilation or keep it zipped for warmth. It pairs beautifully with a lightweight puffer vest or even Orionride’s bike air t shirt underneath as a breathable base. Modest, practical, and polished — exactly how I like it.

4. Cycling Jacket for Ultimate Warmth

Every winter wardrobe needs a hero piece, and the cycling jacket from Orionride is mine. It’s sleek, lightweight, and designed to block wind without bulk. The best part? It fits nicely over my modest layers without making me look puffed up. I usually wear it with their mtb shorts over thermal leggings for an edgy street-style twist.

5. Lightweight Vest for Layering

Vests are seriously underrated. The lightweight vest from Orionride adds that extra warmth without restricting arm movement. It’s perfect over a long-sleeve jersey or even a hawaiian cycling jersey when I want a pop of color during gloomy weather. For modest styling, I wear a fitted turtleneck underneath and finish with a neutral hijab — simple yet effortlessly put together.

Winter cycling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for comfort. With Orionride’s thoughtful designs, I get to enjoy gear that feels warm, performs beautifully, and still looks me. Whether it’s a cozy sweatshirt or a sleek jersey, every piece on my wishlist fits the hijabi cyclist lifestyle — modest, functional, and always fashion-forward.

So yes, I might’ve been late to the cycling trend… but trust me, I’m rolling into this season in full style — and fully covered.