Learn about cycling clothing

We studied cycling clothes

Our sizing advice is different

As cyclists, we have years of experience wearing clothing from a wide range of brands. Over time, we’ve tested countless trends, materials and concepts designed to improve ride comfort and performance.

With DACHS, our goal has been to curate the best elements of modern cycling apparel — carefully balancing performance, comfort and real-world usability. Every product is designed with this philosophy in mind.

Our sizing is based on extensive research into cycling sizing standards. While we aim to stay aligned with familiar cycling sizing systems to avoid surprises, we also offer larger sizes and advice to help you choose the right size with confidence.

Cycling sizing are difficult

Choosing the correct size for cycling clothing can be challenging. It is typically designed to fit close to the body to reduce aerodynamic drag, and sizing can vary significantly between brands depending on their performance focus.

The fabrics can also be stiff or highly compressive, making garments feel tighter than expected — one of the things we specifically tried to do differently with our jerseys and bib shorts.

Understanding fit philosophy and fabric characteristics is often just as important as understanding the size chart itself.

Lots of people size up

The cycling industry generally designs clothing around trained riders who are often more stream-lined than the average person. As a result, cycling clothing can feel smaller than everyday clothing.

We largely follow industry sizing standards so that our products feel familiar to experienced cyclists, but we also offer larger sizes to accommodate a wider range of riders.

Please don't be offended by the size recommendations. 

The sizes refer to the clothing, not the people wearing it. It's common that people size up from their normal size when buying cycling clothing, but it's not always needed. That's why understanding fit style, fabric characteristics and intended use — not just the letter size — is essential.

Learn About DACHS Sizing

Essential Jersey

Aggressive profile, stretchy fabric

DACHS Essential Jersey has an aggressive profile, but very forgiving, stretchy fabric. This means that it can fit both hard-core riders and new-comers to the sport.

The fabric is specially developed for us and optimised for cycling. The material is soft to the touch, highly breathable and elastic in multiple directions, allowing it to remain comfortable whilst sitting snug against the body whilst riding.

It is engineered to allow more natural movement and flexibility, with less compression than a traditional race jersey, and has low risk of pinching, bunching, chafing or restricting.

It provides comfort, freedom of movement and effective temperature regulation. The stretchiness, softness and breathability combine to make the jersey perfect for all cyclists, whether you are a beginner, low-distance endurance rider or a speed racer.

Due to these characteristics, we chose a more performance cut to make the jersey incredibly versatile. Due to its elasticity, riders can often fit into more than one size, giving them a choice of snugness.

We have cut the jersey for a Performance/Race fit, which can be made more relaxed by selecting a larger size or more aerodynamic by selecting a smaller size.

The jersey fits close to the body, tapered through the waist, with a dropped back that allows an aggressive road position but enough front length so you don’t look like you are wearing a child’s shirt at the café stop.

Our size recommendations

Newcomers to cycling — comfort-focused

Choose a size where the chest measurement matches or is slightly smaller and where the front length is slightly longer for a more relaxed feel.

Endurance riders — balanced comfort & performance

Choose a size where the hip measurement matches or is slightly smaller, and where the back length provides good coverage in riding position.

Racers — aero-focused

Choose a size where the waist measurement matches or is slightly smaller, and where the front length is shorter for a tighter, more aerodynamic fit.

Men’s and women’s fit differences

While both DACHS jerseys follow the same Performance/Race cut philosophy, the pattern and proportions are specifically tailored for traditional gender differences.

Women’s jerseys feature a shorter back length, shorter sleeves and more contoured shaping through the chest and waist.

Men’s jerseys are cut longer through the torso and sleeves, with a slightly straighter silhouette.

Both share the same stretch performance fabric and aerodynamic intent — the difference lies in anatomical fit and proportion.

Suggestion — not a rule

Our tailoring labels are suggestions — not restrictions. Riders should select the cut that best matches their body proportions and performance preference.

  • If you want a curvier fit with shorter back & arms: go for women’s fit.
  • If you want a straighter fit with longer back & arms: go for men’s fit.

How the profile compares to other brands

How does the profile compare to other brands (remembering that the fabric is forgiving)

Brand Line / Collection Profile Typical Use Case Compared to DACHS Essential Jersey
Castelli Aero Race / Free Aero / Premio Black Pro-Racing Elite racing, maximum aero efficiency Tighter fit with more compression & longer sleeves
Castelli Competizione Race Amateur racing & fast training Slightly tighter torso
Rapha Pro Team Race Racing & aggressive group rides Very similar, marginally longer sleeves
Van Rysel RCR (Race) Race Racing, criteriums, fast club rides Closest match
DACHS Essential Performance / Race All Reference baseline
dhb Aeron Race Performance Club racing & fast training Similar chest fit, longer sleeves
Siroko SRX Pro Performance Fast training & sportive riding Slightly more relaxed waist
Rapha Core Performance Everyday training & long rides More relaxed torso
Gore Wear C7 Performance / Endurance Sportive riding & endurance Looser overall fit
Van Rysel Endurance Endurance Training & endurance rides More relaxed fit overall
Gore Wear C5 Endurance / Comfort Long rides & endurance Much looser waist and torso
dhb Aeron Comfort Comfort-focused riding Significantly more relaxed
Rapha Brevet Comfort Distance riding & bikepacking Much looser fit

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Learn About DACHS Sizing

Essential Bib-Shorts

Balance of Performance & Comfort

DACHS Bib-Shorts strike a balance between performance and comfort. While many race-focused shorts prioritise compression and muscle support above all else, and comfort-focused shorts often sacrifice support and aerodynamics, the DACHS Bib-Shorts sit comfortably between the two.

The fit follows a Performance philosophy whilst using highly elastic fabrics that provide support without excessive squeezing. The result is a bib-short that feels secure and stable on the bike, yet forgiving enough for long rides and a wide range of body shapes. Riders benefit from more support than traditional comfort-focused shorts, without the restrictive feel often associated with professional race bibs.

To complement this fit, the shorts use premium gender-specific endurance chamois, carefully selected for long-distance riding. Compared to many aggressive race pads, the DACHS chamois feature a slightly wider support area, helping to distribute pressure more evenly and improve comfort over extended periods in the saddle. At the same time, the men's and women's versions are specifically shaped to provide targeted support and pressure relief, helping to reduce numbness and discomfort whilst maintaining efficient blood flow. The chamois are designed to provide comfort for rides of up to eight hours.

The result is a bib-short built for versatility: offering freedom of movement, long-distance comfort and aerodynamic efficiency. Comfortable enough for all-day endurance rides, supportive enough for fast training sessions, and aerodynamic enough for racing — all without relying on excessive compression or an overly restrictive fit.

Our size recommendations

Newcomers to cycling — comfort-focused

Choose a size where the waist measurement matches comfortably and the straps feel lightly tensioned when standing. A slightly larger size often provides a more forgiving fit whilst still keeping the chamois secure.

Endurance riders — balanced comfort & performance

Choose a size where the hip measurement closely matches your body measurements.
This provides excellent support whilst maintaining comfort on longer rides.

Racers — aero-focused

Choose a size where the thigh/leg-opening closely matches your body measurements. This produces a more compressive fit for improved aerodynamic performance.

Men’s and women’s fit differences

While both versions of the DACHS Bib-Shorts share the same Performance philosophy, technical fabrics and construction methods, the cuts have been tailored for typical anatomical differences. Women's bib-shorts feature a more shaped waist, wider hips and a slightly shorter overall length, whilst men's bib-shorts use a straighter silhouette, longer length and longer strap configuration.

Both versions also use different chamois, specifically developed for their respective anatomy. The shape, density and pressure-relief zones are designed to provide targeted support, reduce discomfort and improve comfort on rides of up to eight hours.

We suggest choosing the version that matches your anatomy because of the gender-specific chamois.

How the profile compares to other brands

How does the profile compare to other brands? Remembering that the fabric is supportive but forgiving.

Brand Line / Collection Profile Typical Use Case Compared to DACHS Essential Bib-Shorts
Castelli Free Aero RC / Aero Race Pro-Racing Elite racing & maximum aero efficiency — up to 7 hours Tighter fit with more compression
Rapha Pro Team Race Racing & aggressive group rides — up to 7 hours Tighter race feel
Van Rysel RCR / Racer Race Racing, criteriums & fast training — up to 7 hours Very close match
dhb Aeron Lab / Raceline Performance / Race Club racing & fast training — up to 6 hours More compressive overall
DACHS Essential Performance All — up to 8 hours Reference baseline
Castelli Espresso Performance Fast training & longer road rides — up to 6 hours Slightly larger but less forgiving
Siroko SRX Pro Performance Fast training, sportives & long rides — up to 6 hours Similar hip and waist profile
Gore Wear Long Distance Performance / Endurance Endurance & high-mileage riding — up to 8 hours Less race-aggressive
Castelli Premio / Premio Evo Performance / Endurance Long-distance & all-day riding — up to 8+ hours Close fit with even compression
Rapha Core Performance / Comfort Everyday training & relaxed rides — up to 5 hours More relaxed overall
Gore Wear C5 / C3 Endurance / Comfort Endurance & sportive riding — up to 6 hours Looser and more comfort-focused
Van Rysel Endurance Endurance Training & endurance rides — up to 5 hours More relaxed fit overall
dhb Aeron / Bib Shorts Comfort / Performance Club rides & everyday training — up to 5 hours Less compressive
Rapha Brevet Comfort / Endurance Distance riding, audax & bikepacking — up to 8+ hours Much looser fit

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Learn About DACHS Sizing

Essential Gilet

Close-fitting for Wind Protection

DACHS Essential Gilet is designed as a performance wind layer: close enough to avoid flapping, but with enough stretch and shaping to sit comfortably over a jersey or base layer.

The fabric is lightweight, windproof, splash-resistant and slightly elastic, giving the gilet a secure fit without feeling restrictive. It is made for changing conditions — early starts, descents, windy sections and rides where you want protection without overheating.

We cut the gilet with a performance profile: slim through the chest and body, with a longer back for coverage in a road-cycling position. It has a two-way zip and a mesh panel on the back for ventilation, plus two large rear pockets for storage on the go.

The arm holes are elastic to help seal out wind. In the original version, these were cut tighter for maximum wind protection, but we have since relaxed the fit slightly to improve comfort around the shoulders and upper arms while still keeping a secure seal.

Our size recommendations

Comfort-focused

Choose a size with a little extra room at the chest, especially if you plan to wear the gilet over thicker layers.

Performance-focused

Choose a size closer to your body measurement for a slimmer, more streamlined fit over a jersey.

Men’s and women’s fit differences

Both cuts follow the same performance-focused design, but the proportions are adjusted.

Women’s gilets are shorter and more shaped through the chest and waist.

Men’s gilets are longer through the torso with a slightly straighter profile.

Suggestion — not a rule

Our cut labels are suggestions, not restrictions. Choose the version that best matches your body shape, riding style and layering preference.

How the profile compares to other brands

How does the gilet profile compare to other brands? DACHS Gilet is close-fitting, stretchy and designed to work over a jersey without feeling loose or flappy.

Brand Line / Collection Profile Typical Use Case Compared to DACHS Essential Gilet
Castelli Aria Vest Race / Ultralight Racing, descents and emergency wind protection Tighter, lighter and more minimal
Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Gilet Race / Performance Fast training, racing and packable protection More race-focused with less room for layers
dhb Aeron Lab Superlight Waterproof Gilet Performance / Race Hard efforts, racing and compact weather protection Sleeker and less forgiving
Castelli Squadra Stretch Vest Performance Cool rides, fast training and wind protection Similar close fit, slightly more structured
DACHS Essential Performance All Reference baseline
Van Rysel RCR / Ultralight Wind Vest Performance Training, descents and compact wind protection Similar purpose, less shaped fit
Siroko V1 / SRX Layer Performance / Weather Wind, descents and changing conditions More structured, less forgiving
Gore Wear Distance / Concurve Windbreaker Vest Performance / Endurance Long rides and three-season wind protection Softer and more endurance-focused
Rapha Core Gilet Performance / Comfort Everyday training and lightweight protection More relaxed and comfort-focused

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