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As with all sports, getting the right gear will better your performance, comfort and confidence in the activity, and it’s no different with cycling. After you have your bike sorted, a trusty helmet for safety and a reliable pair of bib shorts for your well-being, a cycling jersey will probably be next on the list. But how do you find the perfect fit?
We’ve put together a nifty guide that covers all the essentials, looking at both summer and long-sleeve winter jerseys, popular fabrics and more. From there, we’ve reviewed ten unique designs hailing from the best brands in the business such as Gore Wear and Rapha as well as some economical options for beginners. Easier still, they're all available to order on Amazon, eBay and Halfords.
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Table of Contents
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the buying guide. Getting the best apparel can be tricky whether you're new to a sport or not, but not to worry, we're here to run you through the main features to take into account when choosing between cycling jerseys.
However, it’s worth noting that short-sleeved jerseys are a little more versatile as they can be teamed up with arm warmers – and if layered wisely, they could even see you through most of the year. Of course, these still won’t be as warm as a long-sleeved thermal top, but if you’re just getting started, this might be the best course of action.
Most modern cycling tops are made of a synthetic blend, using either polyester, polyamide or nylon and elastane for stretch. These materials will keep you cool and fresh by wicking moisture and can go through the wash far more than natural fabrics without losing their colour or shape.
However, although most jerseys have a very similar construction, some have technical features that might be of benefit depending on your riding habits, such as UPF protection, water repellency and brand-specific advancements. Also, a jersey with little or no elastane will not usually be as form-fitting.
You may have seen or heard of merino wool cycling jerseys, a material known for retaining heat while wicking sweat. Unfortunately, these are rare and often expensive, but you can get the best of both worlds by purchasing a merino base layer to wear under your synthetic jersey.
One of the main features that differentiates a lycra sports top from a cycling jersey is the pockets found on the torso. Typically, road cycling tops will have a few on the back, which allows you to store food, gels, keys, your phone or whatever else you'd like to take with you.
We recommend looking for at least three pockets. Don't be put off if they're hemmed rather than zipped – this makes them easy to reach into without breaking your stride. If you do want something secure, however, some jerseys do offer an additional zip pocket alongside the others.
If you’re partial to a late night or early morning ride, then we would say it’s certainly worth looking for a jersey that comes with a reflective logo, pattern or stripes. You'll be all the more visible to other road users, which can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Furthermore, while reflective accents can help, there’s also the option to go for a brighter colour to increase your visibility. This can be achieved by not just a bold hi-vis hue, but also by simply opting for white over black. Either way, stepping away from the dark neutrals will play a part in your safety.
Finally, you might want to consider the length of the zipper. All cycling jerseys come with one down the centre, though most riders preferring a full-length style because it offers better ventilation and is easier to slip off. However, they can be harder to put on due to their snugness.
To avoid this, you could instead go for a partial zip. These will come down between 1/3 or 2/3 of the jersey, and while they don’t offer quite as much breathability, their pull-over style is considered easier to get on and off. That said, if you’ve chosen the correct size, slipping a full zip on shouldn’t be too much hassle.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gore Wear C5 Optiline Jersey | £60.00 Mid | A Mid-Priced Jersey That Hits All the Right Notes | ||
2 | Rapha Pro Team Training Jersey | £90.00 High Mid | Quality and Style for Beginners and Beyond | ||
3 | Sportful Fiandre NoRain Men's Cycling Jersey | £135.00 High Mid | The Best Option for Weatherproofing | ||
4 | Boardman Thermal Cycling Jersey | £25.00 Low Mid | A Smart Thermal Jersey for the Colder Months | ||
5 | Castelli Entrata V T-Shirt | £67.49 Mid | Extra Comfort Means You Can Focus On Riding | ||
6 | Sundried Long Sleeve Road Bike Jersey | £28.35 Low Mid | A Stylish and Retro Italian-Inspired Design | ||
7 | Dooy Short Sleeve MTB Shirt | £12.93 Low | Ideal for Nighttime Summer Rides | ||
8 | Gore Wear C7 Jersey | £144.99 High Mid | Fantastic Wind Protection Designed for Racing | ||
9 | Bergrisar Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey | £19.99 Low Mid | For Those Who Want a More Relaxed Fit | ||
10 | PEARL iZUMi Pro Leader Jersey | £79.99 High Mid | Say Goodbye to Overheating on Steep Climbs |
Granted, the Gore Wear CS5 is not their latest design, but we feel that for the average rider, this is still more than good enough. The jersey has a classic fit, being slightly longer at the back to ensure it stays tucked in, as well as a full-length zip and a stand-up collar.
Additionally, the jersey adds elements of compression, moisture management and abrasion resistance, ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible during your ride. Available in several colours too, this represents a good mid-way price point for those who are serious about being casual cyclists.
This jersey expertly combines style and quality and, made with comfort in mind, will please both beginners and keen cyclists alike. Small details elevate it further, such as the silicone grippers on the sleeves to keep them in place and a thicker elastic trim on the pockets to prevent the contents from falling out.
Likewise, the construction of the polyester and elastane blend is considered and the design well-thought-out; the panels on the front are open-structured to account for breathability and wicking, whereas those on the back are a little thicker for protection against the sun. We'd expect no less from the experts!
This Sportful Fiandre cycling top comes with some high-tech construction. Unlike many other garments that simply provide breathability, this jersey's panels and covered zip work to protect the rider against both the wind and the rain while still offering that airy aspect.
Plus, the sleeves are that little bit longer, ensuring more coverage, and the quality is great, with many buyers stating it well worth the money. Another reason for this is its versatility – whether worn on top of a merino base layer, with arm warmers or on its own, it'll have your back.
Whether you ride for fitness, commuting or general pleasure, this long sleeve cycling jersey from Boardman will keep you protected no matter what. As the name suggests, this is best suited to the colder months due to the thermal element, though you might get more wear than you think out of it in the UK!
Moreover, the jersey comes with plenty of other desirable features, such as three hemmed back pockets plus an additional zipped one, reflective safety strips and an easy-use full-length zip if you do start to feel overheated.
The history of Castelli is littered with some of the biggest names in Italian sport. The company was initially founded under a different name in the 1870s and clothed AC Milan, Juventus and the Milan Ballet before turning their attention to cycling. Thankfully they did because otherwise, we'd never have this Entrata V T-Shirt.
Not only do we dig the bold red, but the stretch shoulders are super comfortable. Add to that mesh side panels, the brand's GT ProSecco fabric for superior moisture management and the raw cut, non-rolling sleeve hems, and you'll never have to worry about your comfort – all you need to focus on is your riding.
This design from British brand Sundried perfectly encapsulates the retro, Italian-inspired jersey style that many find appealing, with the split grey and black areas and a trusty red strip thrown in for good measure. The typography is pretty smart, too.
Luckily, it has many of the other features we like to see as well, such as a full zip, reflective details and three large pockets for storing your gels and accessories. Unfortunately, the company do not state exactly what the material is and whether it has any stretch, though several riders recommend sizing up.
Here, we have another budget-friendly option. This shirt is ideal for those nighttime summer rides, as the combination of short sleeves and all-over hi-vis will ensure that you stay cool as well as visible. Plus, there are some nifty features, such as lockable zips and non-slipping hems.
It's also great for day rides too, thanks to the inclusion of UPF 50+ sun protection. As you can expect, due to the price, these jerseys perhaps don't have the longevity of some other pieces. Still, if you're just starting out, it's hard to grumble at that cost.
The C7 is the latest jersey from Gore Wear, which has been designed for racing or high-intensity rides with its light yet snug aero fit. It features three hemmed pockets plus an additional zipped pouch for your valuables, and even a panel on the neck to bite down on as you unzip one-handed!
Furthermore, the front and back of the top are constructed of a dense mesh to protect riders against the wind. However, it should be stressed that it doesn't protect against the cold, so again, you'll want to look for additional layers if you plan on going out in the colder months.
This offering from Bergrisar is not only one of our more economical options, but it's also a good pick if you're feeling self-conscious about how tight the average cycling jersey is. You see, this is 100% polyester, so while the fit will still be slim, it doesn't quite have the superhero costume vibes of most options.
There are also in-built waist grippers, which are small strips of silicone that stop the top from riding up when you're in the cycling position. Buyers have found that the material is particularly thin, though, so although it's long sleeve, you might still want to layer up in the cold.
First up in our ranking, we have this short-sleeved option from Pearl iZUMi. These guys have been making top-notch cycling gear for over 65 years, so they know a thing or two about making jerseys. Take this Pro Leader with its brand tech In-R-Cool®, which dries especially fast when sweat starts dripping.
On top of that, the design also incorporates mesh side panels to increase airflow, which will be welcome when you're working your way up a steep climb. Its design is definitely a little niche, having moved away from the slick, retro Italian graphics of late, but it still has a lot to offer.
Buying any sports-related gear can be a stress, as there are so many different types promising this that and the other – so how do you know which are worth kitting yourself out with? Check out more of our bike-related guides below to figure out exactly that.
Whether you plan on cruising along the roadside or climbing tough, steep hills, we hope that you have found this article informative and it's pointed you in the right direction. All that's left to do is slip into one and get out there to test it!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Gore Wear|C5 Optiline Jersey
No. 2: Rapha|Pro Team Training Jersey
No. 3: Sportful Fiandre|NoRain Men's Cycling Jersey
No. 4: Boardman|Thermal Cycling Jersey
No. 5: Castelli|Entrata V T-Shirt
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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