Another mom recently told me how much trouble she was having finding children’s cycling apparel for her kids. She was looking for bike shorts that were both affordable and “cool” and coming up short (no pun intended).
While I can’t promise that all of the options listed here are affordable (how much are you willing to spend on a kit that will last one season?), I can assure you that I’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of kids bike clothes on the market.
But why even bother?
You might be asking yourself why kids need bike clothes at all. The short answer is that they don’t NEED them. Little kids, in particular, might be perfectly happy biking in their street clothes. My son tends to prefer his pajamas. Whatever—it works.
As kids start riding more seriously, however, cycling-specific clothes become more important. Padded bike shorts can make long rides much more comfortable. Bike jerseys provide pocket storage and wick sweat.
But the biggest reason to buy your child bike-specific clothes is that they are COOL. Of course, non-cyclists might not think they’re cool, but we don’t care about them. For kids to feel like they fit in on the bike path or at the bike park, a bike jersey can go a long way. Putting on bike clothes can also put a child in the “let’s go biking” frame of mind and help motivate them to ride.
Consider joining a club
Does your child love to ride? Consider having them join a junior cycling club. These groups often offer cycling kits at more affordable prices—in addition to offering group rides, skill clinics, and more. Check out our list of youth cycling programs to find an organization local to you.
Clothes for girls
I will admit the list I’ve compiled is pretty pathetic when it comes to girl’s clothes—there’s just not that much out there. A lot of the stuff listed below are marketed as “Boys Clothes”—but I would just ignore that. Baggy black shorts are going to work just as well on a girl as a boy. That said, hopefully, in the future, we’ll see more companies offering girls-specific bike clothes.
Kids Cycling Jerseys and Jackets
I’ve listed all of the top cycling apparel manufacturers that offer kids cycling jerseys and jackets. These are in alphabetical order, not necessarily in order of reccomendation.
Jersey Pricing Guide:
- $: $20-$30
- $$: $30-$40
- $$$: $40+
Aero Tech Designs
Who doesn’t want a dino jersey?!? Aero Tech Designs offers kids jerseys with fun designs.
Price Range: $$
Castelli
The Castelli kids cycling jerseys are bright and look good on the road. We’ve had good experience with the zippers and elastic holding up well.
Price Range: $$$
Craft
I’ve had several parents tell me that they buy Craft exclusively for their kids. These jerseys are the same high quality as adult Craft cycling gear and last through multiple kids.
Price Range: $$$
Dakine
Dakine makes gorgeous short and long-sleeved mountain bike jerseys sized for kids.
Price Range: $$
Endura
Endura makes high-quality kid-sized jerseys and jackets. Of course, high-quality equals high price tag as well.
Price Range: $$$
Fox
The kids’ Fox jerseys are t-shirt style mountain bike jerseys that look pro. The Ranger jersey happens to be my son’s jersey of choice, mainly because he can match dad.
Read Review: Fox Ranger kids jersey
Price Range: $$$
Little Rider Co
These very cool looking long sleeve jerseys are designed for young riders. They are perfect at the bike park or BMX track.
Price Range: $$
Read Review: Little Rider Co Jersey
Rocky Mountain Rags
These short-sleeve cycling jerseys come in a wide variety of colorful and fun designs sure to please little riders. The smallest sizes even fit toddlers.
Price Range: $$$
Scott
Scott makes some fantastic kids bikes and they make jerseys to match. Choose from the mtb-style progressive jersey or tighter fitting RC team jersey.
Price Range: $$
Shower’s Pass
There aren’t many options for a true cycling rain jacket for kids, but the Shower’s Pass Little Crossover jacket is a good one. It keeps kids dry and helps them get out and stay out even in wet weather.
Read Our Review: Shower’s Pass Little Crossover
Price Range: $$$
Spindaroos
No matter how little your kiddo is, Spindaroos has a jersey for them. These cute tops are even made in infant sizes.
Read Review: Spindaroos Jersey.
Price Range: $$
Troy Lee Designs
This brand makes surprisingly affordable—and super bright—kids mountain bike jerseys.
Price Range: $$
Woom
Woom makes our favorite kids bikes and they make some pretty great clothing to match. We’ve had several Woom jackets and jerseys over the years (they’re always rotating and offering new options)–but we’ve loved them all.
Read Our Review: Woom Kids Bike Jersey and Jacket Review
Price Range: $$-$$$
Zoic
Zoic makes attractive short-sleeve mountain bike jerseys for both boys and girls.
Price Range: $$$
Kids Bike Shorts
Here’s a list of all the kids bike short options on the market. These are in alphabetical order by brand.
Short Pricing Guide:
- $: $20-$30
- $$: $30-$40
- $$$: $40+
Aero Tech Designs
If you are looking for affordable lycra-style bike shorts, these are your best option. They come in a wide variety of fun colors.
Price Range: $
Dakine
The super cool Pace baggy shorts come in sizes small enough for a 5-year-old. Coming soon in 2020, Dakine is also planning on releasing the Prodigy short.
Price Range: $$$
Fox
The Ranger short is a favorite amongst mountain bikers everywhere, and Fox makes them in kids sizes as well. Unfortunately, they come with an adult-sized price tag.
Price Range: $$$
Louis Garneau
These are a simple, yet practical, black bike short. Comes in both boys and girls versions.
Price Range: $$
Spindaroos
Just like their jerseys, Spindaroos shorts fit all sizes of kids ages infant to 12 years.
Price Range: $$
Troy Lee Designs
If your little ripper likes to spend their days at the bike park, they’ll fit right in with some Troy Lee baggies.
Price Range: $$$
Zoic
I have a couple pairs of Zoic shorts and LOVE them. These are the same high quality, just sized down for smaller riders. They even have awesome baggy shorts for girls.
Read review: Zoic Ether shorts
Price Range: $$$
Kids Cycling Kits
You can often find a good deal by buying a full kit (i.e. jersey and shorts) together.
Weimostar
Looking for a great deal? Weimostar offers a TON of cute designs in their full kits. The quality is decent for the price, but not high-quality.
Price Range: $
FREE Fischer
Here’s another economical bike kit. As with the Weimostar kit, the price is good and the quality is fair for what you pay. Comes in a wide variety of fun designs.
Price: $
Thanks much, Kristin, for the information here. Question: My 6-year-old is obsessed with the world champion and would love a world champion’s rainbow-striped jersey. The only one I can find is the official UCI licensed Santini for $70, which is pro-kit-level prices, not kid prices. Do you know of any world champion’s rainbow jersey for kids and at kid prices ($30 or $40)? It doesn’t have to be UCI-licensed but should at least look reasonably accurate. Thanks! -Keith
Hi Keith, I did a quick search and didn’t come up with anything for you. Spindaroos has a polka-dot and yellow jersey so I was hoping they might have one, but alas no….Maybe buy a white jersey and DIY the rainbow stripes? Best of luck!
-KB
Thank you and great article. I just joined a cyclocross team for my son and I and they closed the clothing order until next year! I ended up buying a CRAFT kit for my son from Backcountry (on sale) that is not listed in your table so maybe you want to add it. Craft is a favorite brand of mine so I’m sure that my son will love it too. I also wanted to note that 2XU has some great fitting kids tri kits if you are looking to expand your analysis and interests.
Hi Carl,
Thanks so much! Updating this article has been on my to-do list for a while now, and I’ll make sure to add those. I personally like the couple of CRAFT items I have as well.
Cheers,
KB
Hey Kristen,
I just bought the Yepp Maxi Easyfit due to your fantastic, helpful, and thorough review, only to discover it doesn’t fit on either my husband’s or my rack! Doh! 🤦♀️😅 (And of course you warned me to do my research first to pick the right one – oops! 😂🤦♀️😂) But I’ll sort that out no worries!
Wondering if you have any recommendations for rain ponchos to cover kid in the Yepp seat while cycling in inclement weather? We live in Singapore, so while we wouldn’t intentionally set out on a ride in rainy weather, it’s inevitable that we’ll be caught in the rain on a ride at some point!
Our younger son will be in the front mounted weeride, so I’d be interested in ponchos for both if you happen to have suggestions!
Thanks so much for your great posts!
Ride safe!
Appreciate any
Hi Tori,
I haven’t personally used it, but I know other moms that really like this one: https://amzn.to/2D2eNGq. It’s meant for use with Hamax bike seats, but fits the Yepp as well.
Hi Kristen,
Thanks so much for putting together such a great resource. Your info on helmets is fab! Do you have any insight on kids shoulder pads and spin pads/
thanks,
Cathie
Hi Cathie,
Thanks for the kind words! Here’s our post on kids protective pads: https://rascalrides.com/the-best-knee-and-elbow-pads-for-kids/
Cheers,
KB
Hi Kristen,
I’ve been googling for a hour before I found your link. Wish it came up sooner! My husband wants me to only buy boys bike shorts that are padded/lined…to protect my son’s “special” area. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks!
Sara
Would be great to get some idea to protect against pedal scrapes on the shin area. Most knee pads don’t work and the G-Force aren’t burly enough. Maybe some thicker socks?
I was wondering if you had any padded liners/chamois to recommend for 12-14 yr olds.
Thank you for a great website!
-N
Boy or girl?