Do I Need A Cycling Jersey?

Boost your comfort, aerodynamic profile and style credentials with our pick of the best cycling jerseys
The best cycling jerseys are the ones that enable you to ride faster in comfort, with bonus points if they make you look good while doing so. Along with a good pair of bib shorts and a seasonally appropriate base layer, a good jersey is a core component of your cycling kit. In fact, most people who ride more than once or twice a week will own several.

Dedicated cycling jerseys are designed to fit tight and hug the torso to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. Specialist fabrics allow them to wick sweat away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry in the summer and warm in winter. Cycling jerseys also feature pockets in the lower back, which are easy to access while on the bike and handy for storing things such as a smartphone, snacks, tools or spare cash for those all-important coffee and cake stops.

How to choose the best cycling jersey for you

No, but it will make your cycling experience a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. This is especially true if you regularly spend long periods on the bike. There was a time when cycling kit wasn’t much more advanced than a simple cotton T-shirt, but in today’s world of high-performance fabrics, body-mapping tech and low-profile fits, the difference between a purpose-designed cycling jersey and a regular top is enormous.