The Best Cycling Jersey: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (12/21)

GORE Wear C5 Men's Cycling Short Sleeve Jersey, L, Black/White

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67.48 GBP

ARSUXEO Men's Cycling Jersey Short Sleeves Mountain Bike Shirt MTB Top Zipper Pockets Reflective ZY845 L

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19.99 GBP

ARSUXEO Men's Cycling Jersey Long Sleeve Half Zipper MTB Bike Shirts 6031 Green M

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22.99 GBP

Sundried Mens Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey Road Bike MTB Bicycle Clothing (Black, M)

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32.00 GBP

More Mile Summer Mens Cycling Jersey Half Zip Short Sleeve Bike Cycle Ride Top (Yellow/Black, L)

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5.99 GBP

ROTTO Cycling Jersey Men Bike Shirt Short Sleeve Cycling Top for MTB Road Bike with Pocket Reflective

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20.99 GBP

Cycling jerseys : Buying and evaluation criteria

Here we have selected the most important features that your cycling jersey should have in order to provide you with the best support for your favourite sport.

Reflectors
Comfort
Moisture management
Zips
Storage space

The selected criteria reflect the most relevant features for cycling jerseys. If you take these features into account when making your purchase, you will be well advised.

Reflectors

In addition to your cycle helmet, reflective content on your cycling jersey is a very important safety aspect to ensure that you reach your destination safely on your bike.

At night, it is very important to have reflective logos, seams or zips on your cycling jersey to draw attention to yourself. You will be seen and noticed more quickly.

This contributes to your own safety.

So make sure you find enough reflectors on your cycling jersey to be seen as well as possible on your bike. Because it gets darker faster in winter, it is of course an even more important factor when it comes to jerseys for winter.

Comfort

Cycling jerseys are tight-fitting and should cover your back. Because you are often in a bent position when cycling, please make sure that the cycling jersey is longer at the back than at the front when you put it on. If this is not the case, the jersey may ride up during the ride and the unprotected area could get cold.

The cycling jersey should not feel too rough on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If the cycling jersey feels too rough, this can lead to skin irritation or even skin injuries during exertion. To prevent injuries, we recommend that you make sure your jersey feels comfortable on your skin. A cycling jersey usually fits tightly, which is helped by an elasticated waistband on the jersey. When choosing a mountain bike jersey, it does not have to be so tight.

Moisture management

Cycling jerseys should of course keep you warm during the ride. But they should also wick moisture away from your body so that you always stay dry and don't cool down too quickly during short or long breaks.

Comfort is also influenced by good moisture management.

A cycling jersey that does not dry may behave like a wet rag. It stretches and may hinder you when riding your bike. Synthetic fibres are perfectly capable of absorbing your sweat and transporting it to the outside. Synthetic fibres also dry very quickly.

Merino has also become popular in recent years and is recommended. The natural fibre absorbs sweat and prevents unpleasant odours. Merino also insulates very well.

Zips

Cycling jerseys usually have full-length zips to make them easier to put on and take off. Additional pockets on the jersey often also have zips so you can store valuables there without worry. However, zips also serve to regulate heat.

On very warm summer days or steep climbs, it is a good idea to open your zip a little so that more air can get to your body and the heat is better transported to the outside. A quality feature of zips on cycling jerseys is the zipper garage. These are small pockets at the end of the zip to prevent the zip from tearing your cycling shorts. It also helps to prevent the annoying clacking of the zip.

Storage space

Typically, cycling jerseys have several sewn-in pockets that can be used for storage. For example, you can stow your energy gels and bars here, but the pockets can also be used for other racing clothing. You can also stow a rain jacket there, should the weather not be so good on your bike tour.

You can also stow practical gadgets. A small air pump and repair kit can also be stowed in the pockets of your cycling jersey.

This way, you don't have to declare your bike tour over when you have a flat tyre, but can pull your tools out of your bag and happily ride on later. In addition to the typical back pockets, some cycling jerseys have a sewn-in pocket with a zip. Here you can store your valuables. The zip ensures that your stowed items cannot fall out of the pocket, even at high speeds and on winding roads.

Cycling jerseys : Frequently asked questions and answers

Here you will find questions about cycling jerseys. We have selected the most important questions for you and answered them as briefly and informatively as possible. After reading this guide, you should know the most important things about cycling jerseys.

What is the difference between cycling jerseys and other jerseys?

Cycling jerseys are specially designed for the needs of cycling. The jersey has a longer back and an insulated front. The longer cut back is designed to cover the cyclist's back completely, even in a bent-over position on the bike. The insulated front of the cycling jersey, together with the longer back, is designed to keep the cyclist warm.

Cycling jerseys should fit as snugly as possible. This is supported by an elasticated waistband so that the jersey does not flap when riding in the wind. A zip is helpful for putting on and taking off and as an additional ventilation option for the tight jersey. One feature of cycling jerseys are the typical back pockets. This allows cyclists to stow away things that they urgently need or find useful during the cycling tour. Many jerseys also have an additional pocket with a zip for valuables.

Fahrradtrikot -1 — So you can enjoy being on the road for longer. With the right fit and plenty of storage space, a cycling jersey offers a great advantage.
(Image source : Karl Allen Lugmayer / Pixabay)

Cycling jerseys for mountain bikers are cut a little wider and don't necessarily have pockets. So you have more freedom of movement in mountain bike jerseys, but they can flap when you're cycling normally. However, the functional materials used are similar and have similar properties.

Who is a cycling jersey suitable for?

A cycling jersey is a functional shirt with special properties. These properties can offer an advantage not only to professional athletes, but also to amateur athletes, and can significantly increase riding enjoyment.

Cycling jerseys are suitable for every gender and also for children. So cycling jerseys are available separately for women, men and children. There is also no limit to most body types because cycling jerseys are readily available from XS to 4XL, for example on Amazon.

Contact sports and team sports should not be done with a cycling jersey because the jersey can tear quickly there.

Cycling jerseys can also be used for other sports. You should consider the sport for which you want to use it. Jogging or going to the gym are no problem with a cycling jersey.

What types of cycling jerseys are there?

Here we have listed the specific advantages and disadvantages of the different cycling jerseys:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Long-sleeved jerseys	Suitable for colder temperatures, protects arms from UV rays	Heat can build up on warm days
Short-sleeved jerseys	Suitable for warmer temperatures	On cool days you can freeze, less UV protection on the arms
Sleeveless jerseys	Most suitable for hot days	Not suitable for cool days, no UV protection on the arms
Mountain bike jerseys	Tear-resistant and cushioned, fits looser, protects in case of a fall	Can be annoying when road cycling due to the loose fit, often has no pockets and no zip, higher weight due to more material, not suitable for fast riding on a straight track

If you want to buy a cycling jersey, you should decide beforehand what kind of cycling jersey you want. It is important to know when you want to use it.

Fahrradtrikot -2 — With the right jersey, you won't get cold even when you take a break.
(Image source: Hannes Glöckl / unsplash)

If you want to use your cycling jersey more in warmer temperatures, a jersey with short arms or a sleeveless jersey is of course recommended. For cooler seasons, we recommend a long-sleeved jersey. If you prefer mountain biking, we highly recommend a mountain bike jersey.

How much does a cycling jersey cost?

The price range of cycling jerseys is enormous. The supplier, material, type of cycling jersey and intended use are price factors here. The price of a cycling jersey can range from 30 to 200 euros. The price of a mountain bike cycling jersey, on the other hand, can range from cycling jerseys for children can also be purchased at a somewhat lower price.

The price of mountain bike jerseys ranges from 15 to 200 euros. For jerseys for children and youths, the price range goes from 10 to 30 euros. Of course, the size of the child or young person plays a role here.

Type	Cost
Cycling jersey for men and women	approx. 30 to 200 euros
Mountain bike jersey	circa 15 to 200 Euro
Cycling jersey for children and teenagers	circa 10 to 30 Euro

If you want a cycling jersey from a particular brand, this can of course affect the price.

What are the alternatives to a cycling jersey?

If you don't want to buy a cycling jersey, you can of course use alternatives. Here we present some common alternatives:

Alternative	Description
Shirts made of functional material	A functional shirt is made of the same material as a cycling jersey. It often also has a zip. However, functional shirts rarely have pockets. You may need to carry a backpack with you.
Normal T-shirts	Everyone has a normal T-shirt hanging in their wardrobe. It covers the body and keeps you warm. However, when riding on warm days or in the rain, the T-shirt can get soaked and hinder your ride.

You can of course use a different shirt when cycling. Cycling jerseys are designed specifically for cyclists and of course offer advantages over the alternatives.

How do I know that my cycling jersey fits properly?

Your cycling jersey should fit snugly, but not pinch, chafe or rub anywhere.

To ensure that your cycling jersey fits properly, you should make sure that it still covers your entire back even when you are bent over. The front is usually cut a little shorter.

The elasticated waistband on your jersey allows the end of your jersey to fit more snugly. You should make sure that nothing flutters or sags when you ride.

To make sure that your jersey really fits, it is recommended that you always order several sizes so that you have a proper comparison. This comparison is especially important for your first cycling jersey. With cycling jerseys for mountain bikers, you should pay attention to the necessary freedom of movement. Mountain bike jerseys fit a little looser so that the rider has more freedom of movement.

How can I print my cycling jersey?

It is possible to design and print your own cycling jersey on the internet. Various providers provide you with a configurator so that you can design, print and buy your own individual cycling jersey. Before you decide on a provider, however, find out whether the jerseys that the provider uses are also suitable for you.

The cut and processing of the offered blanks often leaves something to be desired. We recommend the provider owayo.de. Here you can get a free sample to try on and decide for yourself whether the cycling jersey is suitable for you.

Fahrradtrikot -3 — Show people that you belong together. Team jerseys weld people together and have a motivational effect.
(Image source: Th G / Pixabay)

We personally do not recommend printing a cycling jersey yourself. Cycling jerseys are made of functional material and are very thin. Depending on the printing technique, you could permanently damage the jersey.

What is the best way to wash and care for my cycling jersey?

Basically, we recommend that you always take a look at the washing label and follow the instructions. This is because it contains the most important information for your jersey. If your washing machine has a programme for sportswear, you should choose this. You can also wash your cycling jersey in the easy-care cycle. But apart from the information on the label, we also recommend that you always turn your cycling jersey inside out before washing it. This will protect the colour of your jersey.

Functional underwear is designed to dry extra quickly.

To maintain the material, you should only spin your cycling jersey briefly. Spinning is not so important with functional underwear anyway. You should also not put your cycling jersey in the dryer unless it is specifically recommended. You should also avoid using fabric softener.

The fabric softener may damage or destroy the fabric's coating. For example, a cycling jersey with an extra layer of waterproofing could lose this layer.

How can I mend my cycling jersey?

If your jersey is torn in a fall or if you get caught somewhere, you don't have to throw your jersey away. To avoid major damage, you should try to mend your jersey.

If you do not mend your jersey and continue to wear it as normal, there is a chance that the damage will get worse.

The best way to patch your jersey is to use self-adhesive patches. The patches for your jersey should ideally be made of fine, elastic fabric, just like your jersey. When choosing patches, make sure they are the right colour so that the patched area does not stand out after the repair.

It is also possible to sew the tear on the cycling jersey together. In this case, you can place a similar piece of fabric under the damaged area of the jersey and sew it in place. If you are not good at sewing, you can alternatively glue the fabric pattern to the jersey.