A cycling jersey is an important piece of gear for a cyclist, and a good jersey is well worth the investment. Although it’s true that you don’t need a bike-specific top, you’ll find cycling jerseys wick away moisture and are designed to help reduce wind resistance, a determining factor in riding enjoyment. They’re designed for easy access to snacks and water without stopping your bike, and their technical fabrics are essential for moisture management to help you stay cool and dry.
There’s a wide variety of cycling jerseys available these days, including aero options for quick road rides, temperature-regulating technology for shoulder season, layering options for inclement weather, and jerseys designed for durability and endurance.
Best Cycling Jerseys
What to consider
Intended use
When choosing a cycling jersey, consider the primary type of riding you will be doing. Are you looking for a form fitting jersey for aerodynamics on fast road rides? Something looser for all-day comfort on a gravel excursion? Do you want a classic mountain bike look or a more stylish road jersey fit? For warm rides, a lightweight, sweat-wicking, short-sleeved jersey is important for moisture management, but windy or cooler rides will be more comfortable with heavier material that can be layered under a windproof jacket or on a base coat.
Features
Most cycling jerseys will have a few main style and feature options to choose from. Look for full-zip or half-zip styles depending on how much ventilation you’ll need, note sleeve length and style, choose between high neck or scoop neck styles for protection against the wind, and decide how many and where you will need pockets to store snacks and soft bottles.
Material
Each jersey on this list is sweat-wicking and designed for high-performance activity, but the percentage of specific materials used varies from style to style. If you want something more fitted with more stretch, a higher percentage of Spandex or Lycra is a good bet. All-polyester jerseys will have a more relaxed fit. Some jerseys are constructed with specialized 37.5 and PolarTec fibers, which increase comfort and cooling, but these materials can drive up the price.
How we selected
To choose the best cycling jerseys on the market, we looked at cycling clothing designed for a variety of riding styles, durations and potential conditions. We’ve looked at options for men and women, as well as the best size choices. The jerseys we featured include a variety of options for all types of runners in a price range.
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1
Best overall
Ranger Short Sleeve Woven Jersey
MTB specific
Loose and non-binding fit
Key specs
Sizes: M-XL
Materials: 68% Polyester, 31% Cotton, 1% Elastane
Colors: Tan, Gray, Blue
Pockets: 1 (chest)
This MTB-specific jersey does double duty as a durable and protective summer riding top that easily converts to post-race rides around town. It’s constructed with sweat-wicking DriRelease yarn, has a loose, non-restrictive fit, and features a dropped tail designed for the trail. We’d love to see another pocket or two here, but the style is more suited to riders who might be carrying a backpack – a good thing to keep in mind when shopping for mountain bike gear.
2
Ideal for thermoregulation
Circuit LTD Cycling Jersey
High-tech integrated cooling
Do not get on
Additional secure pocket
Key specs
Sizes: S-XL
Materials: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane
Colors: navy blue
Pockets: 4
This jersey uses 37.5 active particle technology, which uses your own body heat to evaporate moisture and maintain the ideal core body temperature. This jersey has a UPF 50+ rating, and is contoured and fitted to prevent chafing and reduce wind resistance. A full-length zipper lets you ventilate for even more temperature control, and silicone grips on the sleeve and hem keep the jersey in place for the duration of the ride. This jersey comes with three back pockets as well as a bonus secure pocket for cards or other small items.
3
Best Budget Women’s Cycling Jersey
Women’s Cycling Jersey
Secure phone pocket
fitted cut
Wide variety of colors
Key specs
Sizes: XS-XXL
Materials: 100% Polyester
Colors: Orange, purple, white with graphics
Pockets: 4
Baleaf makes a variety of comfortable, durable and affordable outerwear, and this jersey is no exception. We love the moderate neckline that offers draft protection without feeling stuffy, and the smooth full-length zipper for ventilation. This jersey is lightweight and breathable, with a UPF 50 rating for added sun protection. It comes with three back pockets and a secure pocket that can hold credit cards and even a phone.
4
Ideal for hot rides
Attack Cycling Jersey
Lightweight and ultra-breathable fabric
Recycled materials
Reflective elements
Key specs
Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: 100% Polyester
Colors: navy blue
Pockets: 3
This jersey was designed for comfort on extended rides, even on the hottest days of the season. Made with a light and airy Select Transfer fabric, this jersey is exceptionally moisture-wicking, quick-drying and feels like it’s barely there once you put it on. The polyester is 100% recycled and the rear pockets are stowable so you can store more snacks and quick grab items.
A silicone rear grip keeps the jersey from rolling, and they’ve added reflective patches along the material for added safety and visibility.
5
Ideal for cooler walks
Thermal Fleece Cycling Jersey
Wide range of sizes
Lightweight fleece lining
Key specs
Sizes: S-5XL
Materials: Polyester, fleece lining
Colors: Graphic white, black, blue, purple
Pockets: 3
This affordable jersey is made from a sweat-wicking polyester with a lightweight fleece lining for early morning rides, cooler days and shoulder season rides. The body-mapped design puts the fleece liner where it’s needed for insulation, but keeps it away from key ventilation areas, and the outer fabric is also UV protected. This jersey runs small, so check conversions and size chart before ordering.
6
Best Long Sleeve Budget
Long sleeve cycling jersey
Slim fit
Lightweight and breathable
Key specs
Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: Polyester
Colors: Grey, black, green, white, beige
Pockets: 4
This long-sleeved shirt is quick-drying, slim-fitting and breathable for rides where you want long-sleeved protection without compromising moisture-wicking capabilities. The mesh pattern provides more airflow and it comes with three standard back pockets as well as a secure pocket for cards or keys. Reflective logos throughout the jersey provide an extra layer of visibility, and the high collar can be zipped up to keep out drafts.
7
Ideal for fast road trips
Aero-Lite Road Jersey
Separate zipped pocket
Ultra-resistant
Key specs
Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: Polyester
Colors: Black
Pockets: 4
Riders looking for the ultimate in aero bike gear need look no further than this jersey. The slim fit and minimalist neckline keep airflow as smooth as possible, and the company’s warp-knit fabric provides added durability and flexibility for maximum riding movement without feeling pinched or restricted. in any way. This jersey comes with three larger capacity rear pockets as well as a zippered pocket for small items or valuables.
8
Ideal for extended comfort
Delta Optic Short Sleeve Jersey
High visibility pattern
Full-length zipper for ventilation
Extremely breathable
Key specs
Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: Polyester
Colors: Graphic green, red, blue, orange/black
Pockets: 3
It’s a great option for long rides where comfort, moisture wicking and fit are most important. The fit is snug without feeling restrictive, and the aerodynamic construction keeps wind resistance to a minimum. This jersey is constructed with Polartec Power Stretch fabric for superior range of motion and a body pattern with Polartec Delta fabric on the back for improved moisture wicking.
The jersey also comes with a full-length zipper and a technical fit for added comfort without pinching, riding up or chafing.
Maggie Slepian Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has been professionally testing equipment for almost ten years. She is an avid backpacker, trail runner, cyclist and equestrian and has traveled thousands of miles across Appalachia, Colorado. , and Ouachita trails, as well as backcountry travel on terrain such as coastal trails, desert, and high alpine peaks.
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