Custom-made cycling jerseys

For the uninitiated, cycling jerseys can throw up more questions than answers. Should they really be this tight? Is there enough space for a packable jacket in case of a temperamental British thunderstorm? Is the fabric just going to billow and flap about in the wind? Why is Lycra so unflattering?

With more women taking up cycling than ever before – Wiggle reported that female sports enthusiasts increased their spending by 43 per cent in 2021, compared with a 26 per cent rise among men – long gone are the days of “shrink it and pink it”.

We want cycle clothing that is designed specifically for the female form, and which looks as good as it performs, keeps you cool during the height of summer and makes every kilometre of your ride enjoyable (rather than feeling every kilometre in all the wrong places).

We’ve tested some of the very best women’s cycling jerseys that are perfect for summer. From laps around Richmond Park and cinnamon “bun runs” to Windsor (if you know, you know) and sunny cycling adventures in the New Forest, we’ve tested each short-sleeve jersey, taking into account the fabrics, fit and print.

Cycling can sometimes seem a little serious (and male-oriented), but it doesn’t have to be. So forget understated cycling jerseys – it’s time to leave the modest blacks, greys and autumnal shades in the dark depths of lockdown, and rock a brighter palette that screams confidence. Think: florals, tropics and clashing Nineties prints.