Cycling clothing and gear have evolved enormously, both in design and in the application of high-tech textile fabrics. Nowadays, major manufacturers offer jerseys, bib shorts, gloves, and accessories designed for mountain bike and road bike cyclists, with materials adapted to each season.
In summer, extreme heat can become one of the main enemies of any cyclist, affecting hydration and the body's temperature self-regulation. Whether you do mountain bike routes on demanding trails or prefer long rides on a road bike, choosing the right clothing is key to avoiding fatigue and maintaining optimal performance.
The gear you wear on the bike should have an appropriate design and technical fabrics that help mitigate the effects of heat. Breathability, lightness, and protection are the three fundamental characteristics that summer cycling clothing must have. Below, we show you which garments and fabrics will help you find the perfect balance to keep pedaling comfortably, no matter the terrain or temperature.
Shoes and socks
Let's start with the feet, which after all are the points of contact with the bike that suffer the most pressure.
Shoes
Choose shoes with low heel height and micro-perforated fabrics on the tongue and instep (usually synthetic leather), the parts of the foot most prone to sweating.
In high-end shoes, there are more and more models with Dyneema fabric, made of very fine and resistant threads.
It is also very important to have an ergonomic and breathable sole, with micro-perforations in the metatarsal area. This is the support point on the pedal and where the most force is applied to move it. Therefore, the pressure and friction are greater and require proper ventilation.
Socks
Socks are very important accessories when choosing your summer gear. Feet tend to sweat a lot with heat, especially when pedaling. That's why the socks you use in daily life are not suitable. If you are updating your wardrobe for summer, socks should be a priority in your budget, along with the jersey and bib shorts. The fabric should be thin, with mesh areas made of synthetic fibers and the body in Lycra. In addition, they should have silicone ends to help them fit at the ankle or shin area. As for the cuff: if your priority is breathability and coolness, avoid long socks of 12 cm or more. A height of 5 or 6 cm will be ideal for optimal breathability. For about 15 euros you can find high-quality pairs from specialized brands: Giro, Assos, Sportful , RH+, etc.
Bib Shorts
Most current bib shorts are made with synthetic fibers, generally a blend of polyester, polyamide, and Lycra (elastane). When comparing different models, pay attention to their composition and choose those with more polyamide and less polyester. This is a very important aspect that many cyclists overlook.
The recommended temperature range for all summer cycling clothing should be between 20 and 40ºC.
These fabrics have similar properties, but polyamide has better breathability. It dries sweat quickly and offers a great balance between lightness and sun protection. Likewise, the chamois should have an antibacterial treatment and good capacity to filter sweat. As for the straps, if they are mesh (polyester mesh) they will weigh less and breathe much better. 
Jersey
The jersey is the key garment in your summer kit. It should act like a second skin, prioritizing breathability above any other factor. Which fabrics can improve its properties? Here are some of them: Polyester. This is the star fabric used in the majority of jerseys. It makes up 80% of the garment's composition. It is a base fabric with a great balance between breathability and protection against sunlight. In addition, it filters and wicks sweat very well. Mesh. Mesh is also a polyester fiber, but much finer and woven in a net. In technical summer jerseys, it is an essential fabric to lighten and open the jersey in the areas where you sweat the most: armpits and the superior and central part of the back. A good summer jersey should have mesh inserts. Lycra. Lycra or elastane makes up the surface or most exposed part of the jersey, providing elasticity and adaptation to the cyclist's body. A percentage between 10 and 15% of the entire jersey is appropriate to feel comfort and freedom of movement.
The ideal weight of a summer jersey ranges between 110 and 130 g, although some exclusive models are under 100 g.
We cannot forget about the silicone finishes or bands at the waist and sleeves of the jersey. Regarding the latter, laser-cut sleeves in higher-quality garments eliminate seams and fit the arm better.
Finally, pay attention to more advanced fabrics with cooling properties, such as the Polartec Delta used in RH+ jerseys, or the graphene thread used by Alé, which combines lightness, flexibility, and heat dispersion. What sleeve length is ideal for you? Summer jerseys with long sleeves, reaching almost to the elbow, have become fashionable; especially in high-end ranges intended for competition. They feature a very tight laser-cut fit that provides protection and some aerodynamic gain. This is a trend you can join if you train seriously and want to have an aero-cut jersey. But, beyond this context, having longer or shorter sleeves will depend on your style or the level of protection you seek, whether from the sun or from contact with external elements (branches or leaves in the case of MTB).
Jacket / Raincoat
Although summer is a time to forget about long sleeves and warm clothing, it is advisable to always have a lightweight long-sleeved jacket, a vest, or a raincoat on hand. These garments are useful in case of sudden weather changes, storm forecasts, etc. Also keep in mind that in many places, even in summer, it can be cold early in the morning. For this reason, many brands offer mid-season jackets that are also suitable for summer, for temperature ranges between 10 and 20°C. In these garments, fabrics like polyester or mesh are replaced by more thermal and heavier ones such as merino wool or cotton.
Gloves
Unless you practice MTB, summer gloves should always be short-fingered. Also, on the back of the hand, it is advisable that the fabric is mesh or Lycra, with micro-perforations on the palm. You should also pay attention to the seams, which should be small and smooth. At this point, if you are going to buy them in a physical store, try them on carefully. If possible, grip a handlebar with them or, failing that, a bar or something similar, to check that the seams do not rub or cause discomfort. 
Accessories: helmet and glasses
The helmet and glasses are two essential accessories. The helmet is mandatory in any season of the year. If you can have a helmet specifically designed for summer, great. Lightness (below 300 g) and airflow through the ventilation channels are fundamental aspects you should pay attention to. Without forgetting the solidity of its structure. In this sense, and if your goal is not to train hard or ride very fast, avoid aerodynamic helmets, which are more closed and have fewer openings. Opt for one that has between 18 and 21 holes distributed over the entire surface of the helmet.
Sweating on the head will depend on these ventilation openings and the type of interior padding.
Also pay attention to elements such as the fabric or thickness of the straps, which can generate a lot of heat and sweat if they are not breathable, and to the inner pads. Opt for those with micro-perforations on their surface and antibacterial treatment. As for sunglasses, models with photochromic lenses lose prominence in summer in favor of polarized lens models, which are more effective against excessive glare or the brightness of the sun's rays. Don't forget to check the ultraviolet protection certification, which should be UV400, as well as the type of lens filter, as indicated in this Lentiamo table. Summer sunglasses should have at least a filter 2; ideally, filter 3.