How to Store Cycling Kit | DTR

Store cycling kit clean, completely dry and loosely folded in a cool, dark place. That one habit protects the stretch, the chamois and the fabric, whether the kit is between rides or between seasons. This guide covers day-to-day storage, what to do over winter and the mistakes that shorten the life of a good bib short.

How do you store cycling kit between rides?

Wash or rinse it, dry it fully and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf with air around it. Never leave kit in a gym bag or a pile of damp laundry: moisture and bacteria are what cause smells and break the fabric down. If you cannot wash it yet, hang it open to dry rather than leaving it balled up. How to dry cycling kit has the detail.

Should you fold or hang bib shorts and jerseys?

Fold loosely. Hanging bib shorts by the straps stretches them over time, while a loose fold keeps the shape. Jerseys can be hung or folded, as long as they are dry. Avoid pressing the chamois flat under a heavy stack, so the padding keeps its structure, and keep bib shorts in a separate pile from heavier items.

How do you store kit over winter or the off-season?

Wash it first, since sweat and sunscreen left in fabric degrade it over months. Dry it completely, fold it loosely and keep it somewhere cool and dark. A breathable cotton bag or an open box is better than a sealed plastic one. Check it once or twice over the break so nothing is trapped damp.

Where should you not keep cycling kit?

Away from heat sources, direct sun and the car boot. Heat weakens elastane, the fibre that gives kit its stretch, and sun fades colour. A hot car in summer is one of the quickest ways to age a jersey. Humid basements are the other extreme: they invite mildew.

Can you store a base layer or warmers the same way?

Yes: wash, dry, fold. Warmers and base layers follow the same rules, and the seasonal rotation is the natural time to review what you still wear. See how long cycling kit lasts for guidance on when to replace.

Travelling with kit

Roll it rather than folding it hard, keep it dry in a separate bag and unpack it the day you arrive. For a trip see our cycling holiday packing list.

FAQ

Can you store cycling kit in a plastic bag?

Only for short trips and only when the kit is completely dry. For storage, use something breathable.

How long can cycling kit sit unused?

Clean, dry kit can be stored for a whole off-season. Check it occasionally.

Is it OK to hang bib shorts?

Folded loosely is better. Hanging by the straps can stretch them over time.

Restock your bib shorts at /collections/bib-shorts.

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DTR — performance cycling and triathlon apparel, designed and developed in Ukraine.