Waterproof cycling trousers and over trousers
Waterproof cycling trousers pull on over your everyday clothes and keep them dry all the way to the office. Check three things: the membrane or coating, which sets how waterproof and breathable they are; the leg opening, zipped or gusseted, so you can pull them on without taking your shoes off; and the ankle adjustment, which keeps the hem away from the chain.
Over trousers, trousers or a rain suit?
Over trousers are worn on top of ordinary trousers for the length of the journey, then packed away in their bag. A rain suit brings together a matching jacket and trousers, like Rogelli's Commuter sets or Basil's Hoga. Tucano Urbano also offers the Pantaway, a rain apron worn like over trousers, which is quicker to put on at a red light.
Waterproofing and breathability: reading the figures
The hydrostatic head, in millimetres, measures the pressure the fabric withstands before letting water through: 5,000 mm for urban journeys, 10,000 mm for continuous rain or the speed of a speed pedelec. Breathability, in grams of water vapour per square metre per day, shows how well sweat is let out. Without welded or taped seams, water gets in through the stitching. 2.5-layer constructions, such as the VAUDE Yaras IV or the Agu Tech Commuter, combine lightness and protection.
The details of a good pair of waterproof cycling trousers
- Leg opening: full-length side zip on the VAUDE Yaras IV, zip at the bottom of the leg from Willex, Velcro flap and press studs from Rogelli.
- Leg cuffs: the Agu Tech Commuter extends the front to cover the instep, and the Tucano Urbano Nano Rain Corsa hides retractable overshoes.
- Reinforced seat, which rubs with every pedal stroke.
- Visibility: reflective strips at the ankles, fluorescent piping, a retractable insert at the heel from Tucano Urbano.
Size and cut for your build
Try the size on over the clothes you want to cover, with your knee bent as it is on the bike. The VAUDE Fluid II comes in short and long leg lengths; VAUDE, Agu and Basil offer women's cuts, and VAUDE, Agu and Endura children's models.
Completing your wet-weather outfit
The trousers go hand in hand with a rain jacket or poncho. For your feet, cycling accessories include overshoes and waterproof socks, and cycling trainers stand up to water better than canvas shoes. All the gear is gathered in urban cycling gear.
Waterproof cycling trouser brands
Rogelli, a Dutch brand, cuts its Commuter sets from a recycled Eco Aqualite fabric with taped seams, with a Velcro flap and press studs at the bottom of the legs to get your shoes through.
Tucano Urbano fits the Nano Rain Corsa with retractable waterproof overshoes and a retractable reflective insert at the heel, and offers the Pantaway, a rain apron worn like over trousers.
VAUDE offers the Fluid II in short and long leg lengths and the Yaras IV for women, in a 2.5-layer construction with a full-length side zip and a reinforced seat; its Eco Finish treatments are PFC-free.
Agu, a Dutch cycling brand, lines the Tech Commuter with a Poray 10,000 membrane, made from polyester from recycled bottles, with fluorescent yellow piping and reflective prints.
Basil, a Dutch family business based in Ulft, offers the Hoga rain suit and the bluesign-certified Skane Hivis trousers, with reflective strips.
Gonso, a German brand from the Swabian Jura, offers the Save in men's and women's cuts and in a thermal version for winter.
Waterproof cycling trousers on sale
Models from a previous collection, or in a discontinued colour, join our urban clothing clearance, and new ones arrive in new arrivals. Black Friday falls just before the longest spells of winter rain.
Frequently asked questions
How do you put on waterproof trousers without taking your shoes off?
Choose a model with side zips or gussets at the ankles: open them wide, slide your feet through with your shoes on, then tighten the cuffs with the Velcro tabs.
Are waterproof trousers breathable enough for cycling?
A breathable membrane lets out some of your sweat, without matching an ordinary fabric. Ride at a moderate pace, and choose a lightweight 2.5-layer model for long journeys.
How do you care for waterproof trousers?
Wash them at 30 °C on a delicate cycle, without fabric softener or bleach, and do not dry-clean them. When water no longer beads on the surface, reactivate the water-repellent treatment following the brand's advice.
Rain apron or over trousers?
A rain apron goes on in a few seconds and lets the backs of your legs breathe, but protects less in a crosswind. Over trousers cover everything, for long or very wet journeys.
Do you need more waterproof trousers for a speed pedelec?
At higher speed, the rain hits harder: aim for a membrane with a high hydrostatic head, like the Agu Tech Commuter, which the brand designs for this type of bike.
