Stay Warm This Fall: 5 Knickers that Do It Right
Pactimo Tour ¾ Tight Women’s
The first thing you’ll notice about the Tour ¾ Tight is how comfortable it is—the super-thin Italian Avertini fabric has an unforgettably smooth, silky finish; and the soft, wide leg bands are silicone-free, so these tights practically glide right on. A wider, yoga-style waistband keeps the tummy looking flat, and the women’s chamois is lower profile than most too—both combining for a flattering fit. The fabric is even lighter weight than that found on some bib shorts, so these were perfect for those cloudy, high-50 to mid-60 spring days when I wanted something a little more than just a short, but knew that I’d probably heat up over time. —Gloria Liu
More info: pactimo.com
Sizes: XS- XL
MSRP: $80
Related: Pee Break-Friendly Bib Shorts for Women
Giro Thermal ¾ Legging
Fall can be a cruel mistress: One day you’re sweating in short sleeves, the next, you’re bundling up. That’s why the Giro Thermal ¾ Legging has made it into my rotation, and into my gear bag on every trip I take. When the temperatures truly drop, the thermal fabric does the trick (especially with high socks), but even when it warms up, they aren’t too hot. The fit is a little more low-rise than standard cycling tights, which makes for a flattering cut, and when you’re on a coffee shop break, the knickers don’t scream ‘cyclist.’—Molly Hurford
More info: giro.com
Sizes: XS-XL
MSRP: $150
Rapha ¾ Tights
With a slightly longer length than most other knickers (I’m 5’8” and these reach just below mid-calf on me), the Rapha ¾ Tights are perfect for chillier days when I want extra coverage, but not at the storm-trooper level of full-length tights. They’re made from a medium-weight fabric, so you’re unlikely to overheat. While I generally prefer bib-style shorts and knickers, the v-shaped waistband on these lays flat on my belly without being too compressive, and I appreciate the high-rise back that doesn’t migrate downward when I’m in a riding position. I’ll be wearing these from late autumn and well into winter. —Leah Flickinger
More info: rapha.cc
Sizes: XXS-XL
MSRP: $210
Velocio Signature Bib Knicker
Last spring I found myself in a frantic cycle of wearing the Velocio Signature Bib Knickers on lunch rides and tossing them in the wash each night. The days were cool enough to make shorts feel like not enough coverage, but warm enough to make a thermal knicker too much. I even broke them out during the summer for cool-morning rides. Thanks to super lightweight fabric and behind-the-knee mesh panels, even on days when the sun felt hot enough for shorts, I never overheated. The chamois is comfortable over long miles and I appreciate features like the below-knee length and the supportive mesh bib top. Bonus: For just $10 more, Velocio now offers this knicker with its game-changing Superfly feature (a rear zipper that allows you to drop trou during mid-ride bathroom breaks without removing all your layers, helmet, glasses, etc.). —Leah Flickinger
More info: velocio.cc
Sizes: XXS-XL
MSRP: $229
Assos hK.607 Lady_s5
When the chill in the air is just enough to give you chicken skin but not so brisk that you’re busting out your balaclava, these thermal knickers are the in-between answer you’re looking for. The fleece-like lining feels cozy without causing you to overheat. A wide panel at the waist keeps your belly from jiggling. And the logo’d elastic gripper at the bottom holds the knickers at about mid-calf. Even during late spring in the northeast, these warm and fuzzy knickers aren’t overkill for early-morning commutes and overcast days. They treat you the way a good pair of PJs would on a cool night. —Jennifer Sherry
More info: assos.com
Sizes: XS-XL
MSRP: $269
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