In broad terms, the more you pay for a jersey the more you’re going to need to look and ride like a pro in order to fit into it. This is because the more you pay, the more specialist the clothing becomes.
At the mid to lower end of the market, manufacturers are making bike jerseys for people who just want to ride (whether that be commuting, touring or leisure cycling), and want something sensible to do it in, so the fit is more relaxed, more flattering and more comfortable off the bike, but at the top end you’re essentially getting the same clothing the pros wear. And it’s meant to be raced in, which means a super-slim, aero cut.
One of the most essential features of a cycling jersey is the dropped tail. The reason for this one is pretty obvious: it means that when you lean forwards on the bike there won’t be a gap between the bottom of the jersey and your shorts. Bib shorts also help with this, as they extended further up the back than standard shorts, so there’s a far smaller gap to become exposed. The other benefit of the dropped back is that it allows the pockets to sit further down the back than if both sides of the jersey dropped down to the same level. With the pockets being further down, it means access to them is more like an easy stretch rather than a bit of on-bike contortionism.
Almost the exact opposite to the dropped back is the raised or U-shape front. This is a feature you’ll see quite a lot of race cut jerseys as it helps the front to sit flush without bunching up when you lean forwards. It’s especially popular on the newer ‘aero’ jerseys, as nothing says wind catcher like bunched up material.
The collar is another area that will vary depending on the intended use of the jersey. The traditional style is to have a collar that zips up to the base of the neck, providing a bit of protection from air nipping down the front and giving you a chill. But a lot of modern aero jerseys have ditched that altogether and gone with a cut similar to a t-shirt where the jersey stops around the clavicle area and sits flush against the skin. Again, it’s another race-specific feature that, in my experience, is not as comfortable for every day riding, so it’s worth thinking about whether you really need it before you buy.
