Cycling Jerseys and Gear: The Ultimate Guide

Any avid cyclist will quickly learn how riding in a basic T-shirt and shorts can affect performance. Being unable to wick away sweat, preventing maintenance of core body temperatures, and chafing result from not wearing gear specifically designed for cycling. Fortunately, there are products that can aid performance, and cycling jerseys are one key piece of cycling gear that can't be beaten.

What is a cycling jersey?

Cycling jerseys are specifically designed mid-layers suitable for road, trail, and MTB riders who want a top tailored to their cycling style. Created with fabric technologies that act like a second skin, they are effective at wicking away sweat, maintaining body temperature, and ensuring maximum comfort across the torso and arms due to their lightweight design.

What do you wear under a cycling jersey?

Jerseys can have a base layer and bib shorts or bib tights underneath with restricting movement. A base layer will wick away sweat, keeping you comfortable during both winter and summer rides, making them essential cycling clothing.

Features, fit and fabric

Designed by athletes for athletes, cycling jerseys are made with specific fabric and functional features such as pockets, seamless zips, and are cut specifically to fit perfectly over bib shorts and under cycling jackets.

Cut and shape

The most noticeable feature of a cycling jersey is the shape of the top, which includes a longer back to ensure maximum coverage when arms are outstretched and the back is curved. The shorter front and silicone grippers mean the front of the jersey provides the utmost comfort when rounded over the bike by reducing the bulk at the midriff.

Should a cycling jersey be tight or loose?

The ultimate fit for a cycling jersey is snug but not restrictive of movement if performance is critical. Loose fabrics will cause drag, resulting in you slowing down. However, if speed and personal records aren't your goals, then choose a jersey that feels comfortable.

Fabric technologies

The most significant advantage of a cycling jersey is the fabric technology's ability to wick away sweat, keeping you cool and dry and preventing chafing. Breathability is important when choosing the right cycling gear, and the close-to-body fit makes it quick-drying, even in rain showers and post-rain conditions.

It's also essential to review the seams and stitching. Well-crafted cycling jerseys will have reduced seams and solid stitching, making the jersey feel supportive and guaranteeing freedom of movement.

Pockets & storage

Unlike basic cycling tops, cycling jerseys are designed with pockets on the back for storing all of the essentials needed for a long ride, such as tools, electrolytes, and even packable outer layers. High-quality jerseys also have zipped pockets, perfect for keys, phones, and any personal items that must be securely stored while riding.

Fastenings

The fastenings on a cycling jersey are critical to your comfort, especially on a longer ride. Look out for:

• Smooth zipper to allow breathability

• Close neck fastening

• Silicone grippers to prevent movement of the fabric

How to choose a cycling jersey

Choosing a jersey will depend on your preferred type of cycling and the conditions of the ride. All-weather athletes may want to consider jerseys that also protect against colder conditions, where layers are crucial for maintaining core temperatures.

Training jerseys

Day-to-day training jerseys are perfect for those who want to get up and go. Durable, breathable, and high-quality, with all the features you'd want from your cycling gear, the GOREWEAR Spinshift jersey meets the needs of cyclists looking to push the limit with training for a race, centurion or personal record.

Long distance jerseys

Long-distance riding requires cycling gear that won't slow you down. The right jersey will have features that will take you the distance:

• An ergonomically shaped neckline.

• Raw-cut hems that blend perfectly into the skin.

• Pockets that allow for packable layers to accommodate possible changes in weather during the ride.

Check out the Distance Jersey from GOREWEAR, named 'Best in test' by Cycling Plus magazine and designed to be worn with the GOREWEWAR Distance 2.0 bib shorts.

Cold-weather jerseys

Keeping your body warm is the key to any outdoor sport, and thermo jerseys are designed for winter rides where the temperatures can reach your core. As a mid-layer, thermo jerseys are perfect for wearing over base layers, but with their next-to-skin comfort, they can be worn under jackets without bulk.

Complete with longer sleeves and thermal stretch comfort, the specifically designed C5 thermo jersey from GOREWEAR is perfect for those winter or early morning rides.

Warm ride jerseys

As well as for cooler rides, finding the right jersey for summer cycling is key to ensuring sweat is wicked away, and chafing is avoided. Super lightweight, breathable, short-sleeved jerseys will set you up for summer. For additional protection without the risk of overheating, the long sleeve options aren't just for winter rides but are designed to still keep you cool due to the fabric technology that allows full breathability.

The Spinshift Breathe jersey from GOREWEAR boasts features perfect for high-intensity training in the heat. Constructed with two different open mesh materials to optimize airflow and wick away sweat, the design maximizes comfort by ensuring full freedom of movement.

Size guide for cycling jerseys

It can be tricky to choose a size for a cycling jersey. Designed to feel like a second skin, they should be tight-fitting without restriction, allowing entire movement without creating loose or baggy fabric. The long back and higher-cut front on the midriff can feel unusual but are specifically designed for a cyclist's posture, which you'll benefit from when on the bike.

How To Take Measurements

1. Arm Length Measure from the highest point of your shoulder following your bent arm down to wrist bone. Bend your arm slightly.

2. Chest Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the measuring tape horizontal.

Women's Size Guide

Men's Size Guide

Care guide: How to wash your cycling jersey

Caring for your jerseys will keep them looking and fitting well for a long time. Although the fabric technology doesn't require any special detergent, washing on a cool cycle at no more than 40℃ / 104℉ will ensure that the jersey's structure remains as it should. There is also no need to iron. Simply hang it to air dry (do not put it in the dryer) and fold it away, ready for your next ride.

What to wear: cycling gear

Teaming your jersey with high-quality cycling gear is key to getting the most from your ride. You no longer have to choose between comfort and style.