Yes, you could wear a T-shirt, but there's a reason cycling jerseys exist. The classic three pockets at the back give you space to store food and spares, and a less baggy fit than a normal sports top stops them flapping at high speed.
Things have come a long way since the days of wool or thick polyester, with aerodynamic fabrics, additional cargo capacity, mesh panels for the hottest days and thermal, wind-resistant materials for colder conditions. Some brands have even gone full circle and now make high-performance wool jerseys.
Last updated on 10th of February 2026
In the Northern Hemisphere, we have all but forgotten the feeling of the sun on our skin. That means we have been out testing jerseys as part of our layering system. The guide has been updated to help riders pick jersey options which are more comfortable in winter weather.
Best Cycling Jerseys
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best all-round cycling jersey
✅ You want a close yet comfortable fit: Modern tailoring and well apointed detailing is versitile and looks great.
✅ You want a versitile summer jersey: Material weight is airy enough for warm days but also works well when worn with a baselayer and/or arm warmers.
❌ You want bright colours or bold design: Neutral colour pallette doesnt stand out in the crowd.
❌ You want a zipped pocket: There is no secure zipped rear pocket for important and valuable items.
For general riding, I reckon this is a pretty perfect choice, especially taking into account more modern riding styles. It's got a modern cut, with sleeves that truncate just above the elbow; not only does this look good, but it means when you're wearing arm warmers, they're less likely to detach from underneath.
The torso is a little longer than others, which is great for tall riders or just those who aren't riding in a particularly aggressive position. This means it also works well for gravel. There’s also a women’s specific version available.
The main body is light and airy, though nowhere near as meshy as those in the lightweight section. I like the fact that the shoulders and sleeves use a more sturdy fabric, as these are often wear points when layering, or if you're wearing a hydration vest, as is becoming increasingly common.
The pockets are deep enough to comfortably house a generously sized phone, and stretchy enough for you to stuff all manner of layers in. I'd have liked to have seen a zipped valuables pocket, but I think Albion is probably pitching this at riders who are wearing cargo bibs anyway.
The colour choice is limited, but the colours on offer are neutral enough to go with most things. Fewer options, too, means less waste, which is to be applauded.
You can read my full Albion All Road Jersey review for more.
Best aero cycling jersey
✅ You want a close aerodynamic fit: Rapha has eliminated all bunching or loose material to enhance aerodynamics giving the jersey a supportive and purposeful fit.
❌ You want lots of pocket storage: Althoguht the pockets are bigger than most other aero jerseys, they won't fit much more thana phone and a mid ride snack.
I'll caveat this with 'I don't own a wind tunnel', but of all the aero jerseys I've tried, this one feels the most aero. The fit is as skintight as you can get, and the sleeves especially have a heavy compression that gives a feeling of support when riding in an aggressive position. The wide neck isn't going to be to everyone's tastes visually, but it's certainly the order of the day amongst the pro peloton.
Unlike the others in this list, the aero fabric, usually reserved just for the sleeves, also extends up and covers the shoulders. Given the shoulders are one of your leading edges, this seems like a no-brainer. Having worn both the old version and this one, this one is more comfortable, which is always a bonus.
Such a clear focus on speed comes with some sacrifices. The short torso works best if you ride in a very aggressive position; if you're tall, and ride in a more upright position (especially if your bibs have a low front), then you may end up exposing your stomach. The pockets are also rather small, though oddly they feel more roomy than the Pro Team Training jersey, where you'd think more pocket space would be useful.
There are seven colours to choose from and all are neutral so will work with most other things. I'd also advise using a sleeveless base layer here, as the compressive fit of the sleeves means any short sleeves will roll up as soon as you put the jersey on.
Read my Rapha Pro Team Aero jersey review for more detail.
Best budget cycling jersey
✅ You want a pro-style jersey: The budget price tag hasn't come at the sacrifice of modern tailoring and styling.
✅ You want practical pocket features: Extra hip pockets and a secure valuables pocket add useful storage options.
❌ You need large storage capacity: The pockets aren’t very spacious, limiting what you can carry.
❌ You are a careless washer: I recommend only gentle washes as some stitching on my test jersey came loose .
Van Rysel has made great strides into making itself into a powerhouse of performance for those on tighter budgets, obviously helped by coming under the gigantic Decathlon umbrella. It sponsors pro team Decathlon CMA CGM and has stepped up its game big time.
The Road Racer 2 jersey does give that pro-tier feeling but at a price that puts most of the big players to shame, coming in easily 1/3 of some of them.
The fit is excellent, especially in the sleeves, which have raw edges but are finished with small strips of silicone dots on the inside to keep them in place. You even get an extra two pockets on the hips, which are perfect for stuffing empty jersey wrappers.
The rear pockets aren't the largest, but they're bigger than some and you still get a zipped valuables one in the centre too.
The main fabric is thicker, with more breathable shoulders, sides, and sleeves, making it a great all-rounder. It's definitely race-fit though, so may not totally be to the tastes of those looking to purchase a first jersey.
Finally, a pair of small details but ones I rate very highly: The labels are stitched onto flaps of Lycra material, which themselves are then stitched into the jersey. This means you can snip the material and remove the labels wholesale without leaving any scratchy ends. Also, the hem of the rear pockets is doubled over, so it forms a flap to help stop things from falling out.
Watch out when washing though - I found the stitching can come loose easily on the pockets. Your best bet is to wash it inside a mesh bag on a gentle synthetic cycle.
You can read more in my review of the Van Rysel Racer 2 cycling jersey.
Best gravel cycling jersey
✅ You want comfort and durability: The Merino wool blend is soft against the skin, and stretch woven ripstop panels add structure and reinforcement, it looks great too.
✅ You want functional storage: The jersey has well-placed, reinforced pockets with an elastic edge to keep items secure on rough terrain.
❌ You want an ultra-light jersey for hot weather: While versatile, it may be too thick for peak summer rides compared to lightweight mesh options.
The gravelification of everything has seen some gravel-specific jerseys go a little over the top in terms of features. For me, the Maap Alt_Road jersey hits the sweet spot in terms of adding extra functionality, whilst still remaining a very good jersey.
In reality, this is a great jersey for all riding, and it's one I choose for road rides a lot. The fit is aero thanks to the modern cut, giving a close and supportive feel when worn. Inside the jersey, Maap uses a low-pile Merino wool blend and is superbly soft against bare skin. It could easily have gone in the wool section, to be honest, but it feels more gravelly to me. Stretch woven ripstop side body panels add some structure to the jersey.
Maap hasn't gone overboard with the pockets, instead, they have stuck with the proven rear trio with an additional zipped valuables pocket on the left-hand side. The pockets are reinforced with a stretch ripstop Cordura material to keep items from moving around while riding and an elasticated edge which stops items from escaping on rough terrain.
For general use, it's about the right thickness, though for high summer travelling, you'd maybe want to just opt for one of the mesh jerseys from the lightweights section. Unlike the 1/4 zip Alt_Road jersey I've tried, this version has a full zip, which helps vent.
If aesthetics are important to you then then Maap's Alt_Road collection is likely already on your radar. The jersey from this collection is one of the nicest-looking, I've come across, particularly for that gravelly/all-road look.
For more details, check out our full Maap Alt_Road jersey review.
Best merino cycling jersey
✅ You want temperature adaptability: Although its very thin, the Merino blend fabric keeps you cool in the heat and provides warmth when temperatures drop, plus it retains its warmth when wet and drys quickly.
✅ You want a wide range of size options: Velocio offers its jerseys in broad size range between XS and 4XL.
❌ You want large, strong, and supportive pockets: The lightweight material struggles to support heavier items, causing bouncing and sagging.
This is the most woolly of all the jerseys, and it's magnificent. The Concept Merino jersey is 3/4 merino wool, but it is really thin so it doesn't feel heavy at all. I found it supremely comfortable and extremely breathable too. The fit is pretty trim, though the material stretches a lot more easily than most Lycra options.
The cut is pretty neat too, with shoulder seams that divert down so that any backpack straps are less likely to rest on the seams. The arms are good and long, though they have no grippers at the end; good for comfort, but it does make them prone to riding up.
Because the material lacks that sturdy supportive feel that thicker Lycra has it means that the rear pockets, large though they are, can make the whole jersey feel a little saggy if they're stuffed full - keep the heavy things stored on the bike is my advice.
While it's certainly one of the more premium jerseys on this list, it has added versatility that you can't get elsewhere. Because it is so thin and made of wool, it can act as a really good secondary baselayer. In the winter, I'll often layer this over another merino base to create a super cosy setup that fits even under racy rain gear like the new Castelli Gabba.
Like a Merino base layer, the Concept jersey will slowly loosen with wear, but shrink a little when washed. Wash it carefully, too, or you could shrink it, and don't put it anywhere near a tumble dryer!
As an added bonus, it also comes in a long-sleeved version. You can read more in my Velocio Concept bib shorts and merino jersey review.
Best long sleeve cycling jersey
✅ You want a race-fit jersey: It has an impeccable fit with slight sleeve compression, ensuring it stays in place during long rides.
✅ You want versatility: Suitable for a range of temperatures, it works well with different base layers and can be worn comfortably in mild to warm conditions.
❌ You want maximum warmth: It lacks insulation and is cooler than some short-sleeve jerseys, making it unsuitable for deep winter or slower-paced rides.
❌ You want fully secure pockets: The pockets rely on fabric stretch rather than elastic, which may not be secure enough for rough terrain or off-road riding.
Until very recently, long-sleeved cycling jerseys were designed almost exclusively for cold-weather riding but many brands now offer thinner long-sleeved jerseys versions that work across a range of conditions, and the Maap Evade Pro is my pick.
The fit is beautiful, aided by open mesh, and high-stretch sleeves which mean no flapping. I am relatively lanky, so I'm almost always left with jerseys that are too short in the arms - not the case here, with enough material to more than cover my entire wrist.
The body is constructed of non-perforated Lycra of a thickness that is similar to many of the short-sleeve options. If it's cool, you can throw a merino base layer on, and a gilet. Colder still and it'll work well as a mid-layer with a winter jacket on.
It's still definitely more attuned to high-tempo riding, and not one for proper deep winter, but as a long-sleeve option for shoulder season you'll probably get more use out of it than a dedicated deep winter jersey.
When the mercury rises, you can easily use it in temperatures approaching or even exceeding 20-25 degrees Celsius. While my preference is normally for a short sleeve above 20, if you want extra sun coverage without overheating, then this is also a brilliant option.
My Maap Evade Pro Base LS Jersey 2.0 review has all the gritty details, should you wish to know more.
Best lightweight cycling jersey
✅ You want maximum breathability: The jersey is mostly made from a polyester mesh that uses a grid pattern, making it perfect for hot and humid conditions.
✅ You want a jersey without an extreme race cut: It has a very comfortable fit with zero restrictions, comfortable in all the right places. The cut is classy and well executed.
❌ You're on a tight budget: You won't be disappointed with this jersey, but you can be perfectly comfortable in a jersey that costs less than half as much.
The Q36.5 Dottore Pro jersey is a lightweight, breathable option available in nine colours and eight sizes, weighing just 109g in size S.
The jersey is made from a gridded mesh fabric. Hold it up to the light, and you can see the light shining through the hundreds of small dots that are all over the jersey. The brand also uses 2% silver ions, which are claimed to enhance moisture transfer and thermoregulation.
The fit is where this jersey really shines. The brand describes it as one for purists, and it certainly feels that way. It stands apart from many of today’s ultra-tight race-cut jerseys with its slightly more relaxed fit. Reviewer Tom particularly appreciated the comfort, with no feeling of restriction or excessive compression.
Tom also found it performed impressively across a range of conditions, coping well with both heat and rain. The fabric dries quickly after getting wet and remains comfortable to wear, even when muddy.
There's also ample pocket space, with three good-sized pockets and an additional zippered pocket, so it's ideal for longer rides too.
Tom's only minor criticism is the sleeve finishing, which isn’t quite perfect for a jersey of this price.
You can read more in our Q36.5 Dottore Pro jersey review.
Also consider: all-round cycling jerseys
➕ Aero look, but less restrictive
➖ High collar feels a bit odd
If you're after a pro look, but don't want the restrictive feel and shorter torso of an aero jersey, then this is a great choice. The long, mesh sleeves and solid fabric body are the inverse of the Albion, but it works well. The fabrics feel very premium, and the hem especially does a great job of staying put. The real stars for me are the pockets; the hem of them has a large stiffener, which ensures they sit flat when empty and also keeps everything secure. The collar is my main gripe, as for a summer-weight jersey I prefer a collarless option, but when unzipped even slightly, it sits flush and poses no real issue.
Read our Attaquer All Day jersey review here.
➕ Aero fit, without the squeeze
➖ Shorter torso less ideal for tall riders
Rapha's 'training' range is excellent in my eyes because it offers the 'pro fit' and aesthetic that many of us crave, without you having to go the whole hog and commit to the full aero jersey. This is the most snug-fitting of all in this section and is similar to the Pro Team Aero Jersey, but the materials are more stretchy, especially in the sleeves and shoulders, so it feels easier to move in. It also doesn't have the wide neck of many modern aero jerseys, either. Unless you're riding against the clock or actually racing, this is about as aero as you'd need for everyday. If you're tall, watch out for the short torso, and like the Aero jersey, it also has relatively small pockets.
Also consider: aero cycling jerseys
➕ Aero fabrics
➖ Small pockets
The Castelli Aero Race 8S jersey is a fantastic race day option that combines modern fabrics and a perfect fit to create something that's surprisingly comfortable given the silhouette. Castelli’s previous aero jersey offering, the Aero Race 7, was certainly a good jersey but now, gone are the smooth sleeves, and in comes heavily textured fabrics, massive perforations, and a very modern fit that puts it among the very best aero jerseys out there. The pockets are minimal, but this isn't a jersey for an all-day epic.
Here's our review of the Castelli Aero Race 8S Jersey.
➕ Normal neck
➖ Short sleeves by modern standards
The feel of the Assos Equipe RS is somewhere between the Pro Team and the Castelli; lightly compressive, especially in the sleeves, but with a more stretchy body. The sleeves are short for current tastes, but the neck is normal, which will be great for those of you who want a proper aero jersey without that wide-necked look. The body panels are also well thought out, with a more solid fabric on the front and upper back where the wind will hit, and an open mesh similar to those in the lightweight section on the lower back to help dump heat better when riding full gas.
Read our Assos Equipe RS Jersey S11 review for more.
➕ Aero fit on a budget
➖ Less premium fabrics
It's no secret that Endura does a great job of offering quality gear to those on smaller budgets, and the Pro SL Race Jersey is no exception. You still get that aero fit and aesthetic, but in a package crucially under the £100/$140 mark. The sleeves are similar in length to the Assos option, and the body is similar in feel to the Castelli, though the main body fabric is the same on the front and the rear, with only a small amount of mesh on the sides to aid the fit. It feels less premium than the others, but it's also a lot cheaper. For fans of real-world usability, the pockets are also good and roomy, too. It’s no longer available in the blue pictured above, but it comes in ink blue, mustard, and pomegranate.
Also consider: budget cycling jerseys
➕ Classic looks
➖ Short sleeves
The Rapha Core jersey is effectively a more modern iteration of the brand's timeless Classic Jersey. It's a little dearer than the Van Rysel offering, but it's cut a little less aggressively too, making it likely more of a friendly purchase for more riders. The whole thing is constructed from the same fabric that's thinner than the Altura, and thicker than the Van Rysel, and not perforated at all. The fit is great, though the sleeves are the brand's more old-school length and are a little short nowadays. The aesthetics though are absolutely classic, drawing on a lot of brand heritage. My main gripe is the pockets, which on the side ones are pretty small. Block colours only, but the colour range is broad with enough options to suit most tastes, from high-vis pink through to earthy tones.
Also consider: lightweight cycling jerseys
➕ Less transparent
➖ Less breathable
It's safe to say that the mesh look isn't necessarily for everyone. Stepping out of the house in something close to the emperor's new jersey takes a bit of getting used to. The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight jersey offers a solid alternative, with a breathable front that isn't overly translucent, and a more solid rear and sleeves. It looks similar to the others under studio lighting, but on the road, it looks far more solid. The fit is similar to the other Pro Team options, with a slight compression. For riders who aren't always heading out in 30-degree heat, this will probably see more use as an all-purpose summer option.
➕ Comfortable
➖ Short rear cut
Designed to provide low weight and all-round performance, the Mechanism jersey comes in 18 different colours and is made of a light mesh fabric, although the front panel is opaque and feels a little more basic. PNS has lowered the collar for 2025 and improved the zippered pocket, making it less visible. Tom's testing of the jersey revealed zero niggles and either in fit or performance and there's lots of pocket room. The cut at the rear is a little short with some bib shorts, although PNS says this is to keep pocket contents from bouncing.
Read more in our Pas Normal Studios Mechanism jersey review.
➕ Performance in hot weather is impressive
➕ Distinctive styling works well
➖ No aero performance claims
Designed for hot-weather riding in a lightweight package, the Pro Air 3.0 builds on the 2.0 with improvements across the board, from fabric choice and breathability to pocket design and overall fit. It has since become one of Andy’s go-to jerseys for warm conditions, with very little to criticise. The fabric is incredibly comfortable, and there is a high percentage of recycled material used in construction, in this case, 89% recycled polyester. The styling is distinctive, featuring fourteen different logo variations from across its previous designs, and Andy feels it works well here, though that will be subjective.
Read more in our MAAP Pro Air 3.0 jersey review.
Also consider: gravel cycling jerseys
➕ Many pockets
➖ Old school looks
If you need maximum carrying capacity, then this is the jersey for you. The Rapha Brevet Jersey is one of the first items the brand released with the aim of servicing the long-distance cycling community, and set the trend for the rest of the collection regarding additional storage. You get five pockets at the rear - three large rear pockets and one zipped pocket on either side, which I find perfect for keys and cards. This lightweight version is ideal for hotter climbs, while the standard weight is likely perfect for UK weather most of the time. There's also a thick reflective band across the body which is great for increasing visibility in low light conditions.
We have a full review of the previous generation Rapha Brevet jersey here.
➕ 7 Pockets
➖ Internal stitching on the rear is itchy
If you're gravelling on a budget, then the GV500 Reiver jersey is a great one to go for. You get the additional carrying capacity of two hip pockets and a chest pocket for valuables, along with a slightly less skintight fit that'll perhaps come in handy for big days in the saddle. The shoulders and outer sleeves are constructed from a more sturdy material, which will help if you run a hydration pack, and the body is pretty well perforated for when the mercury rises. There is a central strip down the spine, which looks good but it means you have two seams which run down your shoulder blades - one to wear a base layer with in my opinion.
Also consider: merino cycling jerseys
➕ Modern looks and performance
➖ Some synthetic panels
Merino jerseys have a bit of an old-fashioned look, most of the time. The Signature Merino Tech Jersey from Isadore bucks that trend, with a modern cut and a slightly different use of merino wool. Unlike the Velocio of Rapha options, the main fabric uses a grid structure on the inside, consisting of small squares of tiny loops of wool, with the gaps between them helping ventilation. This means you get added insulation without sacrificing breathability. If you're after a fully woolly jersey, this isn't the one though, as Isadore has opted to use synthetic panels down the sides and under the arms - this helps in what is usually quite a sweaty area, but that's also where one might want the claimed anti-odour properties of merino, too.
➕ Great pockets
➖ Low wool content
It is perhaps a little unfair to pop this in the Merino section, as the overall wool content is only 20%, but if you look past this, it's a great jersey, especially for long/multiple days in the saddle - it could easily have gone into the gravel section. There are two extra hip pockets, and a larger-than-usual valuables one on the back, and a large chest pocket on the front. If you're using a hydration vest or even a backpack, the shoulders are reinforced with a more durable, ripstop outer fabric. The colour selections on offer are minimal, but all are gorgeous in my view, and look extremely premium, especially if you pair them with the matching bib shorts.
Also consider: long sleeve cycling jerseys
➕ Mesh back enhances ventilation
➖ Neck maybe a little snug for some
Heat management is vital for being comfortable on the bike, you can wrap up to protect from the cold but as soon as you hit a climb flutuating temperatures will quickly make things uncomfortable. To better stabalise temperatures Assos has an insulated front to protect from cold winds while a mesh back section allows heat and moisture to easily escape. Not only have I found this to be very effective when working hard on climbs I haven't been left feeling cold either. When temperatures dipped lower in winter I found it paired really well with a winter jacket as a mid layer too. It has a racey fit yet the tailoring ensures theres no restrictions to movement either although I did find the collar to be a little tight.
➕ Storage for all your layers
➖ Short sleeves
So many of the features that make the Brevet jersey so good for cycle touring/bikepacking also make its long-sleeved sibling brilliant in the colder months. The extra pocket space can swallow more or less all the layers you could ever want to carry, and the looser fit makes more sense when you're not giving it both barrels. The material, too, is warm and comfortable, and the reflective stripes make even more sense in winter than they do in summer. The sleeves are a little short for my gangly arms however, so if you get cold hands you'll want to wear gloves with a large cuff, though this isn't an issue if you're not riding a very long bike.
➕ Excellent fit
➕ Extremely breathable
➖ Quite a high RRP for what is on offer
The MAAP Aeon LS jersey is well executed, with a simple pattern and clean design that avoids anything superfluous. Despite the long sleeves, it’s best viewed as a summer jersey, and is by far the lightest and most breathable long-sleeved jersey Will has come across, with the Polartech Delta fabric working very well indeed. The fit is exceptional - Will notes that he’s rarely worn a long-sleeve jersey that fits this well or feels this comfortable, while still remaining close-fitting enough to avoid any flapping. There's nothing to complain about in the pocket department either; they're roomy, easy to get to and don't seem to mind being loaded up, despite the meshy nature of the jersey as a whole.
Read more in our MAAP Aeon LS jersey review.
How to choose the best cycling jersey for you
Along with a pair of cycling shorts, a cycling jersey is usually the first bit of kit that people buy. Here's how to choose:
- What size do I need? Many jerseys fit tightly, although some are more relaxed. Size is important to ensure a cycling jersey performas at its best, so make sure you've got the size right.
- What fit do I want? Are you looking for aero gains, long sleeves, low weight or just something that will look good at the cafe stop?
- What fabric do I want? Do I want good airflow, extra insulation, weatherproofing, synthetic or some merino wool content?
- What colour should I choose? Lighter colours are more comfortable on hot rides while brighter colours may help your road presence.
- Do I want pockets? They're almost a given for road cycling jerseys but do differ in size and number and you don't always get a valuables pocket.
- How much to spend? Cycling jerseys can be expensive, but lower priced options can do the job almost as well, particularly if you're not after pro-level performance.
Everything you need to know about the best cycling jerseys
Do cycling jerseys make a difference?
In almost all metrics you can consider, a cycling jersey is going to be objectively better than even a basic sports top. Cycling jerseys are cut for life on the bike, often with a lower rear hem and a more cropped front so that your lower back is covered when you're bent over, and so as to avoid any material bunching up.
At even moderate speeds, a loose top will flap annoyingly, while a cycling jersey will be much more form-fitting. Not only is this less annoying, but it also makes cycling easier as you'll have noticeably lower air resistance.
Lastly, there isn't a great deal of storage space on a bike, unless you strap some fashionable bags to it. The standard three back pockets mean you can store food, repair tools, a phone, some cash, and everything else you need for a big day out. As the load rests on your back, it doesn't flap about.
What type of cycling jersey do I need?
We have broken down this guide into six different categories: all-round, aero, budget, lightweight, gravel, merino and long sleeve. There is a lot of crossover between the different jerseys, but they all excel in their own way.
Best all-around cycling jerseys
If you're after a high-performance, general-purpose cycling jersey, then you're in the right place. The best all-rounders tend to have a tight fit and use lightweight fabrics without opting for the mesh you'll see in the lightweight section. Likewise, there's little aero fabric on show. They can be turned to most applications. If it's hot, perhaps wear it without a base layer. If it's cold, use a warm base layer and some arm warmers. If you're not sure what kind of jersey you want, get one of these.
Aero jerseys are here for those of you who want to go as fast as possible. A tighter fit, usually combined with a shorter torso for riding in an aero position is usually what defines them. Longer sleeves, too, with fabrics designed specifically to cut through the air more efficiently. As the majority of your drag comes from your body, the gains that can be realised through clothing can be far greater than through bike-based hardware.
Budget means different things to different people, but I accept that cycling continues to become an increasingly expensive pastime. Regardless, that doesn't mean there aren't some great cycling jerseys out there that are far more wallet-friendly. You'll usually expect a slightly looser fit and a simpler series of panels to keep costs down. If you're just getting started, then any of the jerseys here will stand you in good stead.
Best lightweight cycling jerseys
Lightweight jerseys aren't really about saving grams, though that's a secondary benefit. They exist for riding in the hottest weather. Muggy climbs, and high summer excursions become a lot more comfortable with the liberal use of mesh fabrics. This allows the wind to more effectively cool you, but a word to the wise - don't forget your sunscreen. Mesh doesn't block UV, and if you're wearing a heart rate monitor strap you can pick up some truly sensational tan lines.
Ah, gravel... It seems there has to be a gravel subset for every product category nowadays and cycling jerseys are no different. I will say that, unless you need the additional features on offer, any of the jerseys in this guide are absolutely perfect for gravel riding too. Gravel-specific jerseys tend to differentiate themselves by adding extra pockets so you can more easily carry food and spares as you head off the beaten track. They are fortunately starting to move away from 'gravel-specific' olive green.
Back in the day - I'm talking from the start of cycling through to the 80s - all cycling jerseys were made of wool. Synthetic fabrics dominate now, but a few brands utilise merino wool in whole or in part in their jerseys. There are benefits in terms of temperature regulation and anti-smell, but also given that the constituent fabrics don't rely on petroleum, they are seen as a more sustainable option too. Personally, I think they make great options for shoulder season riding in changeable weather, and for bikepacking, as they tend to take longer to get really stinky.
Best long-sleeved cycling jerseys
The range of long-sleeved jerseys is slightly less full than that of short-sleeved jerseys, but there are still numerous options out there. Many of the short-sleeved jerseys we have featured come in long-sleeved versions. Given their greater coverage, they are best suited to cool or cold days. The options we have highlighted all have a standout feature or two that mark them out for specific situations, though all work relatively well as generalists and as part of a greater layering strategy.
Do I wear anything under a cycling jersey?
Unlike cycling shorts, which are definitely designed to be worn without underwear, what you wear under a cycling jersey is less important. Don't wear cotton though, as it'll just soak up sweat, stay soggy, and stink. I tend to only wear a cycling base layer in the winter, but many riders prefer to wear a mesh layer next to their skin to avoid the feeling of the jersey sticking to them.
How should I layer cycling clothing?
Getting dressed for a bike ride is pretty easy in the summer months, but in winter, dressing appropriately becomes more challenging.
It's important to start with a good base layer to wick sweat away and help regulate body temperature. Over this, a cycling jersey can provide light insulation and breathability. In changeable conditions, adding a cycling gilet or waterproof jacket can help protect from wind and rain and can easily be taken off and put in your back pocket if needed.
In cooler months, a standard jersey may be replaced with a thermal one and a thicker, winter cycling jacket added on top.
For a deeper dive into how to stay comfortable on the bike, no matter the weather, see our Dress for success feature.
What is the best material for a cycling jersey?
Variations on polyester are the norm, with thicker or more mesh options depending on temperature. The majority of cycling jerseys will be made of synthetic materials, but for some riders, there's no beating Merino.
Wool may sound like it'll be roasting, but thin merino can be extremely breathable, but somehow also able to keep you warmer if the temperatures drop. It's relatively common to also see a blend of merino and polyester to get the best of both worlds.
Some jerseys will feature waterproof or windproof panels on the front for added weather protection when the weather is changeable.
How should a cycling jersey fit?
Variations on 'tight'. You don't want it to be baggy or it'll flap, and whatever is in your pockets will wallow about. On the flip side, if it's too tight it can be uncomfortable. You should be able to pull the material away from your skin.
The more race-oriented a jersey is (aero jerseys, primarily) the more like a second skin it'll be designed to fit, so pick your fit based on the kind of riding you want to do.
Do all cycling jerseys have a zipper?
Until recently this would be a simple 'yes'. The vast majority have a zip in some form, whether a full zip, a half zip, or a quarter zip. Some very racy options though have no zip and are effectively a skin-tight T-shirt, but cut for cycling and with some pockets. As a zip helps vent heat, zipperless jerseys tend to be made of more breathable materials to avoid overheating.
How many pockets should my cycling jersey have?
The standard is three across the lower back, but treat that as a minimum. Ideally, you'll have a zipped pocket for valuables like keys and a credit card, but some jerseys now offer double-stacked pockets for extra capacity, internal mesh pockets, and a chest one for other small items. These help if you have a specific purpose, and don't cause any hindrance, but for general riding they're not always necessary.
What extra features should I look for?
There isn't a great deal of room for adding bells and whistles, especially at the racy end of the market. You can look for more pockets and things like that, but the extra features tend to come in the form of more advanced materials. More aerodynamic fabrics that help the airflow detach, or more breathable fabrics for the hottest days. Even compressive fabrics to support your muscles can be found if you want to pay the premium for the claimed benefits.
What's the best cycling jersey for bigger riders?
Sadly cycling apparel has a way to go in terms of properly catering to all body types. The majority of brands seem to top out at 2XL, while Velocio does go up to 4XL in some styles, which is definitely to be applauded.
How do we test the best cycling jerseys?
Time in the saddle is the short answer. Across the tech team, we've worn countless jerseys in all conditions, often outside the realms of what they were designed for to see how they cope with wet weather, high or low temperatures, and on long days to see if they remain comfy.
What's more, given how much riding we all do, they get washed regularly to see how they hold up longer term too.
We've also taken jerseys and skinsuits to the wind tunnel to test their effect on rider aerodynamics, with the report available to Cyclingnews subscribers.
Testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews and how we test is taken seriously, so read on to find out more.
