Mountain bike clothing has moved on a long way from old trail centres full of heavy cotton tees and baggy skate shorts. Modern MTB kit is lighter, tougher and much more weatherproof – and that matters even more if you ride an e-MTB and spend longer on the hill each outing. The best MTB clothing 2026 is designed around real trail riding: cut for pads, shaped for modern riding positions and built to cope with British mud, rain and changeable temperatures.
This guide is your top-level hub to the best mountain bike clothing 2026 for UK riders. Rather than dumping every jersey and short into one long list, it breaks MTB clothing into the four decisions most riders actually make: jerseys and tops, shorts and trousers, waterproof jackets, and winter MTB kit including insulated trousers and gloves. From there, you can click through to dedicated Tier 2 guides such as Best MTB shorts and trousers 2026, Best waterproof MTB jackets 2026 and Best winter MTB clothing 2026 for full product breakdowns.
If you are coming to this from our Best electric mountain bikes 2026 hub or the Best MTB helmets 2026 guide, think of this as the next layer: the best MTB clothing 2026 to match the way you actually ride, whether that is all-day e-MTB missions, after-work laps at the local woods or a mix of trail centres and bridleways.
The best MTB clothing 2026 shortlisted
This shortlist is organised by category so you can quickly see where each piece of MTB clothing fits in your wardrobe. Three products in each segment give you a realistic range from core value to more premium kit.
Best MTB jerseys & tops 2026
Trail tops are the foundation of any best MTB clothing 2026 setup: they manage sweat, resist snagging and work with packs and pads.
Fox Ranger drirelease LS Jersey — £34.99 (RRP £54.99)
Endura MT500 Burner L/S Jersey — £64.99
Rapha Trail Technical T-Shirt — £65
Best MTB shorts & trousers 2026
Shorts and trousers do the hard work in UK grit and spray, so durability and cut matter as much as looks.
Fox Defend Shorts — £84.99 (RRP £99.99)
Endura MT500 Burner Pant — £89.99 (RRP £115)
Rapha Trail Pants — £140
Best waterproof MTB jackets 2026
If you ride off-road through a British winter, a proper waterproof shell is non-negotiable in any best mountain bike clothing 2026 list.
Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket — £119.99 (RRP £249.99)
Troy Lee Designs Resist Jacket – £219.99
Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket — £295
Best winter MTB clothing & gloves 2026
For riders who keep going through frost, sleet and night rides, winter-specific MTB clothing is what makes “year-round” riding realistic.
100% Brisker Cold Weather Glove — From £21.99 (RRP: £31.99)
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II — £129.99 (RRP £175)
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Trousers — £143.99 (RRP £159.99)
We have prioritised MTB clothing that makes sense for long-term UK ownership: products that are widely available, tested on real riders and compatible with knee pads, backpacks and the kind of mixed trail/e-MTB riding Electric MTB UK focuses on. This is not about the most expensive outfit; it is about the best MTB clothing 2026 that you can wear hard, wash often and still trust next winter.
Quick sizing and fit: modern mountain bike clothing tends to be cut for a low, wide riding stance. Jerseys and jackets should feel slightly roomier across the shoulders than road kit so they do not pull when you drop the heels and push the bike around. Shorts and trousers should clear your pads when seated but not flap when the motor helps you pedal back up. If in doubt, try your full MTB clothing system together – base layer, jersey, jacket, shorts, pads and gloves – rather than sizing each piece in isolation.
The best MTB clothing 2026
Best MTB jerseys & tops 2026
Fox Ranger drirelease LS Jersey
£34.99 (RRP £54.99)
Fox’s Ranger drirelease long-sleeve sits at the more casual end of the MTB clothing spectrum. It looks like a regular long-sleeve tee in the car park, but the drirelease yarns are designed to wick sweat and dry quickly on the trail, which is why it earns a place in this best mountain bike clothing 2026 guide. The fit is relaxed without being baggy, so it works well for e-MTB rides that mix café stops, fire road climbs and the odd harder descent. It is a good pick if you want MTB apparel that you can throw on for a ride and then wear straight into the pub without feeling like you are in full race kit.
Pros
Casual look that still performs as proper MTB kit
drirelease fabric helps manage sweat and odour on longer days
Relaxed cut makes it easy to wear on and off the bike
Cons
Less crash-resistant than heavier-duty enduro jerseys
Specifications
Material: drirelease® polyester/cotton blend
Sleeves: Long sleeve
Fit: Relaxed, T-shirt style cut
Features: Quick-drying, odour-resisting fabric, dropped tail for on-bike coverage
Sizes: Broad unisex/men’s size range
Intended use: Trail, e-MTB, casual riding and post-ride wear
Endura MT500 Burner L/S Jersey
£64.99
If you want a hard-wearing trail top that fits the way people actually ride, the MT500 Burner long-sleeve is a solid anchor for any best MTB clothing 2026 shortlist. The sleeves and shoulders use tougher fabric to cope with crashes, pads and overgrown UK singletrack, while the main body uses a rapid-wick material to move sweat away when you are climbing repeatedly on an e-MTB. The relaxed cut is designed to sit neatly over elbow and body armour without feeling boxy, and the styling is neutral enough to work with almost any kit. For riders building a small but effective mountain bike clothing wardrobe, this is the kind of top you can wear for most of the year with different base layers underneath.
Pros
Durable fabrics in key impact and abrasion zones
Relaxed trail cut that works well with body armour
Good moisture management for repeated climbs on an e-MTB
Cons
Heavier than a minimal summer race jersey
Specifications
Material: Lightweight polyester main fabric with tougher panels on sleeves and shoulders
Sleeves: Long sleeve, cut for pad use
Fit: Relaxed trail fit with dropped tail
Features: Rapid-wick fabric, compatible with elbow/body protection
Sizes: Typically S–XXL (check current size run)
Intended use: Trail, enduro and bike-park riding in varied UK conditions
Rapha Trail Technical T-Shirt
£65
The Rapha Trail Technical T-Shirt is a premium option in the best MTB clothing 2026 list for riders who like a cleaner aesthetic. It uses a recycled polyester fabric with a subtle grid to improve breathability and wicking, plus an antibacterial treatment to keep things fresher over multi-day trips. The cut is regular rather than super-baggy, so it layers neatly under a trail jacket and does not bunch under a pack. If your e-MTB riding includes big days, bike-park weekends and the odd trip abroad, this is the sort of mountain bike clothing piece you can justify wearing across most of your riding, not just “best behaviour” days.
Pros
Premium-feeling trail tee with a subtle, versatile look
Lightweight, breathable fabric works well for long rides
Anti-odour treatment helps on multi-day trips and bike holidays
Cons
Less abrasion protection than heavier long-sleeve jerseys
Specifications
Material: Lightweight recycled polyester with breathable knit
Sleeves: Short sleeve
Fit: Regular trail cut, not overly baggy
Features: Antibacterial/anti-odour treatment, pack-friendly shoulder construction
Sizes: Typically XS–XXL
Intended use: Trail and e-MTB riding, travel, off-bike wear
Best MTB shorts & trousers 2026
Fox Defend Shorts
£84.99 (RRP £99.99)
Fox Defend shorts are designed for aggressive trail and enduro riding, which is why they slot naturally into any best MTB clothing 2026 setup for riders who push on a bit. They combine durable fabrics with 4-way stretch so you can move around on the bike without feeling restricted, and the ratchet waist closure is easy to tweak, even with gloves on. For UK and e-MTB riding, the key is that they are tough enough for repeated uplift-style descending but still light enough to pedal in all day. If you ride trail centres hard, hit bike-park lines or just want mountain bike shorts that will not fall apart the first time you slide out in the wet, these are a sensible benchmark.
Pros
Tough, enduro-ready fabrics stand up to crashes and UK undergrowth
4-way stretch keeps them comfortable on technical descents
Ratchet waist closure is quick to adjust mid-ride
Cons
Heavier feel than ultra-light XC-focused shorts
Specifications
Material: Durable 4-way stretch synthetic fabric
Fit: Below-knee trail/enduro cut, room for knee pads
Inseam: Longer inseam for good pad overlap
Waist closure: External ratchet closure with adjustment
Pockets: Zipped hand/side pockets (layout varies by model year)
Intended use: Trail, enduro and e-MTB riding, including bike-park use
Endura MT500 Burner Pant
£89.99 (RRP £115)
For many UK riders, a good trail trouser is more useful than a second pair of shorts, and the MT500 Burner Pant underlines that in this best mountain bike clothing 2026 guide. Developed with downhill racers, it uses tough but stretchy fabrics and a slim, flap-free cut that still leaves room for knee pads. That makes it ideal for e-MTB days where the motor handles the climbing and you spend more of your energy on the descents. The fabric is more abrasion-resistant than a typical “lightweight” pant, which matters on rocky UK trails and at uplift venues, and the fit is dialled so it does not twist or bunch however much you move around.
Pros
Race-influenced cut that still works for everyday trail and e-MTB riding
Tough yet stretchy fabric stands up to regular use and crashes
Tapered lower leg avoids chain and crank rub
Cons
Warmer than lightweight trail trousers on very mild days
Specifications
Material: Durable nylon/elastane blend with stretch panels
Fit: Slim, tapered trail cut with room for knee pads
Inseam: Narrow ankle opening to reduce flap and snagging
Waist closure: Zip fly with external adjustment (often Velcro or ratchet)
Pockets: Zipped hand or thigh pockets (depending on version)
Intended use: Trail, enduro and bike-park riding in mixed UK conditions
Rapha Trail Pants
£140
Rapha’s Trail Pants sit slightly more towards the “all-rounder” end of MTB clothing, which is why they work so well for e-MTB owners who ride a bit of everything. They are cut slim but not tight, use reinforced panels in key wear zones and have enough pockets to handle a phone, multi-tool and snacks without feeling overloaded. In the context of the best MTB clothing 2026, they are a good choice if you mix technical singletrack with longer linking sections and want one pair of trousers that can do most of the year with the right base layer. The minimalist look also makes them easier to wear to and from the trail without feeling like you are in full race kit.
Pros
Clean, versatile look that works on and off the bike
Reinforced panels add durability without a “motorcross” aesthetic
Good pocket layout for all-day rides and e-MTB exploring
Cons
Less outright protection than the burliest downhill-focused trousers
Specifications
Material: Durable stretch-woven synthetic fabric
Fit: Slim trail cut with articulation for pedalling
Inseam: Reinforced knee/seat zones, tapered lower leg
Waist closure: Low-profile waist adjustment and zip fly
Pockets: Zipped hip and/or thigh pockets suited to phone and tools
Intended use: Trail, all-mountain and e-MTB rides, including travel and bikepacking
Best waterproof MTB jackets 2026
Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket
£119.99 (RRP £249.99)
The MT500 Waterproof Jacket is the obvious starting point when you talk about the best waterproof MTB jacket 2026, so it naturally anchors this best MTB clothing 2026 guide. The latest version uses a lighter, more breathable fabric than previous generations while still being genuinely tough enough for year-round UK trail and e-MTB use. Venting is generous, with underarm zips and a clever three-position front closure that lets you open the main zip without the jacket flapping. The hood works over a trail helmet, the pockets are big enough for spares and snacks, and the cut is long enough at the back to keep spray off when you are seated, even on steep fire-road climbs.
Pros
Proven “do everything” waterproof MTB shell for UK conditions
Good balance of durability, weather protection and breathability
Excellent venting options for e-MTB climbs and harder efforts
Cons
Overkill for riders who mainly stick to dry summer trail centres
Specifications
Material: 3-layer waterproof breathable fabric (taped seams)
Waterproofing: High waterproof rating suitable for prolonged rain
Breathability: High breathability for a heavy-duty shell
Ventilation: Underarm/pit zips and front-zip venting options
Hood: Helmet-compatible adjustable hood
Pockets: Multiple zipped pockets sized for tools, phone and snacks
Troy Lee Designs Resist Jacket
£219.99
If you want something a bit more gravity-leaning in your best MTB clothing 2026 line-up, the Troy Lee Designs Resist Jacket is a strong wildcard pick. It’s the most durable waterproof in TLD’s range, aimed at riders who spend serious time on technical trails, bike parks and e-MTB uplift days, but still need a jacket that can pedal comfortably in foul UK weather.
Built as a fully waterproof evolution of TLD’s Descent shell, it uses a 3-layer fabric with a 15K/15K waterproof and breathability rating, then backs that up with a water-repellent finish, fully taped seams and waterproof zips, so it feels more like a “proper storm jacket” than a light shower shell.
The cut is trail-friendly with a high neck, helmet-compatible hood and drop tail you can cinch at the waist, which makes it well suited to wet chairlift days, winter enduro rides and dark, grim after-work laps where you’d usually stay at home. As a wildcard in a best waterproof MTB jacket 2026 shortlist, it earns its slot by being unapologetically built for bad conditions and hard use.
Pros
Fully waterproof 3-layer construction with serious foul-weather intent
High neck, helmet-friendly hood and drop tail give very good trail coverage
Multiple waterproof pockets make it practical for long, wet MTB and e-MTB rides
Cons
Heavier-duty feel than a packable rain shell, so it is overkill for light showers
Specifications
Material: 3-layer nylon/spandex shell with Teflon EcoElite water-repellent finish
Waterproofing: 15,000mm claimed waterproof rating; fully taped seams and YKK Vislon Aquaguard waterproof zips
Breathability: 15,000 g/m²/24hr claimed breathability rating from the 3-layer fabric
Ventilation: No dedicated pit zips, but breathable 3-layer construction and full-length front zip allow basic heat management
Hood: High-neck, helmet-compatible hood with structured visor brim and rear/side adjustment cinches
Pockets: Two zipped hand pockets, one zipped chest pocket, one zipped left forearm pocket, all with waterproof zips
Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
£295
Rapha’s Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket takes a slightly different route to the best MTB clothing 2026 list. Rather than being a full storm shell, it uses Gore-Tex Infinium as a hybridised softshell – windproof, highly water-resistant and notably breathable. That makes it particularly appealing for e-MTB and trail riders who run warm but still want meaningful weather protection for UK conditions that are often cold and changeable rather than relentless downpours. The fit is close but still allows room for a light mid-layer, the detailing is neat, and the jacket works just as well for gravel or bikepacking. It is a premium choice, but if you prioritise comfort and breathability over “hide from a monsoon” levels of protection, it is a very credible option.
Pros
Very breathable softshell-style jacket for cool, changeable weather
Gore-Tex Infinium balances windproofing with real on-trail comfort
Clean styling makes it versatile beyond pure MTB use
Cons
Not a full “storm shell” for hours of heavy rain
Specifications
Material: Gore-Tex Infinium softshell fabric
Waterproofing: Highly water-resistant rather than fully waterproof
Breathability: Very breathable for harder efforts and e-MTB climbing
Ventilation: Breathable fabric plus front-zip venting
Hood: Under- or over-helmet hood (depending on size/fit)
Pockets: Zipped hand and/or chest pockets for essentials
Best winter MTB clothing & gloves 2026
100% Brisker Cold Weather Glove
From £21.99 (RRP: £31.99)
The 100% Brisker is not a full deep-winter mitt; instead, it is the glove that keeps appearing in winter MTB conversations because it balances warmth and bar feel. That is exactly why it earns a slot in this best MTB clothing 2026 guide. A lightly insulated softshell back takes the sting out of cold air, while a single-layer palm keeps your connection to the grips precise – important if you ride technical, rooty UK trails where braking feel matters more than outright insulation. For many riders, it covers most of the UK winter on its own, with only the very coldest nights demanding something bulkier.
Pros
Good balance of warmth and bar feel for typical UK winter rides
Softshell back takes the edge off wind and chill
Thin palm preserves grip feel on technical descents
Cons
Not warm enough for prolonged sub-zero conditions for some riders
Specifications
Material: Softshell back with synthetic single-layer palm
Insulation: Light brushed/insulated lining on back of hand
Palm: Single-layer palm with good lever and bar feel
Cuff: Low-profile slip-on cuff for easy on/off
Touchscreen: Fingertip panels on key fingers (varies slightly by generation)
Intended use: Cool to cold weather MTB and e-MTB riding
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket II
£129.99 (RRP £175)
For deep winter, a standard shell over a thin jersey is rarely enough. The MT500 Freezing Point Jacket uses strategically placed insulation and panels to keep your core warm without turning you into a boil-in-the-bag commuter. In a best MTB clothing 2026 context, it is squarely aimed at riders who want to keep riding e-MTBs through the coldest months, when battery performance and rider comfort both take a hit. The jacket pairs well with a light base layer for most sub-zero UK rides, and the breathable panels help avoid overheating on longer climbs, especially when assistance is set low to eke out range.
Pros
Targeted insulation keeps you warm without feeling bulky
Designed specifically for cold, off-road conditions rather than commuting only
Works well with light base layers for most UK winter trail riding
Cons
Too warm and specific for shoulder-season use on milder days
Specifications
Material: Softshell outer with strategically insulated panels
Waterproofing: Synthetic insulation in key front and core areas
Breathability: Water-resistant rather than fully waterproof
Ventilation: Stretch/breathable panels to manage heat build-up
Hood: Insulated, helmet-compatible hood (varies by version)
Pockets: Zipped hand and chest pockets for small items
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Trousers
£143.99 (RRP £159.99)
These trousers are designed to do for your legs what the Freezing Point jacket does for your upper body. Insulated front panels block cold air and spray, while stretch softshell fabric elsewhere keeps the fit unrestrictive for technical riding. For UK conditions, they slot into the best mountain bike clothing 2026 list as the trousers you reach for when you would normally talk yourself out of riding because it is “too cold”. If your e-MTB is your main winter bike, the extra warmth also helps protect knees and muscles from the stop–start rhythm of technical climbing and descending.
Pros
Front insulation keeps quads and knees warm in sub-zero conditions
Stretch fabric allows proper off-road movement with knee pads
A realistic way to extend your winter riding window
Cons
Too warm for typical autumn/spring trail-centre riding
Specifications
Material: Insulated softshell with reinforced panels in key wear zones
Fit: Fleece-backed or synthetic-insulated front sections
Inseam: Wind-resistant and water-repellent outer
Waist closure: Slim trail cut, room for knee pads
Pockets: Ankle openings/adjusters and zipped pockets
Intended use: Winter trail and e-MTB riding in freezing and near-freezing conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as “best MTB clothing 2026” for UK riding?
For this guide, best MTB clothing 2026 means kit that works for typical UK trail and e-MTB riding: wet roots, short punchy climbs, trail-centre laps and mixed bridleway loops. It needs to be durable, realistically priced across a range of budgets and compatible with pads, packs and modern trail bikes, rather than just looking good in studio photos.
Do I really need MTB-specific clothing for trail riding?
You can ride in anything, but dedicated mountain bike clothing is cut to work when you are out of the saddle, moving around and wearing protection. Jerseys use tougher fabrics in high-wear areas, shorts and trousers are shaped around knee-pad use, and jackets are built to cope with spray and mud. If you ride regularly, the comfort and durability justify building a small set of MTB clothing that you reserve for off-road use.
How should I layer MTB kit for e-MTB rides?
Because an e-MTB can keep your speed and effort more consistent, layering is about having flexibility. A typical best MTB clothing 2026 setup would be a wicking base layer, a trail jersey, then either a lightweight shell or an insulated jacket depending on temperature. Trousers or shorts with good spray resistance plus weather-appropriate gloves then complete the system. The key is choosing pieces that breathe well enough when assistance is on Eco or Off, so you do not overheat on climbs.
Are waterproof MTB jackets worth it if I already have a road rain jacket?
Road shells often have a slimmer cut, shorter back and less room for pads or bulkier MTB clothing underneath. A good waterproof trail jacket in the best mountain bike clothing 2026 class will have a longer drop tail, more robust fabric, better venting and a hood that actually works with a trail helmet. If you ride off-road in bad weather more than occasionally, a dedicated MTB shell is worth prioritising.
What should I upgrade first in my MTB clothing?
Start with contact points and weather protection. A comfortable pair of MTB shorts or trousers, a breathable trail jersey and a reliable waterproof jacket will transform most rides. After that, winter-capable gloves and an insulated jacket or trouser setup will extend your season. Use this best MTB clothing 2026 hub as a map, then dive into the dedicated guides for shorts, jackets and winter kit as you build out your wardrobe.