Beginner's Guide: What Makes a Good Cycling Jersey
You're not yet an expert in functional clothing, at least not in cycling? No problem. We have summarized everything you need to know about cycling jerseys so you can find the jersey that suits you!
- Cycling-Specific Fit
- Sporty Functional Material
- The Right Construction
- Application Area
- Your Individual Needs
- Conclusion
Cycling-Specific Fit
Anyone comparing a regular T-shirt or even a soccer jersey with a cycling jersey will immediately notice the most obvious difference: the extended back.
When leaning forward on the bike, this extension is crucial so that the jersey doesn't ride up and expose your kidney area. This not only looks odd but, especially in warm temperatures, you can cool down quickly due to the wind, and kidneys are very sensitive to this.
A good cycling jersey also has a silicone hem or something similar, both on the sleeve cuffs and the lower, large hem. This prevents any annoying slipping of the jersey and ensures the right fit.
Aerodynamics are often considered part of the specific fit. We'll come back to that later.
Sporty Functional Material
When you're active, wearing the wrong clothing can quickly leave you in a sea of sweat. This is not only uncomfortable but also significantly limits your performance. For both summer and winter jerseys, two requirements apply: breathability and moisture-wicking. Both the processed material and the construction are crucial here.
The main material is usually a functional polyester. This material is known for its quick moisture-wicking and drying, offering decent breathability. However, alternatives to polyester are also exciting, such as S.Café – an organic functional material made from coffee grounds, combining sustainability and functionality.
In addition to the main material and the mentioned elastic hems, good cycling jerseys offer additional inserts in the so-called hotspots – the body regions responsible for cooling. These include, in particular, the armpits, where sweat tends to accumulate quickly, which can be uncomfortable.
Mesh material is used at these points, a micro-perforated functional material. This means tiny holes in the fabric provide excellent ventilation, making it extremely breathable and supporting the body in temperature regulation. Due to its characteristic construction, it is also referred to as mesh material. High-quality mesh allows better cooling than bare skin.
Especially summer cycling jerseys benefit from mesh inserts. In particularly high-quality jerseys, these are supported by additional ventilating special treatments, such as the Rip Pro Air structure from Alé.
In our product descriptions, we always explain in detail the processed material and the specific benefits it brings to the rider. In the description of the pictured short-sleeve jersey Thorn by Alé, for example, you can learn more about the Rip Pro Air structure or the laser-cut cuffs of the sleeves.
The Right Construction
When buying a (cycling) jersey, there are two more material-related aspects: the seams. It might be familiar to you from other clothing that coarse seams can chafe or cause discomfort. During athletic activities, this can be particularly annoying and lead to skin irritations.
High-quality cycling jerseys offer various solutions, sometimes simultaneously. On the one hand, wherever possible, seams are avoided – the so-called seamless construction. In places where seams cannot be avoided, manufacturers offer various flat seam constructions. Alternatively, the materials are not stitched but welded together using ultrasound. The Austrian brand Löffler is an outstanding example with its in-house and proven hotbond technology.
The last important aspect of the processed material doesn't make a difference in functionality but is essential to us: Recycling and Sustainability. Fortunately, more and more manufacturers share our environmental awareness. Where possible, plant-based material can be used instead of synthetic to avoid environmental impact. Unfortunately, some materials can only be produced synthetically. For these, it's important to look for a high percentage of recycled content.
Our product descriptions always provide information on how a jersey is made: from the recycling and organic material content to environmentally friendly production chains, external quality seals, and health aspects such as the Oeko-Tex 100 seal, which tests for potential pollutants.
Application Area
Here's a guiding question: When and where do you want to wear your cycling jersey?
Cycling jerseys are available in sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve variants. In combination with a baselayer or functional undershirt and a cycling jacket, you can dress perfectly for every discipline and every season.
For cycling in winter, winter cycling jerseys offer more warming inserts and are mostly a long-sleeve jersey. That shouldn't surprise anyone. If you're frequently out at night, a particularly visible cycling jersey with warning colors and reflective design elements is recommended.
For summer, a short-sleeve jersey or even a sleeveless jersey is recommended. For women, stylish cycling tops are also an option. On particularly hot days, you should not only apply sunscreen to uncovered areas but also opt for a jersey with sun protection factor, such as the Nalini New Sun short-sleeve jersey.
Aside from the season and time of day, there are differences in the cycling discipline. For commuting to work and/or rides in the city and traffic, a fashionable and casual City cycling jersey is recommended, which allows you to look well-dressed off the bike as well.
For road bike tours or races, a road cycling jersey with outstanding aerodynamics is recommended: fabric that flutters uselessly in the wind only slows you down on such routes. The tighter and more precise the jersey fits, the better – especially when riding against the clock! Look for keywords like Slim Fit or Race-specific fit for jerseys that really emphasize aerodynamics.
The exact opposite is true for MTB/All Mountain jerseys. Here, the cut is loose and allows room for protectors under the jersey. Additional protection is significantly more critical in mountain biking than aerodynamics, especially since the speeds are lower, and aerodynamics matter less. There are also specific functionalities: MTB jerseys from Fox, for example, offer abrasion-resistant elbow areas for contact with nature and abrasion-resistant panels on the shoulder to be worn with a cycling backpack.
But there are also suitable jerseys for the trendy Gravel cycling discipline – and much more! In our Cycling Worlds, you can find everything organized by application area. Enjoy browsing!
Your Individual Needs
How long should your tour be? What do you want to take with you? No matter what your specific route looks like, one thing you will definitely need is storage space.
Thick saddlebags may be the choice for many, but those who want to start off right or ride against the clock will quickly realize how much these bags can slow them down. That's why many jerseys and jackets have multiple pockets on the back, where you can store energy bars as quick energy sources. Placing them on the back minimizes the impact on aerodynamics. The typically three-part back pocket has become typical for cycling jerseys.
Also, pay attention to zipper (RV) pockets. For example, a credit card deserves the additional protection that the zipper closure provides.
Tip: A front zipper pocket can not only be used as storage space but also to individually adjust your ventilation. An open pocket, for example, provides more ventilation.
While we're on the subject: cycling jerseys come without a zipper, with an HF (Half) or FZ ("Full" or full-length) zipper at the front. In general, they are more flexible with a zipper, allowing you to regulate ventilation according to your needs depending on the weather conditions.
But also pay attention to friction protection: an exposed zipper can chafe quite a bit during several hours of activity. Most jerseys usually back the zipper with a small layer of fabric or a chin guard so that you can ride undisturbed.
Also, an automatic stop mechanism, which prevents the zipper from unintentionally slipping during the ride, should be integrated into the jersey.
A wind-protecting stand-up collar and a water- and dirt-repellent DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating can also be very useful.
Finally, the appearance is also important when choosing the right jersey. In addition to visibility, design plays a crucial role.
From simple color-block design to impressive motifs to retro-style cycling jerseys and clothing from your favorite professional teams: In our shop, you will find a huge selection of functional cycling jerseys.
Conclusion:
Even though the huge selection may be confusing at first, it is crucial to pay attention to quality in your clothing. Especially in sports, functional materials and the right design can make a noticeable difference in performance and comfort.
If you are just starting with cycling and looking for a straightforward entry-level jersey, we recommend the Bobteam Short Sleeve Jersey Primo. It offers a good price-performance ratio and is ideal for starting your cycling journey.
