5 The Best Cycling Jerseys Reviews 2019

July 2, 2019

If you're shopping for the best cycling jersey, be aware that it essentially a highly technical and hence uncommonly expensive t-shirt. However, this is not just MAMIL foolishness; the best cycling jerseys have handy aerodynamic and temperature management qualities, and some can even keep you dry.

See, the modern cycling jersey is designed to fit the torso like a latex glove, meaning its wearer positively slices through the air like a hot knife through butter, without a baggy T-shirt flapping in the wind and causing all sorts of nipple issues.

Santini Black 2019 Genio Short Sleeved Cycling Jersey

Buying a bike jersey: what to look for

Zips can become deeply unpleasant torturers of your Adam's apple over long rides, so look out for jerseys with 'zip garages' (yes, really) if you put in big mileage. These are fabric flaps that cover the zip when it's done up.

Most jerseys have pockets at the back, but make sure they're the right size to hold whatever you habitually carry when riding without breaking for freedom at every bump in the road, but loose enough to easily retrieve items on the move.

All of our picks will keep you mobile and flexible, as well as cool and sweat-free on warm days and protected against the most biting winds on colder ones, but if you’re looking to keep cycling into the colder months then it may be worth investing in a long-sleeved jersey or one with extra wind-proofing and thermal properties. we’ve listed the seasons to which each jersey is best suited.

Castelli 2017 Men's Prologo 5 Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Finally, we’ve described the fit so you can find one that’ll both flatter your bod and work around your workout.

While you don’t want something that’ll flap around you dramatically in the wind like Batman on a Boris Bike, buying a cycling jersey needn’t mean donning something that’ll slowly crush your internal organs.

If you’re serious about cycling, a super close-fitting race fit jersey will suit, keeping you lean and aerodynamic with no excess material to slow you down.

If you take things a bit more casually, or have the habit of stopping for cake after a long ride, a more relaxed performance fit cycling jersey will do the job nicely.

Here is our pick of the best cycling jerseys available today.

1. Rapha Brevet Jersey

One of the coolest brands in the world of road cycling

Specifications
  • Best for: Hipster adventure rides
  • Material: 61% polyester 39% Merino Wool
  • Season: Spring/summer
  • Fit: Performance
  • Features: Three rear pockets, mesh-lined cargo pocket, insulating properties
Reasons to buy
  • Top quality
  • Great fit
  • Premium materials
Reasons to avoid
  • A bit too hipster MAMIL for some

• Buy Brevet direct from Rapha

Slightly set aside from Rapha's typical high-performance range, the Brevet line-up focuses on longer, more adventurous rides with a range of comfortable jerseys that blend fabrics with multiple advantages.

The addition of Merino wool has been chosen for its natural wicking and antibacterial properties, along with its ability to both insulate against the cold and breathe in warmer conditions.

Plus, the Brevet jersey is designed with comfort as a top priority, meaning it has no awkward seams or zips that could chafe when the mileage starts to clock up.

Better still, the jersey’s fit is tailored enough for on-the-bike advantages, but not too aggressive to make you stand out like a split sausage in a condom at café stops.

2. Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Short Sleeve Jersey

Windproof, weatherproof, and an all-round wonderful buy for chilly rides

Sportful Bodyfit Pro 2.0 Classics Jersey
Specifications
  • Best for: Wind and light rain protection
  • Material: Windshield 3L stretch windproof fabric
  • Season: Autumn-winter
  • Fit: Ergonomic (race)
  • Features: Rear NoRain light fabric, front Windshield 3L windproof fabric
Reasons to buy
  • Cut for chilly weather
  • Weatherproof fabric
Reasons to avoid
  • No pockets

The cold weather-friendly shape and high-tech construction of this Sportful top come together to make it a great ally against chilly winds and light rain, and our overall best jersey for cycling. The longer-than-average arms hit just above the elbow to cover without restricting, and the high neck and extra reinforcement around the shoulders and upper arms are designed to keep biting breezes at bay. 

Reviewers commented on the impressive waterproofing, saying that lighter rain simply beads and runs off, and was chuffed with its great value weatherproof performance. The only downside is the lack of pockets, so if you’re on a long ride with lots of kits, consider layering up with a lighter pocketed jersey underneath.

3. Santini Giro d'Italia 2019 of Cycling Jersey

Forget King of the Hill, you’ll be King of the Mountain with this true blue iconic jersey

Santini Black 2019 Genio Short Sleeved Cycling Jersey
Specifications
  • Best for: Giro d’Italia devotees
  • Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
  • Fit: Performance
  • Features: Invisible hidden front zip, triple rear pockets, UV protection
Reasons to buy
  • Iconic design
  • Light and seam-free comfort
Reasons to avoid
  • Small fit reported; may need to size up

If you’re the member of your peloton who always beasts those inclines (or if you hate hills but love irony), look no further than this official King of the Mountain Jersey.

The performance-fit jersey is cut to provide a close enough fit that you won’t feel the drag, but it’s light and comfortable enough — according to happy reviewers — for more casual cycles too.

Users especially praised the seamless arms, good news for anyone who struggles with tight sleeves over the course of a long ride. And did we mention? It looks amazing. A classic three-pocket jersey for easy-breezy rides, with just a mite more show-off factor than most.

4. Evans Cycles Kalf Flux Chevron Men's Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

A jazzy jersey that’ll keep you cool

KALF Flux Mens Chevron Pattern Race Fit Short Sleeve Full Zipped Cycling Jersey
Specifications
  • Best for: Design
  • Material: Lycra
  • Season: Summer
  • Fit: Race
  • Features: Three open back pockets, one zipped valuables pocket
Reasons to buy
  • Bold design
  • Zipped valuables pocket
Reasons to avoid
  • Small pockets

While we don’t necessarily recommend choosing a cycling jersey based on what looks the coolest, sometimes you find one that’s both practical and kick-ass, like this Chevron short-sleeve jersey from Kalf. 

In contrasting dark teal and pale blue, it’s a standout look for sure, and its full-length zip makes it great for quick cool-downs in hot weather (the perforated underarm panels help too, we’re told). 

As well as the standard triple back pocket, this jersey boasts a zipped valuables pocket for keeping cash and keys intact on even the bumpiest rides. This is a great-looking and high-performing pick for warm weather.

5. Endura FS260-Pro Short Sleeve Jersey

An inexpensive yet fully-featured jersey for summer rides

Endura FS260-Pro III Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey Ocean, Large
Specifications
  • Best for: Warm-weather riding
  • Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
  • Season: Spring/summer
  • Fit: Race
  • Features: Full-length zip, underarm ventilation, UPF panels, triple rear pockets
Reasons to buy
  • Great value
  • Cooling and UPF capabilities
Reasons to avoid
  • Not the most exciting design

If you’re after a great summer cycling jersey, but don’t have the money to drop on the Morvélo Kriss Kross, this budget buy is the one. 

Every element works to keep you cool and dry, from the underarm ventilation to the super-duper wicking construction, and its UPF 25 rear panels keep the worst of the sun off your back.

Plus, it’s constructed with racing in mind, with close, minimal pockets intended to keep you aerodynamic, and internal grippers at the sleeves and hem to stop riding up.