Skin-tight lycra is strictly optional for cycling to work. Look at what the Dutch do just across the North Sea: they dress for the destination rather than the journey, wearing everyday clothing. You can do the same here if you’ve got a shorter commute and a suitable bike or e-bike. If you commute further or faster and want the performance of cycle clothing without the sporty and garish looks, there is an alternative. Let’s call it stealth cycle clothing.

This is clothing that’s designed for cyclists – generally commuting cyclists, gravel riders or mountain bikers – but that doesn’t look out of place when you step off the bike. In casual workplaces, you’ll be able to wear it at work and not just to work. Unlike lycra shorts and clicky-clacky cleated road shoes.

We’re not looking at helmets here. While there is cycle helmets aimed at urban cyclists, none will pass as off-bike wear. Not that it matters. If you wear a helmet for commuting, if takes seconds to remove. To prevent ‘helmet hair’, wear a cap, snood or headscarf under the helmet, or tie back long hair into a ponytail.

Keeping your clothing clean and fresh while cycling is critical when you’re wearing the same outfit at work. You will need full-length mudguards for wet roads and either an ankle strap or a chainguard to keep oil off your leg. Carry luggage on the bike if you can: you’ll be more comfortable and will sweat less.

Here’s a snapshot of the stealth cycle clothing that’s available. Prices are RRP and don’t include Cyclescheme savings.

Pants

Cycling-specific underwear has a discreet seat pad sewn in to provide the sit-bone and undercarriage comfort of lycra shorts without those nothing-to-the-imagination looks. Padded underwear can be worn beneath shorts, trousers, skirts or dresses.

Altura Tempo Women’s Cycling Knickers (£22) have a foam pad to prevent chafing yet are minimalist enough to wear underneath leggings. They’re made from a lightweight, breathable fabric. Sizes: 8-18.

VeloVixen Padded Cycling Knickers (£40-£42) come in a wide range of colours and designs. These larger knickers have a larger seat pad and should be fine for longer rides, not just short ones. Sizes: XS-XXL (6-18).

Endura Men’s Engineered Padded Boxers II (£29.99) have a comparable pad to those in lycra shorts. They’re primarily for wearing under baggy shorts but will fit under trousers, too. Sizes: S-XXL. (Women’s: XS-XL.)

Corinne Dennis Mens Padded Cycling Undies (£47.99) are made to order from cotton-rich fabric (90% cotton, 10% lycra). The fleece-style pad is seamless and low profile. Sizes: XS-XXXL. (Women’s: 8-20.)

Socks

Any socks that give you the ankle coverage (or lack of) that you want are fine for cycle commuting. If you’re doing bigger mileage, you might want cycling-specific socks. Inexpensive ones are available from the likes of Decathlon, while Bridgedale makes premium ones. You can also get waterproof socks.

DexShell Ultra Dri Waterproof Socks (£34) have a breathable Porelle membrane sandwiched between the tough outer and wool-blend inner. This lets sweat out but stops rain coming in. A seal at the cuff helps keep rain out there. Sizes: S (UK 3-5) to XL (12-14).

Sealskinz Wretham socks (£33) also have a waterproof membrane, in between a nylon outer and bamboo inner. They’re thin, lightweight socks for warmer conditions; Sealskinz makes warmer ones as well. Sizes: S (UK 3-5) to XL (12-14).

Base layers

Vests, in other words. Standard cotton vests can become damp with sweat when you’re pedalling harder. Cycling vests use quicker-drying, breathable fabrics for better moisture management, which makes them more expensive.

The Stolen Goat Women’s White Ibex Bodyline Base Layer (£40) is made from a reinforced stretch mesh that’s very breathable. It’s taped at the neck and armholes for durability. Sizes: XS-XXXL. (Men’s: XS-XXXL.)

The Lusso Perform Summer Short Sleeve Base Layer (£35) is another close-fitting, white base layer that’s inconspicuous under a shirt. It’s made in Manchester, where Lusso also offers a repair service. Sizes: S-XXL.

Shorts

Baggy cycling shorts chafe and press less than ordinary shorts as the crotch will have unobtrusive seams or an extra, diamond-shaped seat panel (a gusset). They’re usually made from material with some stretch in it, and the pockets often have zips or other fasteners to stop things falling out.

Velocity Women’s Climber Shorts (£40) are made from a lightweight stretch fabric called NanoSphere that’s water and stain resistant. They have a reinforced seat gusset, a higher back and reflective pocket trim. Sizes: 8-16. (Men’s: 28-34in.)

Rockrider MTB Breathable Cycling Shorts (£24.99) are a unisex design with an adjustable waist band and plenty of elasticity in the lightweight fabric for an unrestrictive fit. There are two zip pockets. Sizes: XS (28in) to XXXL (44in).

Alpkit Strada Shorts (£74.99) are slimmer-legged, sober shorts made for touring and bikepacking. The stretch fabric is quick drying, and they have two front pockets and two zipped hip pockets. Sizes: S-XXL. (Women’s: 8-16.)

Rapha Men’s Technical Shorts (£110) are made from a blend of nylon (88%) and elastane (12%), using flatlock and bonded seams to prevent chafing. The cycling-friendly cut doesn’t look out of place off the bike. Sizes: 28-38in.

Trousers

Cycling trousers fall into two camps: synthetic-fabric trail trousers for mountain bikers, similar to hiking trousers; and heavy-duty jeans with tapered legs and a diamond gusset. Either type can work fine for commuting.

Endura Men’s Hummvee Trousers II (£69.99) are made from ripstop nylon with a DWR coating and a durable seat panel. There are zips and adjusters at the ankles and lots of zipped pockets. Sizes: XS-XXL.

Swrve 4-way Stretch Indigo Cordura Slim Fit Jeans (£90) are tougher in the seat than normal jeans thanks to the use of Cordura denim and a diamond gusset. There’s some stretch in the fabric for easier pedalling. Sizes: 28-38in.

Rapha Women’s Tech Pants (£120) are high-waisted trousers with a straight-leg fit. The stretch fabric is abrasion resistant and has a DWR coating. There are two zipped pockets. Sizes: XXS-XL.

Vulpine Women’s Omnia Cycling Jeans (£100) are stretch denim jeans with a diamond gusset and darts at the knees for better articulation. They have subtle reflective details and a D-lock loop. Sizes: XS-XL. (Men’s: S-XXL.)

Shirts

Traditional cycling jerseys are as form fitting as lycra shorts. There are more casual options to choose from in gravel and mountain bike ranges, as well as some aimed specifically at urban riders.

The Alpkit Women’s Kanza (£69.99) is a checked shirt with cycling features. It’s made from a quick-drying fabric with Polygiene odour control, and it has articulated shoulders, side splits and a dropped rear hem. Sizes: 6-20. (Men’s: S-XXL.)

The Gorewear TrailKPR Jersey (£54.99) is a technical T-shirt. The polyester fabric is soft, breathable and quick drying, and it has a good degree of stretch in it for a non-flappy fit. There are small reflective details. Sizes: XXS-XL. (Men’s: S-XXL.)

The Castelli Merino Polo (£100) is a polo shirt with a buttoned collar. It’s expensive because it uses a Merino-blend fabric that’s breathable, resists odours and doesn’t get clammy. Sizes: XS-XXXL.

The Endura Hummvee Shacket (£109.99) is a blend of shirt and jacket, hence the name. Made from a cotton-mix fabric with some stretch, it’s lightly insulated and has a DWR coating. Sizes: S-XXL.

Jackets and coats

Bright-coloured waterproof cycling jackets are good for keeping the wind and rain off you, as well as attracting drivers’ attention, but they don’t blend in well in work or social settings. With a well-lit bike and good road positioning, something more subtle may suit you better.

The Vulpine Men’s Harrington Rain Jacket (£200) is a British mod-style jacket made from cotton, polyester and lycra. It’s specifically designed for urban riding, being windproof, rain resistant and packed with cycling features. Sizes: S-XXL. (Women’s: XS-XL.)

The Agu Pocket Rain Jacket Urban Outdoor Men (£184.95) is a waterproof cycling anorak name for its number of pockets (six) rather than pocket ability. It’s cut for cycling and has a rear-light loop on the back. Sizes: XS-XL

The Btwin Women’s City Bike Waterproof Trench Coat with Hood (£79.99) is a waterproof coat that’s fitted for cycling and is equipped with vents, conspicuous reflectivity and a hood. Sizes: 6-18.

The Vulpine Womens Regents Mac (£260) is another stylish garment from Vulpine; everyday cycle clothing is the brand’s whole focus. The Regents Mac is very waterproof and has useful reflectivity. Sizes: XS-XL. (Men’s: S-XXL.)

Shoes

If your bike has flat pedals, any footwear that doesn’t easily slip on them is fine for commuting. You could add toe-clips or pedal straps if necessary. If you want to use clip-in pedals (also known as clipless), pick ones that are compatible with recessed, two-bolt cleats. Not only will you be able to walk in such shoes, the shoes are available in more casual designs.

The Chrome Bromley Pro Sneaker (£145) is a trainer-style cycling shoe made from vegan-friendly materials. Any two-bolt cleat will fit the sole, and they’re fine for walking in. There are reflective details. Sizes: 5-13. (Women’s: 6.5-15.)

Endura Hummvee Clipless Shoes (£110) are clip-in cycling trainers with a durable PU upper and a quick-dry lining. A velcro strap keeps the laces out of the chain, while the recessed-cleat sole is grippy enough for flat pedals, too. Sizes: EU 38-47.

The DZR H2O (£141) is an ankle-high ‘sneaker’ with a leather upper and a seam-sealed waterproof membrane; hence the H2O in the name. The sole is metal reinforced over the cleat, while the heels are reflective. Sizes: women’s 6-10. (Men’s: 6-11.)

The Giro Gauge Shoe (£89.99) is styled more like a trail-running shoe, with a lugged sole that will find grip on unsurfaced tracks – even with a cleat fitted. The heel and toe are reinforced against abrasion. Sizes: EU 39-50.

Overshoes

If you’re cycling in normal footwear in all weathers, you’ll want overshoes to keep your feet clean and dry. Overshoes that are meant for cycling shoes will sometimes fit over everyday footwear. To guarantee it, get a pair designed for normal shoes.

The Agu Winter Rain Bike Boots Commuter (£64.95) are windproof, waterproof and lined for warmth. A waterproof zip makes them easy to get on and off, and the sole is reinforced with kevlar to reduce pedal/pavement wear. Sizes: S-XXL.

The Btwin City Cycling Waterproof Overshoes 900 (£19.99) are one of the cheapest ways to keep your feet clean and dry. They’re secured with Velcro at the rear and straps under the shoes. Sizes: UK 3.5-5 to 10.5-12.