How to choose a cycling jersey?

Clothing made specifically for cycling didn't emerge until the early 20th century, when cycling began to take off as not just a means of transport but as a form of recreation and sport.

It was made from wool - perfect for keeping warm in winter and wicking away sweat in summer - but not so great in the rainy spring and fall months. We simply can't imagine wearing wool for cycling in our humid tropical weather!

It was only in the middle of the century when textile manufacturers started mixing naturally derived materials like cotton with synthetic components like polyurethane, that sporting apparel (including cycling jerseys), started to look more like what we see today.

Road cycling jerseys tend to be form-fitting and cut close to the body. The main reason is aerodynamics, as a loose-fitting jersey would act as a parachute, adding drag and making the rider work harder for the same amount of speed.

It is also for this reason that in recent years, racing jerseys have gotten progressively longer sleeves, as it was found in wind-tunnel tests that fabric presents less aerodynamic drag than bare skin. 

This is also why time trial and track cyclists tend to wear full-sleeve bodysuits, as they are mainly concerned with aerodynamics and less with comfort or heat management.

Because road cycling jerseys are so form-fitting, they are usually designed with full front zip to enable the rider to easily put it on.

While known more popularly by brand names such as Lycra or Spandex, elastane is in fact the generic name of the component that gives stretchy fabrics their elastic properties. 

Most jersey fabrics are usually a blend of elastane and polyester. This blend results in a fabric that is not only elastic but breathable - two very useful characteristics when it comes to sports apparel.

Where stretchiness is of a higher priority, such as on our form-fitting road racing jerseys, a higher proportion of elastane (around 25%) is used. 

For road endurance and mountain bike jerseys, that amount is reduced to around 16%, making for a less elastic (thus less form-fitting) but more breathable jersey.

One of the more obvious and distinguishing features of cycling jerseys is the inclusion of back pockets. 

Some cyclists prefer not to carry a bag with them while cycling, be it on the bike or person, so having one or more pockets sewn into the jersey is quite handy for stowing items like nutrition bars, spare tubes or a multitool.

On our mountain bike jerseys, our designers have made sure to incorporate zips into the pockets, as the probability of stuff falling out is a lot higher when riding offroad!