The best cycling jerseys can make any ride feel just that bit more special. Whether you're gearing up for a big summer ride or just trying to keep warmer in cool conditions, a quality cycling jersey is essential and we've picked out the best that we've reviewed here at Cyclingnews. While less critical for comfort than the best cycling shorts, they do have more potential for making a style statement.
Modern cycling jerseys are packed with features. They'll be made of technical fabrics that help keep you cooler and drier in the summer and warmer in the winter. As with the best aero road bikes and best road bike wheels, aerodynamics has come to the fore.
As well as more classic styles, we've got a selection of the best aero jerseys below with fabrics and fit designed to make you that little bit faster.
At the other extreme, carrying capacity has increased, with additional pockets above the traditional three at the rear. That's been driven by the rise of gravel biking with features from the best kit for gravel riding trickling over into road cycling. No-one is going to complain at having the option to carry more with them on their longer rides.
All of the products in this guide have been tested by our tech writers who have many years of combined experience between them. This means hundreds of miles of testing in a wide range of conditions from easy rides to hard efforts. This testing allows us to properly understand a product's strengths and potential weaknesses so we can get a real idea of how they perform and can recommend them with confidence.
Lower down, we've got a buyer's guide to how to choose the best cycling jerseys for your needs, but first here are our top picks, starting with the all-important summer cycling jersey.
Best summer cycling jerseys
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A no-doubt self-explanatory category, the best summer cycling jerseys are designed for warm weather above everything else. As a result, they come with short sleeves, lightweight materials and an ability to wick away sweat with ease. They'll also often have a high UPF factor to help protect you from the bright summer sun.
The trade-off is a somewhat limited window of use, especially if you live in more temperate climes, but pair them with the best arm warmers and the best cycling base layers and these summer jerseys will continue to shine even when it's cooler out.
While Endura is no longer participating in the WorldTour circuit, its Pro SL range continues, offering high performance at a great price. The Pro SL jersey has a race cut that uses close-fitting lycra and a raw edge hem to keep airflow moving smoothly over the body. The design around the collar is particularly well-shaped and comfortable. The fabric has wicking qualities to manage sweat as well as UPF50 for protection from the sun.
The three rear pockets are deep and provide ample space for securely storing everything needed on a ride. To keep your valuables accounted for, there is a zipped pocket as well.
Endura's Pro SL is available in six simple colours and a Lite version for when it's really hot or a long sleeve for when there's a bit of a chill.
Most lightweight summer jerseys focus on cooling at the sacrifice of durability, but for endurance riders who ride in hot weather, a jersey must be cool and comfortable whilst still tough enough to handle day after day of riding. Rapha has taken its Brevet endurance jersey and increased the ventilation and cooling to cater for riders who spend all day under the roasting sun.
The jersey is made from 105gsm fabric on the back to enhance sun protection and 85gsm on the front to aid cooling. Lightweight mesh side panels are used to further aid dumping heat on long days. Due to the lightweight material, Rapha says the jersey can be washed and dried quickly so it's fresh for the next day. The fit is also a lot more relaxed than most other lightweight jerseys, so if race fit isn't your style, this is the jersey to get.
The Brevet Lightweight has all the features you would expect from an endurance-related jersey too. There is plenty of reflective detailing to help visibility and the jersey features six pockets to help organise and transport everything you might need on a ride. Plus, unsurprisingly being a Rapha product, it scores more highly in the style stakes than most of the other jerseys on this list.
You can read more in our full Rapha Brevet jersey review.
Assos brings racy features like raw-cut sleeves and high-tech fabrics with a relaxed fit that's great for a do-it-all summer weekend and training jersey. Assos has used its Type.112 Dual Tex fabric for the front and back panels to wick moisture from the body and provide UPF30 protection as well.
The arms are made from bi-stretch Push Pull fabric that increases sun protection for the top of the arms to UPF50. This is the same material Assos uses on the Equipe RS Jersey S9 Targa we have included in our aero section below, and the stitching and tailoring are also influenced by the performance jerseys.
There are three colour options which all have Assos' trademark super clean aesthetic. Assos also does some special colourways from the Shifter and Voganski ranges.
We found the Giro Chrono Elite jersey to be worthy of a mention in a conversation alongside offerings from more established performance clothing brands like Assos and Castelli. The fit is excellent, and the only real things we marked the jersey down on were a less-than-premium waist gripper and sleeves, and a front panel that's a little heavier than we'd like from a summer jersey.
That being said, a real selling point is the sustainable credentials of this jersey, alongside the performance, so if that's a factor for you then it's definitely an excellent option. To find out a bit more about what we thought you can read our Giro Chrono Elite summer jersey review.
5. Best aero cycling jerseys
Since the majority of bike racing occurs during the summer months, the best aero cycling jerseys are typically closely related to summer jerseys, but with a close fit and an unwavering focus on going fast. These jerseys incorporate technologies found in time trial skinsuits, but with the comfort and convenience of keeping the jersey and shorts separate, so you'll find features like pockets at the rear designed to be out of the airstream, and aero-tested fabrics.
Assos has updated its flagship jersey and while the focus remains on all-out speed, it still holds up as a fashion item, with performance not coming at the expense of looks or usability.
The front panels use a 3D knit miniCheck Tex fabric with a dimpled texture that helps keep the air attached for better aero efficiency, while a Push Pull warp knit fabric gives a high level of ventilation on the lower back.
There is also a pleasing attention to detail on the pockets, which tick all the right boxes for placement and stability, making them among the best available on any jersey.
The one negative is the design and colours are a little on the bland side but, for many, that will not be a reason to pass on a high-quality option.
Check out our full review to find out why we gave the Assos Equipe RS Jersey S9 Targa a five-star rating.
With the Aero Race 6.0, Castelli has developed a jersey that promises real-world aero gains. While this can't be proved without access to a wind tunnel, there is no doubt the Italian brand has put a lot of thought into its design and material choice.
Castelli has focused on creating a jersey that fits close to the body while remaining comfortable for the duration of a ride, using its stretchy Velocity Rev2 material for the front and elbow-length sleeves. The back of the jersey uses a 3D mesh that is extremely breathable.
A dropped tail features a silicone gripper around the hem, keeping the jersey in place while riding and allowing for optimal pocket placement. The pockets aren't quite as good as the Assos Equip, above, but the Castelli certainly beats its counterpart in the aesthetics department – it's a jersey that is sure to catch the eye of fellow cyclists.
Read how the Castelli Aero Race 6.0 earned four and a half stars in our recent review.
The Rapha Pro Team Aero is a jersey that has been designed using knowledge and feedback garnered from World Tour racing and professional team feedback.
To enhance aerodynamics, Rapha has used multiple materials. Unlike the Assos Equip, which has a dimpled fabric at the front, the Rapha jersey has a lightweight, silky-smooth texture at the front which is bonded to a dimpled fabric over the shoulders and back of the arms. The majority of the back is covered with yet another material that appears pinstriped. Unsurprisingly, the Pro Team Aero is aggressively cut and Rapha has lengthened the sleeves, which may divide opinions.
It’s not all-out race orientated; three slim-gusseted rear pockets offer storage for essentials, a fourth zippered pocket provides security and Rapha has added some reflective detailing to help with visibility.
Read our review to learn what makes the Rapha Pro Team Aero one of our favourite jerseys.
The dhb Aeron Lab Raceline aero jersey is a pure race-day option with little consideration for anything else. Its main body is constructed from just eight per cent elastane, which means there's very little stretch to it, which contributes to the smooth and aero profile.
The downside to this is that the pockets don't have much space for anything more than a couple of gels, and their ability to stretch leaves a lot to be desired.
The slightly pricier Assos and Rapha options we have included offer a few more frills. However, if you're looking for a jersey that will save watts on your next criterium, chain gang or drop ride, then dhb's offering is a great-value choice that's all about going fast.
Check out our dhb Aeron Lab Raceline jersey review for more information.
Best cycling jerseys for Spring and Fall
Spring and Autumn (or Fall, for our American readers) can be the most difficult time to dress appropriately for a ride. The weather forecast often feels like a bit of a shot in the dark: it could just as easily rain all day as it could be sunny and warm, and more often than not, you'll get all seasons in one ride.
During these rides, the best cycling jerseys offer versatility, warmth and weather resistance without being bulky and too hot.
The Brevet jersey is designed with versatility in mind. Whether you're riding gravel or road, for an hour or 10, the Brevet jersey is a comfortable, high-performance option that has more pocket space than you'll likely need.
There are, in fact, five pockets. The three traditional pockets are larger than average, there's a fourth 'ballast' pocket across the lumbar of the back for larger items like spare clothing or a whole bunch of bananas, a fifth chest pocket that we didn't find hugely useful, and a sixth zippered valuables pocket which includes routing for headphones.
It differs from the 100-per cent polyester Brevet Lightweight, which we included in the summer section, due to its merino wool blend construction. The inclusion of natural fibres gives it more versatility to regulate temperature effectively in different conditions and also to fight off bad smells should your riding be a multi-day affair. Its high-vis detailing helps with those early starts or late finishes.
To find out how we got on with it after wearing it for four days straight head to our Rapha Brevet jersey review.
The weather isn’t always sunshine so it’s important to have a jersey that will keep performing well even when the clouds roll in. This is where the Castelli Gabba RoS comes in.
Made from Gore Infinium Windstopper 205 fabric upfront, the Gabba RoS offers superb wind protection and a water-resistant finish to protect against showers. However, this doesn't come at the expense of fit or heat management, thanks to the Infinium Windstopper 203 at the rear, which is stretchier and more breathable.
The tail of the Gabba RoS is extended to provide a storm flap to protect from wheel-spray. Even the pockets feature drain holes in case the weather gets very unpleasant.
For those days where the weather isn't exactly cold, but there's a high chance of rain, then Le Col's Pro Rain jersey is the answer. It's designed purely with racing in mind, featuring an aerodynamic cut and sizes up relatively small, so if you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, we recommend going bigger.
Up front, a waterproof zipper keeps the water at bay, reflective detailing helps to increase visibility and four pockets will store your belongings – but, at its core, this jersey is for racing.
Best long sleeve cycling jerseys
A long-sleeved jersey can be a really versatile option when you are looking to stay warm on the bike in cooler temperatures. A thin long sleeve jersey can be used on a cooler morning to keep the chill off or be worn with a thicker long-sleeved baselayer when you need to stay warm but don't want the bulk of a heavier jacket. You'll find a range included here with wind-cheating technology and DWR (durable water repellent) coatings.
The PSN LS Rain jersey is constructed using a three-layer windproof and waterproof fabric, which La Passione claims has a waterproof rating of 20,000mm: quite impressive for a softshell layer. Under the arms, there are two panels of thermo-fleece fabric to enhance ventilation in this key area.
The material itself is soft to the touch and has a decent level of stretch to help with fit. The deep laser-cut thermo-fleece cuffs and significantly dropped storm flap at the back stop rain and drafts sneaking through the gaps
What’s most impressive about the PSN Rain jersey is the wide range of temperatures that the jersey is comfortable in. Spring conditions can change dramatically even on a short ride and we found the jersey perfect for temperatures between eight to 12 degrees (with a merino vest base layer) and the low end could be pushed further down to around six degrees with a long sleeve base layer for nippy spring mornings or chilly evening rides.
The race fit means it could be worn under an outer shell as well and ridden even further into the single digits. The storm laser-cut cuffs have a close fit and play very well with gloves, creating a great seal from the cold around the wrist.
We've got a full La Passione PSN Rain review if you want to learn more.
This isn't your usual run-of-the-mill long-sleeve jersey, but we'd be remiss to leave Assos' Equipe RS Winter L/S mid-layer off this list. If you're heading out into chilling weather, layering up is your best option and this long-sleeved mid-layer from Assos is designed to keep you toasty and warm when paired with the right jacket and base layer.
Constructed from the same Osmos material used in its Equipe RS S9 winter bib tights, this top benefits from the fabric's dual nature, feeling soft against the skin inside, while the outer face acts as a shell against the elements.
An interesting extra feature that gives it a point of difference from La Passione's PSN Rain jersey is the addition of a hood with an integrated face covering, so you can use this layer well into the depths of winter and adapt it for your needs as the weather does its thing.
Read more about it in our in-depth Assos Equipe RS Winter Long Sleeve Mid Layer review.
The Sportful Supergiara Thermal Jersey is a good-looking and comfortable long-sleeve jersey for when the seasons begin to change and you need to stay a bit warmer on the bike. It can be used as a layer under a bigger jacket or with just a base layer underneath.
Offered as a gravel-specific jersey by Sportful, the key talking point about this jersey is the unusual rear pockets. There are six in total, three in the usual position, and three that lay over the top of those. It doesn't exactly provide more volume, but you can neatly organise and spread a lot of smaller items across the six pockets.
This feature may appeal to people who have the bigger items they need stored in frame bags, but want useful bits for on and off the bike close at hand. The jersey also has some reflective detailing on the right arm and back.
Read our review of the Sportful Escape Supergiara Thermal Jersey to get the full lowdown on how it stacks up.
The Velocio Signature Long Sleeve jersey is suitable for those chillier spring mornings where the sun is shining but the frost still lies on the grass. The mid-weight material is highly stretchy, meaning the fit will be racy and aerodynamic. It is soft to the touch, and the fleece-lined collar and cuffs help keep the wind out on breezier days, but there's no wind or waterproofing, so it's best paired with a gilet on bad-weather days.
With its high-wicking design, it makes for a versatile addition to your wardrobe, as it can be worn as a standalone long-sleeve jersey or as a mid-layer on colder days. Four pockets will keep your belongings safe, one of which can be zipped up for extra security.
This three-season jersey from dhb is designed for autumn, winter and spring cycling. It combines a mid-weight merino wool blend with polyamide for stretch and a comfortable fit, while an additional polypropylene lining feels soft to the touch and provides incredible hydrophobic qualities to quickly wick moisture away from the skin.
Thanks to the merino blend, this long-sleeved jersey is lightweight, soft and durable, offers superior temperature regulation and is naturally antibacterial and resistant to odours. In order to provide the sweat-wicking performance it offers, it sits close to the body for a snug fit, but isn’t at all restrictive. Finally, at the rear there’s a mesh ventilation strip designed to release any excess heat, while silicone grippers on the sleeves and hem stop everything from moving out of place.
This form-fitting performance-cut thermal jersey from Endura is constructed from 100 per cent recycled thermal stretch fabric, delivering winter warmth in an environmentally-friendly package.
It’s an ideal outer layer in cool weather, thanks to its insulation properties, moisture-wicking fabric and subtle reflective details for low-light visibility. As the temperature drops and rain starts looming, it’s also a great mid-layer jersey to be worn with a base layer and waterproof jacket, a combination that locks in the heat while remaining breathable.
With three compartment pockets and a fourth zippered pocket at the rear, three colours to choose from and a lightweight internal elastic hem paired with a silicone gripper, this performance-focused cold weather jersey should see you through the best of autumn and the worst of winter.
Inspired by the Rapha Brevet credo of ‘pack light, travel far’, the Long Sleeve Windblock Jersey is designed to combine the performance qualities of a merino jersey with the wind protection of a good gilet, making it a hugely versatile garment in your winter cycling wardrobe.
The material has a much greater ratio of merino wool in the blend than the dhb option above – 89 per cent compared to the dhb's 35 per cent – for quick-drying and ultimate comfort when your body temperature rises, while the wind-resistant polyester panels that cover the front of the torso and arms provide much-needed protection on chilly descents.
It comes in a Rapha Classic fit, which is close but relaxed, making it easy to wear a base layer underneath. Meanwhile, five pockets – three compartments and two zipper pockets – provide plenty of storage space for snacks, tools and valuables.
Finally, providing that beautiful Rapha aesthetic are reflective and high-vis Brevet stripes on the front and back, which double up as an excellent way to stay visible in low-light conditions.
How to choose the best cycling jersey for you
Choosing the right cycling jersey for you will require a balance of three things: understanding the conditions you're going to ride in, knowing what features and materials will be best for those conditions, and being aware of your budget. There's no use looking at a lightweight jersey designed for scorching temperatures if you're riding in Scotland in February, for example.
If you're still a little uncertain, we've listed a bunch of common jersey-related questions below.
What is the best material for a cycling jersey?
Most performance warm weather jerseys will be constructed from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. These materials offer superb wicking and breathability to move sweat away from the body so it quickly evaporates leaving you dry and comfortable when you are working hard. Thin mesh style materials are incorporated to maximise breathability where it is needed the most, such as under the arms, which further helps with cooling.
High levels of stretch both two-way and four-way can be engineered into synthetics for a perfect close fit to reduce bunching and maximise aerodynamic properties, while two-way stretch fabrics are useful to help keep pockets in place and avoid sag.
That's not to say natural materials such as merino wool don’t have their advantages, particularly in cooler conditions. Companies like Rapha have been developing high-performance merino-blend materials that are still extremely breathable and well-fitting. Both soft and hardwearing, merino will keep you warm even when soaked and the natural material resists odour build-up. Thanks to these properties, natural fibres lend themselves well for long days in the saddle where comfort trumps super-aggressive aero designs.
How should a cycling jersey fit?
Fit is key, so it is important to choose a jersey that suits your intended style of riding. Aggressive race-fit jerseys are designed to be ridden in the drops and to cut through the air with maximum efficiency. They feature shorter torsos and longer arms to optimise fit and aerodynamics while in a more aggressive position. Slim-fit and relaxed-fit jerseys are a little looser and longer to improve comfort for longer or more relaxed rides, when you might be sitting more upright more often.
How your jersey should fit is very much dependent on your riding preferences. If you're planning on racing or riding hard for an hour or two, then an aero cut will probably be the preference, but if you're riding all day long and average speed doesn't matter, then a more relaxed fit will likely be more comfortable.
Do all cycling jerseys have a zipper?
While cycling jerseys of old would have a quarter- or half-length zipper, today's best cycling jerseys use a full-length zip so when it’s very warm the front can be unzipped to help regulate temperature, and quickly removed at the end of the ride. To reduce irritation, a flap on the collar - commonly known as a zip garage - often houses the zip so it doesn’t rub while riding.
Some jerseys feature a metal zipper, while others are made using plastic. Metal is invariably going to be tougher, but if you're riding in hot conditions, then a plastic zipper might be a better choice.
Some also integrate a cam-lock in the zipper itself, which means when the puller is down, it locks in place, and then when the puller is folded up, you can pull the jersey open with one hand.
How many pockets should my cycling jersey have?
It's the norm for the best cycling jerseys to come with three rear pockets across the lower back for storing the basics such as multi-tools, snacks and any other mid-ride essentials. There are variations on this with some companies adding a loop inside one of the pockets to secure a pump or a handy fourth secure, zipped pocket to keep valuables secure.
Aero cycling jerseys will often have narrower pockets that are arranged more towards the back of the jersey and that sit close to the skin, rather than being baggier and stretching around to your sides. That keeps them out of the airstream and also ensures that they don't act like windsocks and capture the airflow as it passes, slowing you down. The flip side is that an aero jersey may limit your carrying capacity if you're off on a longer ride.
However, if you're planning on riding for more than a few hours, or the weather forecast looks suspect, then you might need to carry more on your ride, including extra layers and more food. You can achieve this in various ways, including a saddlebag, a handlebar bag, or by wearing the best cargo bib shorts, but some endurance-focused jerseys offer extra pockets at the front or sides for even more storage.
Do I need to wear a base layer with my jersey?
Most cyclists wear a base layer under their jersey. That's because the fabric of the best cycling base layers will be highly wicking, helping to transport sweat away from your body to the inner surface of your jersey, so that it can evaporate and help keep you drier.
The best cycling base layers come in different weights and it's a good idea to have a range that will work at different temperature ranges.
In summer, a short-sleeved or vest-style base layer helps keep you cool. A lightweight base layer may also add a little more sun protection, although if it's really hot many riders will dispense with theirs.
In cooler weather, a long-sleeved base layer can add more warmth, meaning that you don't need to add less-breathable outer layers over your jersey and will stay more comfortable. If you're building up moisture on the inside of your clothing, you can soon feel chilled and uncomfortable, and a base layer will help prevent this.
What extra features should I look for?
As with most things, this depends on your likely riding habits and preferences, but there are a few common added features that separate the best cycling jerseys from the rest.
For example, reflective details improve visibility when riding in poor light. This might not be a consideration when choosing race-orientated wear, but for riders who are going on all-day epics and training rides, this is an important aspect to consider to help keep you safe on the road.
Of course, having a well-fitting jersey is key, but looking good is also important to most of us. Jerseys are available in a wide range of colours and patterns to suit all riders' styles whether you want a subtle classy look or to stand out from the crowd.
How do we test the best cycling jerseys?
In short: lots of riding time. Any jersey that comes through our doors gets many miles in the saddle to see how it fits, how it feels, how well it's made, how aero it is, whether the pockets are useable, does the label rub your back, whether it's comfy... We test summer jerseys on the hottest days and indoors to see how they manage the thermal load, and it also falls to us to go and test winter options in grim weather so you don't have to.
We also test cycling jerseys outside of their stated ranges too to see if there is a crossover that can potentially save you money; maybe that spring season jersey is actually perfectly good in the summer too?
