Yes, it’s finally that time of year: summer is here in all its glory. Well, almost, at the time of writing. The best aspect of the summer is being able to leave all your winter layers in the wardrobe and just pull on a pair of bib shorts and a summer jersey.

A summer jersey’s task is a simple one: keep you cool and dry on long hot summer days; look stylish; provide some stowage space via rear pockets and give you an aerodynamic edge.

As with most things though, there’s a bewildering range of choice, so RCUK has pulled together some top tips on what to look for when you’re buying a jersey, so you can make an informed choice.

Fit

How a jersey fits is a personal choice, but ideally a jersey that hugs the contours of your body is optimal for removing sweat from your skin and to avoid excess flappage at speed. Jerseys come in many different cuts and sizes, with some opting for more ‘panels’ in the aim of achieving a closer fit while others employ stretchy fabrics to the same effect.

Materials

The main aim of a jersey is to keep you cool, so a material that breathes adequately and moves sweat away from the skin while staying dry in even the hottest conditions is a must. There’s a huge choice of man-made and natural materials, and combinations of both, to choose from. Whatever the fabric though, what you’re looking for is one that wicks sweat effectively, removing moisture from the skin to keep you feeling dry.

Man-made synthetic fabrics are the mainstay of summer jerseys, but natural materials – basically types of wool – are also good choices. Naturally sourced materials such as Merino wool have developed a lot in recent years with many improvements and developments leading to Merino wool being a good choice, even on hot days.

Features

Numerous features are available but first decide what you actually need from your jersey. Three rear-mounted pockets are the norm, but some offer more stowage space then others. You might want to look for a zipped pocket for keeping your house keys or other valuable items safe. You’ll definitely want a jersey with an extended lower back to keep your lumbar region covered when crouched over the handlebars, and here an elasticated waist with silicone grippers can provide a better fit.

Zip lengths different greatly, with full-length zippers making pulling the garment on and off easy and also providing the best ventilation, at the cost of a less snug fit around the stomach. Mesh panels, typically at the sides or around the back, can further aid cooling on extremely hot days. For commuting or riding on busy roads at dusk, neatly concealed reflective panels and piping can boost visibility.

Styling

Styling is of course down to personal preference, but there’s now more choice than ever before, from team replicas via understated but stylish branded wear all the way through to the current trend for retro inspired garb. Your choice of jersey says a lot about you though, so choose wisely.

Women

Women get a great choice in summer apparel, sporty and fashionable jerseys are provided by most cycle clothing manufacturers and a great deal of thought has been put into the design of the garments too.
Little vest tops and cropped tops look great on and off the bike and equally stylish in the gym or on the beach too. Many of the close fitting vest style tops have built in sports bras constructed of lightweight but supportive fabrics such as highly breathable mesh, a perfect way of avoiding the need for unsightly bra straps.

Jersey Reviews

Keep an eye on the homepage over the following weeks for reviews of the latest summer jerseys.