As is the case with base layers, a lightweight, technical short sleeve jersey is important in summer to move moisture away from your body, keeping you dry on hot days, rather than drenched in sweat.

A short sleeve jersey needn’t be reserved solely for summer and as part of a layering system it will get plenty of use during spring and autumn.

Once again, man-made, synthetic fabrics come into their own in summer. Some jerseys will combine a number of fabrics, like the Sportful Pista, which uses a lightweight Nimbus polyester fabric for the main body of the jersey and an even lighter version of the same fabric, called Nimbus Mesh, under the arms to facilitate greater airflow in areas more prone to heat and moisture build-up.

More recently, the fourth iteration of Castelli’s Prologo 4 jersey is 98% polyester and 2% spandex, which is breathable to such an extent you may find it too cold on some days, even in summer.

Fit is personal but look for a jersey which sits close to the skin and is therefore more aerodynamic while allowing the technical fabric to do its job. There is, however, a difference between a close fitting jersey and a restrictive one. Watch out for jerseys with a ‘pro’ fit, like De Marchi Contour PRO, and consider ordering up a size.

Most jerseys generally come with three rear pockets and this is an arrangement which normally provides ample space for carrying ride essentials like food, pump, inner tube and a spare layer. Many good jerseys will also have a separate, zipped valuables pocket which provides a secure place to keep your mobile phone or house key.

Merino still has its place in summer, particularly in the UK when the temperature rarely gets too extreme. British brands Rapha and Shutt Velo Rapide both produce jerseys made from Sportwool, a 60 per cent polyester and 40 per cent merino mix which is designed to offer the best of both worlds: the comfort, temperature management and anti-bacterial qualities of wool, and the fast drying and breathable qualities of a synthetic fabric.

At the other end of the scale mesh is becoming more popular – Sportful’s R&D short-sleeve jersey uses ‘Air Mesh’ fabric on the arms, with the laser-cut sleeve sitting seamlessly next to the skin. Rapha, meanwhile, introduced the Pro Team Climber’s Jersey, using a range of mesh fabrics.

Some jerseys look to cater for the unpredictable British summer by incorporating windproof and/or waterproof panels. The dhb Windslam jersey, for example, has a windproof front but is better suited to cool summer days, while the Cafe du Cycliste Josette jersey is both wind and waterproof, and is designed for temperatures up to 15c.

You can find more in our dedicated buyer’s guide.