Cyclist
Best neck warmers 2025 for cycling: Buffs etc for heat or dust protection
When the temperature drops, staying warm on the bike is a game of smart layering, and that includes protecting your neck, face and ears from the elements. That’s why it’s important to get yourself one of the best cycling neck warmers; they’ll help you keep the wind chill at bay and breathe easier in frosty conditions.
Whether you’re tackling a crisp morning commute, braving the winter training miles, or heading out on a long ride in unpredictable weather, the right neck warmer can make all the difference to your comfort. They come in all guises, usually made from lightweight and stretchy fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly, while some will have an extra fleecy or thermal layer to stave off the cold.
Either way, a good neck warmer will offer warmth without bulk, and thanks to their versatile, tubular design, they can be worn in different ways to suit your needs. Pull it up over your mouth and nose, wear it as a headband to just protect your ears from the wind, or double it up for extra insulation. And if it’s not overly insulated they’re ideal for keeping out pollution, dust and dirt from your mouth and nose.
Much like the best winter cycling gloves, neck warmers come in a range of thicknesses and materials to suit different conditions. From ultralight and breathable merino wool, to windproof warmers for the harshest winter rides, there’s something for everyone.
Here are our top picks for the best neck warmers for cycling, carefully chosen by the Cyclist team.
Best cycling neck warmers at a glance
- Buff Original EcoStretch: RRP £16.95
- GripGrab Freedom Warp Knitted Seamless Neck Warmer: RRP £40
- Velocio Signature Collar: RRP £31
- Rapha Winter Collar: RRP £38
- MAAP Evade X Lightweight Neck Warmer: RRP £36
- Buff ThermoNet Neckgaiter: RRP £21.95
- GripGrab Multifunctional Merino Neck Warmer: RRP £30
- Castelli Pro Thermal Neck Warmer: RRP £27
- Sportful SRK Neck Warmer: RRP £25
- Altura Merino Blend Neck Warmer: RRP £15
Why you can trust Cyclist‘s advice
While a good cycling neck warmer seems like a small detail, when the mercury drops, it can make a huge difference to your ride. At Cyclist, we’ve tested a variety of neck warmers across different riding conditions, from sub zero winter morning commutes to long day rides in single-digit temperatures, to find the best options for warmth, breathability and overall comfort.
With years of experience riding in all seasons, our team understands the importance of quality kit that works in real-world conditions. So whether you need a lightweight, moisture-wicking layer for mild shoulder-season rides, or a fully insulated option for deep winter, our recommendations are based on thorough testing to help our readers find the best kit for their needs.
Best cycling neck warmers 2025
Buff Original EcoStretch
RRP £16.95 | View offer
- Versatile multi-use design with 12 different wearing options
- Lightweight and breathable, suitable for year-round use
- Made from 95% recycled materials with UPF 50 sun protection
The Buff Original EcoStretch is the neck warmer that started it all. So much so that ‘Buff’ has become the go-to word for any neck warmers, much like ‘Hoover’ for vacuum cleaners and ‘Biro’ for ballpoint pens. It’s easy to see how it’s stood the test of time as well. With a simple, seamless and rather long tubular design, it’s incredibly versatile, offering up to 12 different ways to wear it. Whether you need something to keep your neck warm, cover your mouth and nose against chilly wind, or even double as a lightweight beanie under your helmet, this bit of kit does it all.
Made from 95% recycled polyester with 5% elastane, it’s soft, moisture-wicking, and comfortable against the skin. The four-way stretch fabric means it moves with you rather than feeling restrictive, and it won’t slide down mid-ride. It’s thin and lightweight, making it better suited to milder conditions or as a protective layer in summer. Having said that, it’s a great all-rounder that every cyclist should have in their kit drawer.
Verdict: It’s a classic for a reason: affordable, endlessly versatile, and a must-have for all seasons.
GripGrab Freedom Warp Knitted Seamless Neck Warmer
RRP £40.00 | View offer
- Integrated mesh breathing panel reduces condensation buildup
- Mid-weight construction retains warmth for winter rides
- Seamless with multiple weave textures for comfort and insulation
The GripGrab Freedom Warp Knitted Seamless Neck Warmer is an excellent choice if you want solid winter protection that’s breathable. While most neck warmers can leave you gasping for air when pulled over the nose and mouth, this one has an integrated mesh breathing panel woven directly into the fabric. That little detail makes a big difference, preventing condensation buildup and making it much easier to breathe during hard efforts in cold weather.
The construction is more complex than a standard Buff-style tube. While it still has a seamless vertical design, it features different weave patterns to provide a balance of insulation, stretch and breathability. A waffle-like texture at the sides and back adds warmth, while the finer mesh at the front provides adequate airflow and quick drying. It has a snug fit, staying in place while you ride, though the thick hem at the top may cause slight irritation if it sits too close to the eyeline, something to be aware of if you have particularly prominent facial features.
At £40, it’s one of the pricier options, but it’s worth it for the quality and thoughtful design. It’s a solid investment for winter riding, though the lack of bright colours or reflective elements means it won’t help much with visibility in low-light conditions.
Verdict: A high-quality winter-ready neck warmer with integrated breathing panel, though the fit may not work for everyone.
- Buy now from Tredz (£40)
Velocio Signature Collar
RRP £31.00 | View offer
- Buttery soft, mid-weight fabric is exceptionally comfortable
- Tapered fit provides good face and neck coverage
- Sustainably produced using remnant fabric from other garments
The Velocio Signature Collar is a neck warmer that puts comfort first. From the moment I pulled it on the buttery soft fabric felt luxurious against my skin, making it an absolute delight to wear. Unlike some other options that can feel tight or slightly abrasive, this one sits gently, offering just the right amount of snugness to stay in place without any uncomfortable pressure points.
Its design is slightly more tailored than a traditional tubular Buff-style warmer, with a subtle taper that rises slightly higher at the front to provide extra coverage for the lower face, and widens at the base to keep the neck fully covered. It’s made from remnants of material used for other Velocio garments, which means you get a mid-weight dual-knit Italian performance fabric that balances insulation and breathability. It keeps the chill off without overheating, making it ideal for cool-weather riding rather than extreme winter conditions.
The collar does a good job of wicking away moisture and dries quickly, helping you to regulate temperature on longer rides. It also has a small reflective logo at the back for a touch of added visibility, though it’s fairly subtle. At £31, it sits at the premium end of the spectrum, but the quality and comfort make it a great investment for those who want a soft, non-restrictive fit.
Verdict: Incredibly comfortable and buttery soft, this is a neck warmer you’ll barely notice you’re wearing, until you take it off and realise how much warmth it was providing.
- Buy now from Velocio (£30)
Rapha Winter Collar
RRP £38.00 | View offer
- Ergonomic design for optimal face and neck coverage
- Lightweight merino wool construction for warmth and breathability
- Tailored fit with a shaped hem to minimise wind exposure
The Rapha Winter Collar takes a slightly different approach to the classic neck warmer design, with a contoured shape that provides better coverage where it’s most needed. Rather than a simple tube, it’s cut to dip slightly at the front top, rise at the back top, and then drop down further at the front bottom, helping to shield the lower face, ears, and neck from windchill.
Made from a lightweight merino wool blend, it strikes a great balance between insulation and breathability. It feels soft against the skin, wicks moisture well, and doesn’t get too clammy when you’re working hard. The fit is close, especially around the nose where the top hem sits quite snugly, potentially a little too tight for riders with larger heads. That said, the shaping means it stays in place without pressing against the under-eye area, which is a plus.
With subtle branding and only black or grey colour options, it’s as stylishly understated as you’d expect from Rapha. It’s a premium product at a premium price, but if you’re after a sleek, well-designed winter collar, this one’s a great shout.
Verdict: A stylish and well-crafted merino collar with a tailored fit, but it’s on the snug side if you have a larger head.
- Buy now from Rapha (£38)
Maap Evade X Lightweight Neck Warmer
RRP £36.00 | View offer
- Ergonomic back panel for an improved fit
- Ultra-lightweight mesh fabric for maximum ventilation
- Designed for summer use (recommended for 25-45°C temperatures)
Not all neck gaiters are designed for winter, and the Maap Evade X Lightweight Neck Warmer proves that sometimes you need something just as effective at keeping you cool as you do warm. Built specifically for high-temperature riding, this ultra-lightweight neck warmer is all about moisture management, ventilation and sun protection.
The standout feature is its ergonomic shape, which includes an extra horizontal seam at the back. This helps it contour better around the back of the neck and head, so it sits snug and prevents bunching. The fabric itself is a high-airflow mesh that makes quick work of wicking away sweat and drying. However, it’s made from 100% polyester, which means it has less stretch than some other options, and the snug top hem may feel a little restrictive for those with larger heads.
Designed for use in temperatures between 25-45°C, this is more of a niche product compared to others listed here, but for those who ride in extreme heat, it’s a worthwhile investment. The lack of versatility (this one won’t work well as a winter option) means it’s only going to appeal to a certain type of rider, but for those who need it, it does the job really well.
Verdict: A high-performance summer neck warmer designed for maximum airflow and moisture-wicking, though it’s a bit niche.
- Buy now from Maap (£36)
Buff ThermoNet
RRP £21.95 | View offer
- Features Primaloft insulation for keeping you warm in cold conditions
- Seamless, stretchy design remains comfortable throughout your ride
- Constructed from recycled plastic bottles
If you love the classic Buff design but need something a little warmer for winter, the Buff ThermoNet is an excellent step up. Using Buff’s ThermoNet technology, developed with Primaloft insulation, this version packs in some extra warmth while still maintaining the lightweight, stretchy, and breathable properties that make Buffs so popular.
The fabric, which is constructed from 58% recycled plastic bottles, feels slightly thicker than the standard EcoStretch version while still feeling soft and incredibly adaptable. It moulds to the contours of your face without feeling restrictive, making it easy to pull up over your nose and mouth on colder rides. Because of the seamless construction and the use of Primaloft insulation, it does a great job of trapping heat while still wicking away sweat, so you won’t find yourself feeling clammy underneath.
Another big plus is its versatility. Much like its sibling listed above, you can still wear it in all the usual ways, including as a beanie or a headband, making it a great year-round option if you like a bit more insulation even in milder conditions. Unlike the standard Buff, the ThermoNet includes a small reflective detail at the back, which is a welcome addition for those riding in the dark. At just over £20, it’s great value for money too.
Verdict: A warmer, more insulated take on the classic Buff; still super versatile, with added Primaloft technology.
GripGrab Multifunctional Merino Neck Warmer
RRP £30.00 | View offer
- Made from 100% merino wool for warmth and breathability
- Loose-fitting design, ideal if you want a more relaxed fit
- Seamless with soft flatlock hems for all-day comfort
The GripGrab Multifunctional Merino Neck Warmer is a solid choice if you love the natural properties of merino wool and want a versatile, multifunctional design like a Buff. Made from 100% merino, it’s exceptionally warm without the added bulk. It also wicks away moisture and comes with a natural odour resistance, making it a great option for multi-day rides.
Where it differs from some of the other neck warmers on this list is in its fit. Compared to the snug options listed above, this one is looser. As someone with a small head, it was particularly noticeable for me, and I found it had a tendency to slide down over time. However this makes it a great option if you have a larger head, because many of the options on this list may feel too tight or restrictive.
Like most merino options, it’s soft and comfortable, though not quite as buttery smooth as some synthetic options, like the Velocio. It’s also really versatile, and you can wear it as a face covering, a headband, or even a beanie. With minimal branding and no reflective details, it won’t make you any more visible on dark rides, but if you’re looking for a simple, naturally insulating cycling neck warmer, it’s a reliable option.
Verdict: A high-quality and versatile merino neck warmer with a looser fit that would better suit folks with larger heads.
Castelli Pro Thermal Neck Warmer
RRP £27.00 | View offer
- Thermoflex fabric is warm, stretchy, and luxuriously soft
- Fleecy lining adds warmth without unnecessary bulk
- Raw-cut edges for a seamless feel and no irritation
The Castelli Pro Thermal Neck Warmer comes with a premium feel and sleek, minimalist design that you’d expect from the brand. Geared towards chilly winter rides, it’s made from Castelli’s Thermoflex fabric, found in all its warmers. It’s beautifully soft and stretchy, and comes with a brushed fleece lining that provides a decent amount of insulation without adding much bulk. It sits comfortably against the skin, and does a good job of trapping heat without compromising on breathability.
Unlike some of the bulkier winter cycling neck warmers out there, the Castelli keeps a low-profile, tubular shape that feels more like an extension of your kit than an extra layer you need to manage. There’s a vertical seam at the back, while the hems are raw-cut for a seamless feel against your face.
It comes with four colour options, three of which are bright enough to help you stay visible on the road on a gloomy winter’s day. The bold red colour we tried is particularly eye-catching, and while it’s got a really large Castelli logo printed across the fabric, it’s in a slightly lighter shade of the same colour, so it’s actually very subtle. It’s worth noting that this neck warmer doesn’t have any reflective elements, however.
Verdict: A sleek, premium-feel neck warmer that keeps you warm while maintaining a minimalist, low-bulk design.
Sportful SRK Neck Warmer
RRP £25.00 | View offer
- Buttery soft fabric feels luxurious against the skin
- Snug fit with less stretch, so best suited to smaller heads
- Excellent wind-blocking for cool but not freezing temperatures
The Sportful SRK Neck Warmer is one for the shoulder seasons, and best suited to those with smaller heads, as it comes with quite a snug fit that stays firmly in place while riding. Unlike some stretchier options on the market, this one has slightly less give, which is great for locking in warmth, but might be too tight if you have a larger head, or if you want to be able to remove it easily while on the go. In terms of construction, it’s quite similar to the Castelli Pro Thermal, with a simple, tubular shape, single vertical flat locked seam at the back, and raw-cut hems. This means no bulky stitches to irritate your eyes.
What really sets the SRK Neck Warmer apart is its wind-blocking capabilities. It may not be a heavy-duty winter warmer, but it does pack an impressive punch when it comes to shielding against chilly breezes, so it’s a great choice for autumn and spring riding. It’s also breathable enough to work well when the temperature’s milder, without causing you to overheat. It’s pretty versatile.
Similarly to the Castelli, it comes in several bright colour options, including a hi-vis yellow colour if you’re concerned with being easily seen by other road users. The red version we have has a really nice and subtle orange fade. They’ve kept the branding fairly minimal, with a small square of black ‘Sportful’ text and a tiny reflective ‘S’ logo on the side. It’s one of the few neck warmers on this list to have a subtle reflective element, though it’s not large enough to make a huge difference in low light.
Verdict: A snug-fitting, high quality neck warmer with great wind protection, though the tighter fit won’t suit everyone.
Altura Merino Blend Neck Warmer
RRP £15.00 | View offer
- Merino blend fabric is warm, breathable, and odour resistant
- The most reflective option on this list, so ideal for night-time visibility
- While it lacks raw-cut edges, it’s excellent value for money
If you’re concerned about being visible in low-light conditions, then the Altura Merino Blend Neck Warmer is the most reflective choice of the bunch. While many other neck warmers in this list rely on bright colours for daytime visibility, few of them have much in the way of reflective details. Altura goes a step further than the rest, with a large strip of reflective diagonal lines running the full length of one side, next to a bold, vertical logo that’s also reflective. So whether you’re riding in the city at night, or heading home on dark country roads, this one will make a noticeable difference when it’s caught in someone else’s headlights.
Beyond safety measures, the fabric itself is a lovely soft merino blend, offering the best of both worlds: natural insulation and sweat-wicking from the merino wool, alongside the durability and stretch of synthetic fibres. It’s warm enough to keep you comfortable on chilly rides, and breathable enough to keep you dry as well. It’s a pretty solid choice for year-round use.
The fit is a little on the snug side, which can help keep the warmth in, but again isn’t going to be ideal for some people with larger heads, or who just prefer a looser, more relaxed fit. Unlike the raw-cut edges of some other options listed here, the Altura warmer has seams at the top and bottom hems, so if you’ve got a prominent eye area there’s a little more potential for friction if you’ve got it pulled up high.
Verdict: A great choice if you need both warmth and maximum visibility, and excellent value for money.
How to choose from the best neck warmers for cycling
A good cycling neck warmer can make cold rides far more comfortable, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Here are some key things to consider:
Material and warmth: Neck warmers come in a range of materials, and all of them offer different levels of insulation and breathability. Some are designed to keep you warm in freezing temperatures, while others are geared to more mild conditions. Merino wool is a naturally warm, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that’s great for cold rides and won’t cause overheating. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and fleece are typically lightweight, quick drying, and more affordable. There are also hybrid options that combine merino and synthetic fibres for a balance of warmth, stretch and durability.
Breathability and moisture management: If you ride hard, you breathe hard, and you’ll sweat even when it’s winter. All that moisture has to go somewhere, and the last thing you want is a neck warmer that traps it against your skin. Look for options with good moisture-wicking properties that will help you to stay dry and comfortable. Thinner fabrics can be less likely to hold onto moisture and prevent the buildup of condensation when you’re breathing through them.
Fit and versatility: Most neck warmers are one-size-fits-all, thanks to their stretchy and tubular design, so generally you shouldn’t have to worry about fit. That said, some are designed to sit closer to the face than others. A snug fit can offer maximum warmth, while a loose one can make it easier to adjust around your other clothing. Some will have additional darts or stitches to shape them around the contours of your face, while others are a straight and simple tube. The latter are the most versatile, and can be worn in different ways. In addition to covering your mouth and nose, you could wear them as a headband or a beanie, for example.
Packability and weight: Most cycling neck warmers are lightweight and easy to stash away in a jersey pocket when you don’t need them. If every gram counts, then thinner fabrics will be more easily folded or scrunched away.
Colours and reflective details: As with any piece of kit, it’s also important that you like the look of it and want to wear it. Many neck warmers will come with an array of colour and patterns to choose from, so shop around to see what speaks to you. A good thing to look out for, especially if you’re riding through winter and likely to get caught out after dark, is reflective detailing. Some neck warmers will have reflective logos or trim, which can help to keep you a little more visible to other road users.
What is the difference between a neck warmer and a buff?
Just like you might say you’re writing with a biro, cleaning with a hoover or wearing lycra, a ‘buff’ is actually a brand name that’s become synonymous with tubular neck warmers. You’ll often find the two terms used interchangeably, though we’ve avoided doing that here to prevent confusion. Naturally, Buff is on our list above, but lots of other brands make high-quality neck warmers too.
Should I get a merino or synthetic neck warmer?
The answer to this depends largely on your personal preference and the riding conditions you’re heading out in. Merino wool is warm, breathable, and naturally odour-resistant. That makes it great for all-day rides and multi-day adventures, because you can wear it for a long time without it starting to smell. Synthetic options, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable and will dry faster.
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