Cycling Jerseys

A cycling jersey, also called a cycle shirt or road jersey, is specifically developed for cycling: breathable and quick-drying material that rapidly wicks away sweat, a longer back section that covers your back in the bent riding position and back pockets for food and small items. Whether you are road cycling, cycling for triathlon or heading out recreationally — a good cycling jersey keeps you comfortable and allows you to fully focus on the ride.

The range consists of cycling jerseys for men and women, with sleeveless, short sleeves and long sleeves as the three main sleeve variants. The fit ranges from a tight race fit for cyclists to a roomier relaxed fit for recreational cyclists. The most important selection criteria are the sleeve length matched to the season, the fit that suits your riding style, and whether the jersey has sufficient pockets and zip options for your use.

Which cycling jersey suits you?

The right choice depends on when and how you cycle, and which fit suits you. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You cycle competitively or at a high recreational level and want maximum aerodynamics and comfort on the bike: Choose a cycling jersey with a race fit. These jerseys fit closely to the body, minimise air resistance and are made of materials that ventilate and wick moisture optimally even at high intensity. The longer back section and silicone grippers at the base ensure the jersey stays in place even during intensive rides.

You cycle recreationally or for enjoyment and want a comfortable jersey that is not too tight: Choose a cycling jersey with a relaxed or club fit. More freedom of movement, less tight, but still breathable and with the functional properties that distinguish a cycling jersey from an ordinary sports shirt: back pockets, quick-drying material and a longer back section.

You cycle in summer or on warm days and want maximum cooling: Choose a sleeveless cycling jersey. Without sleeves the airflow along your body is optimal and you dissipate body heat quickly. Ideal for summer rides, sportive training in warm weather or if you heat up quickly. Sleeveless jerseys are available for men and women.

You cycle year-round and want one jersey for most conditions: A cycling jersey with short sleeves is the most versatile choice. Suitable for spring, summer and warm autumn days. Short sleeves offer slightly more protection than sleeveless in gusts of wind, without becoming too warm during active exertion.

You cycle in spring or autumn or in changeable weather and want to protect your arms: Choose a cycling jersey with long sleeves. That keeps your arms warm at cooler temperatures and protects against wind. Cycling jerseys with long sleeves are made of lighter material than cycling jackets and are therefore the best choice when it is cool but not cold.

What to look for when purchasing?

Fit and cut

The fit is the most determining selection criterion. A race fit is cut narrow and is intended to give as little air resistance as possible in the bent riding position. A club fit has more room and is more comfortable in more upright or less sporty riding positions. Choose the fit based on how you ride, not just on body height. A cyclist who rides in a low position benefits more from a race fit; a recreational cyclist who rides upright feels more comfortable in a roomier cut.

Material and moisture wicking

Cycling jerseys are made of quick-drying, breathable synthetic fabrics that rapidly transport sweat away from the skin. Better jerseys use multiple fabric panels with different properties: thinner fabric under the arms for extra ventilation, denser fabric on the chest for wind resistance. Some jerseys have extra UV protection, which gives a noticeable advantage on long rides in the sun.

Back pockets

Virtually all cycling jerseys have two or three pockets on the back. Look at the number of pockets, the size and whether there is a zipped pocket for valuable items such as your phone or money. Pockets on the back are accessible from the riding position without dismounting. More pockets is more convenient on longer rides where you want to take more food or material.

Front zip closure

A full zip closure at the front lets you open the jersey completely for extra ventilation during intense rides or on warm days. A half zip is subtler and suffices for most conditions. Some jerseys have no zip, which gives an even tighter silhouette but less ventilation. Choose based on the intensity and temperature at which you most often cycle.

Grippers at the base

Silicone grippers at the bottom of the jersey prevent it from riding up during cycling. With a tight race fit grippers are almost standard; with a roomier fit they are less critical but still pleasant. Check whether the jersey has grippers if you cycle in a sporty position where the jersey tends to shift.

Ventilation

Some cycling jerseys have extra mesh panels on the back or under the armpits for better airflow. That makes a noticeable difference during intensive rides in warm weather. If you heat up quickly or cycle a lot in summer, extra ventilation in the jersey is worth considering alongside the sleeve length.

Our advice: Buy your first cycling jersey in a size smaller than you are used to from ordinary clothing. Cycling jerseys are sportily cut and a size too large flaps in the wind, which is both uncomfortable and aerodynamically disadvantageous. If in doubt: go for the smaller size as long as the fit feels comfortable and your arm movements are not restricted.

Choosing sleeve length: sleeveless, short sleeves or long sleeves?

The sleeve length largely determines the season and temperature for which the jersey is suitable. A rule of thumb:

Sleeveless is the warmest choice in terms of ventilation — ideal at temperatures above 20 degrees or during intensive rides where you generate a lot of heat. You have maximum freedom of shoulder movement.

Short sleeves are the most versatile choice. Suitable for temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees and the best-selling variant. A short sleeve offers slightly more protection than sleeveless in wind or sun on the shoulders.

Long sleeves are ideal at temperatures below 15 degrees when you do not yet need a full cycling jacket. They protect your arms against the wind and keep the muscles warm, which also reduces the risk of muscle injuries with cooling down.

Do you want to cycle year-round without a full wardrobe of jerseys? Choose at least a short sleeve as the base model. Combine that for cooler days with arm warmers for extra flexibility without having to buy an extra jersey.

Cycling jersey for men or women?

Men's and women's cycling jerseys are made to the specific body proportions of each gender. A men's jersey has a wider shoulder section and straight cut; a women's jersey is narrower at the shoulders, has more room at the hips and is shorter at the waist for a better fit in the female riding position. If as a woman you wear a men's jersey or vice versa, you compromise both comfort and aerodynamics. Always choose the jersey made for your anatomy.

Who are cycling jerseys suitable for?

• Cyclists who want to ride comfortably and aerodynamically with a jersey that moves with them and does not interfere.
• Triathletes who want to perform optimally on the bike with a jersey that can also be worn in combination with a trisuit or on its own.
• Recreational cyclists who want more comfort than an ordinary sports shirt and want handy back pockets for their items.
• Mountain bikers and gravel cyclists who are looking for a functional jersey that is breathable and holds up in all weather conditions.

A cycling jersey is less suitable if you only make short city trips where comfort comes before performance. In that case ordinary sports clothing suffices. For rides of an hour or longer a cycling jersey is always more comfortable.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a cycling jersey but are not sure which model suits your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cycling jerseys

What is the difference between a cycling jersey and a cycle shirt?

Cycling jersey and cycle shirt are two names for the same product. Cycle shirt is the more traditional term used more in road cycling; cycling jersey is the broader, more common term for all cycling disciplines. You can use the terms interchangeably. Both refer to a sporty shirt with back pockets, quick-drying material and a longer back section for use on the bike.

How do I choose the right size cycling jersey?

Use the brand's size chart and measure your chest circumference as the primary measurement. Cycling jerseys are sportily cut and generally run smaller than ordinary clothing. If you are unsure which size, choose the smaller of two options as long as the fit feels comfortable and your arm movements are not restricted. A jersey that is too large flaps in the wind and is uncomfortable at speed.

What is the difference between a race fit and a relaxed fit cycling jersey?

A race fit is cut narrowly for minimal air resistance in the bent cycling position. It sits tight on the body and sometimes feels tighter on land than you are used to. On the bike in riding position it naturally feels better. A relaxed or club fit has more room and is more comfortable in a more upright riding position or for recreational use. Choose based on how you ride and what position you adopt on the saddle.

Can I combine a short-sleeve cycling jersey with arm warmers?

Yes, and that is precisely a popular combination. Arm warmers are lightweight thin sleeves that you pull over your forearms and that you can remove along the way and put in a back pocket as it gets warmer. That gives you the flexibility of a long-sleeve jersey with the convenience of a short-sleeve jersey. An ideal combination for rides where the temperature varies during the day.

Is a women's cycling jersey different from a men's jersey?

Yes. Women's cycling jerseys are cut to the female anatomy: narrower shoulder section, more room at the hips and a shorter cut at the waist. That gives a better fit and more comfort for women in the riding position. A men's jersey on a woman's body or vice versa always gives a compromise in fit. Always choose the jersey made for your gender for the best combination of comfort and function.