Best Cycling Jerseys

Whether you’re a bike enthusiast, hobbyist, or training for the next Tour de France, it’s important that you have the best cycling equipment at your disposal. Apart from the bike itself, the apparel can be just as important to make your ride both enjoyable and comfortable.

A good cycling jersey will provide adequate heat control while you’re riding, wicking sweat away at high speeds. If you have ever ridden a bike with a T-shirt on, you may know what it’s like to be drenched in sweat.

For the best rides possible, take a look at some of the best cycling jerseys you can find on the market.

Best Cycling Jerseys

Spotti Men’s Cycling Bike Jersey

The Spotti Cycling Jersey is a well-designed polyester jersey that will keep you warm and sweat-free on a long bike ride.

The jersey comes in a variety of colors, ranging from high-visibility orange and yellow to jet black. This makes it very easy to match with the rest of your gear if you want your ride to be as aesthetically pleasing as it is comfortable. It is a solid-color jersey with reflective logos on the back and front, allowing for great visibility in dimmer conditions.

The zipper at the front is 12” long, meaning that it doesn’t go all the way down, but you can still use it to adjust how exposed you are to the elements. However, this means that you will need to pull the jersey on rather than simply zipping it up, so if you go for a tighter fit this might require some adjusting.

Speaking of fit, this is a decently fitted jersey. However, you might experience some looseness around the neck and chest. Picking the right fit here is important, though most buyers agree that the jersey is true to size.

The pockets on the back are good for stashing any essentials you might need.

The polyester material used will make sure that sweat doesn’t stick to you. Do note, however, that this is a slightly thinner jersey, so it might not be enough for chillier weather

Sponeed Men’s Cycling Jerseys

This elastic polyester jersey is one of the best you can get your hands on.

The multi-colored jersey is available in seven designs. Each of them looks like something that the pros might wear, so if you’re looking for something that looks expensive, the Sponeed Men’s Cycling Jersey is your best bet.

The long zipper at the front allows the entire jersey to be taken off with ease, and the pockets in the back are well designed for any essentials you might want to bring with you.

The craftsmanship is above average and the fabric is pleasant and durable to protect you from the elements.

Do note that there might be some fit issues with this jersey, as it can be a bit longer than the average cycling jersey. Also note that the sizes are smaller than standard US sizes, so you may have to order one size up for the best fit.

ARSUXEO Men’s Full Zipper Long Sleeves Cycling Jersey

The ARXUSEO is a very sleek-looking cycling jersey, making it a solid choice for beginner and intermediate cyclists.

The long sleeves on the jersey present additional protection against the weather but may cause some discomfort if you’re not used to them. However, this also makes the jersey adequate for slightly colder weather, such as the spring or the fall.

The color combinations are nothing spectacular, but the two-color design lends itself well to visibility and catchiness. The fit of the jersey can be a bit off, where the shoulders might feel a bit loose, especially with the larger sizes.

The elastic hem around the jersey will make sure that it stays on even under rigorous riding, but the sleeves might ride up somewhat. The polyester fabric is of decent quality and it will keep any sweat away while on the move.

Overall, this is a highly competent jersey that won’t fail you, and it’s great if you prefer long sleeves.

BERGRISAR Men’s Basic Cycling Jersey

Equipped with a high-quality zipper, the BERGRISAR jersey should make you feel like a pro on the move. The elegant design is pleasing to the eye and you can choose between four designs that look like competition jerseys.

The long sleeves make for a great ride in the colder months, and the full zipper on the front allows you to put the jersey on with ease.

This jersey also has additional reflective tapes on the upper arms, which makes you highly visible from all sides regardless of the lighting condition.

The three pockets at the back also feature an additional zipper in the middle, allowing for a fourth storage option that’s perfect for a smaller phone and other essentials that you will want to keep safe.

The fit is nothing to scoff at, and you will be able to find just the right size for you. Just be careful when zipping it up, as the zipper is a bit smaller and can sometimes fail to catch properly.

BALEAF Men’s Cycling Bike Jersey

BALEAF’s cycling jersey is a solid option that will meet all of your cycling needs.

The polyester material is good for sun protection and will dissipate sweat in the wind as you ride, allowing for comfortable biking experience.

The long sleeves offer good protection against the cold, and the reflective logos on the back and front, as is to be expected, make you more visible at night.

The color options are a bit more limited. The jersey is only available in blue, red, black, and black-white. The rainbow stripe that runs down the back of the jersey adds visibility.

Like many of the best cycling jerseys out there, the back pockets feature a zipper in the middle for secure storage. The front zipper unfortunately doesn’t run down, but it’s useful and comfortable, nonetheless.

The fit is true to size and you shouldn’t have any problems with it.

Buyer’s Guide for Cycling Jerseys

Here are the top five things you should pay attention to.

Cuts and Fit

There are a few variations in cuts and fits that you have to keep in mind when ordering a jersey.

The club fit is the most relaxed. It’s a looser fit that’s most suitable for a novice or a hobbyist and allows for ample movement while riding. It has the most breathing room to allow for better sweat dispersal at the cost of aerodynamics.

The athletic cut is more form-fitting, allowing for very little breathing room and catering to the more athletic cyclist. The chest area could be a bit snug, depending on your build.

The pro (sometimes called racing) fit is the most form-fitting of the three and preferred by professional cyclists. It will offer the best aerodynamics while allowing ample movement and weather protection.

If you’re starting, we’d recommend a club fit jersey, but you can go for an athletic cut if you prefer a tighter jersey that clings to your body.

Comfort

Your cycling jersey should be comfortable while you’re riding. To that end, the cut of the jersey will be the most important aspect (as explained above), but certain features can be just as important.

The pockets are an important feature of a cycling jersey. Because you will need to carry personal items and tools with you, such as your keys and phone, perhaps even a repair toolkit and snacks. It’s important to make sure that every part of your ride is comfortable, and that includes bringing stuff with you for when you’re not on the move. So, look for a jersey that’s equipped with pockets that can satisfy your needs without affecting your riding experience.

A zipper on the front can also be a deal-breaker. A tight jersey will most likely require a long zipper to put on correctly and easily, but always pay attention to the quality of the zipper. You wouldn’t want your zipper to fail you at the worst moment.

You can also choose between long and short sleeves for your ride. Shorter sleeves can be better in the summer months, but a long-sleeved jersey can provide better temperature control when it’s cooler out.

Generally, you should always select a jersey that makes you feel comfortable. Do note that a cycling jersey can feel slightly snugger while you’re standing. This is because they are designed to be worn on the move rather than stationary, so your comfort should be assessed while on the bike.

Fabric

There are several common fabrics used for cycling jerseys, each depending on your priority.

Polyester is the most common synthetic material. It’s also cheap, durable, and easy to maintain. It’s also great for collecting sweat that the wind can then pick up and cool you down on the move. Synthetic materials are the best budget option when considering a solid jersey that should serve you for a longer period.

Wool is, believe or not, a very common jersey material, even for warm weather. Specialized types of wool, such as merino, offer a very comfortable and pleasant experience that you can expect from a natural fiber choice, all the while allowing the jersey to ‘breathe’ comfortably during the ride. Wool is also good at controlling odors and merino wool will stay warm when wet. However, be aware that you might be breaking your budget with a wool jersey, as natural materials are more expensive, not to mention that wool also requires additional care when it comes to washing and maintenance.

Some manufacturers will also offer a silken jersey. This is a more expensive option, but silk is very light and will offer a very pleasant riding experience for its odor resistance and antibacterial properties.

UPF Rating

When choosing a jersey, don’t forget the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. This is an indicator of how well the jersey protects the wearer from UV rays. The UPF rating can be your primary concern if you prefer cycling during the day when the sun is at its peak. A UPF rating of 50+ will provide you with ample protection and prevent sunburn. Most manufacturers will list this number on their product or store pages, so make sure you do your research if you don’t want to get burned, literally!

Budget

As always, you should have a set budget in mind when buying a jersey. A decent budget will give you more wiggle room and choices in fabric and fit. Some premium materials simply are not available at a beer budget. However, if you’re a beginner or a casual cyclist, breaking your bank for a jersey probably won’t make a noticeable difference in performance, so weigh your priorities while you’re at it.

Final Thoughts

Every one of our best cycling jerseys above can be a suitable choice for beginners and cycling enthusiasts. They offer great comfort and you won’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve that.

However, when all is said and done, we’d recommend Sponeed’s Cycling Jersey as the best cycling jersey overall. The material and craftsmanship are above the norm for the price point, and you will look and feel like a pro whenever you have one on.

For mountain bike riders who prefer a more casual look, especially during the cooler part of the year, consider BALEAF’s Cycling Jersey. The long sleeves can make a world of difference.