Check Out These Stylish New Riding Clothes for 2016

Packable jackets that are small enough to fit in a jersey pocket have been around for a few years now, but they tend to be simple. Novara’s new Stowable Jacket is made of extremely light material that folds into its own pocket and is small enough to easily fit in the palm of your hand. It doesn’t skimp on features, either: It has a soft lined collar, reflective tabs, and two access ports in the back that allow you to reach your jersey pockets. Stretch panels on the sides make for a form fit and add ventilation. Small vent holes in strategic areas boost ventilation even further. Expect to pay $70 and find it in five women’s and men’s colors.—Ron Koch

It’s hard to believe, but Sugoi’s new RSE (Racing Systems Elite) bib and jersey are a quarter pound lighter than the previous year’s versions. The new kit isn’t lacking in features either—the jersey ($220) still has a sweat- and water-resistant zipped pocket. Stretch-woven fabric is utilized on much of the jersey for a snug aero fit; it’s a material that’s used by other premium brands such as Assos. The bib short ($240) features silicon-infused legs and a new Italian-made chamois. Not only is the triple-density chamois 3D molded and cradled in the front, but it also features Poron pads directly under the sit bones. Poron is a slow rebounding foam that’s also used in knee pads; Sugoi claims it reduces vibration as it travels up through the saddle. Expect the RSE kit to hit shops by the middle of January.—Ron Koch

Visibility is a hot trend in clothing and accessories, and companies are taking some innovative approaches. POC is big into passive visibility, but now it’s making a foray into active lighting with this illuminated vest. The technology comes from a company called Light-Flex, which developed a very thin (0.3 millimeters), battery-powered lighting product that can be printed on a textile, and is waterproof, flexible, and washable. In POC’s product, a four-layer panel is bonded to the lower back of the vest, powered by a small rechargeable battery pack stored in a zippered pocket. The panel illuminates in a light blue color, and can be set to constant-on or blink. Still a prototype, a POC representative stated that the vest is projected to be available fall of 2016. Pricing information is not yet available.—Matt Phillips

Scottish-based Endura knows nasty weather. The new MT500 Spray short ($130) features light, four-way stretch Cordura front panels with a fully waterproof and seam-sealed rear to keep you protected from muddy spray on wet days. The rear still stretches for comfort and uses three-layer construction for durability. Cinch closures at the knees further seal out elements, and the short is compatible with Endura’s Clickfast liners.—Joe Lindsey

Founded by former product developers at Arc’teryx, the Squamish, BC-based apparel brand 7mesh has impressed our testers with its use of highly technical materials and well-thought-out details in its initial offerings from last fall. These new mountain bike bib liners look funny at first, like they’ve been turned inside out. But that’s because all the seams are on the outside, to avoid any abrasive threads rubbing against your sensitive parts, which can lead to saddle sores. The chamois is anatomically shaped (it looks like it folds in half) for a next-to-skin fit—so next-to-skin, in fact, that company spokesman Paul Done says it might even feel like a wedgie at first when you’re standing. But when you’re in the riding position—where it all matters—everything falls into place.—Gloria Liu

Danny Shane’s apparel can be described simply: subtle, with an impact. Using retro-inspired colors and lines, the brand has put together jerseys in classic cuts with patterns like houndstooth, plaid, and stripes that stand out without screaming “look at me!” The brand chars bamboo to a fine white powder and adds it to its fabrics to make them more eco-friendly, breathable, and filter more UV light. New for Danny Shane is the addition of more women’s jerseys and shorts, all in the same classic style as the men’s, but with slightly different cuts.—Molly Hurford

Swrve may not be as well known as some of the larger commuter brands out there, but the company makes killer commuter jeans. Unlike many companies, which offer just one version of their commuter pants, Swrve has three fits for all its jeans: relaxed, skinny, and a new style that falls between the two. Additionally, if you’re riding somewhere that requires a more formal look, Swrve makes men’s pants in an office-wearable cordura material in several colors, including a fleece-lined maroon that's ideal for chillier commutes.—Molly Hurford