Tired of cycling jerseys that don’t quite fit right and unsure how to find one that offers the perfect balance between comfort and performance?
In this article, I’ll cover the essential elements of a well-fitting cycling jersey, discussing factors like fabric materials, pocket placement, and sleeve length to help you find a better jersey fit.
How should a cycling jersey fit
Snug like a second skin
The cycling jersey should hug your upper body comfortably without restricting your arm movements. As you try on different jerseys, pay attention to any creases and wrinkles around the chest and shoulder area, which might indicate a less-than-ideal fit.
To determine if the jersey is too loose, try pinching the fabric. If you can gather more than half an inch of material, it’s likely too big for you. On the other hand, you don’t want a jersey that’s so tight that zipping it up becomes a struggle.
Aim for a balance between a secure fit and ease of movement for optimal comfort and performance.
Longer at the back, shorter at the front
Cycling jerseys are designed to accommodate your body’s positioning on the bike. When you hunch over into the riding position, your front torso shortens, and your back torso lengthens.
This unique cut, featuring a longer back and shorter front, ensures that your upper body has adequate coverage and maintains an optimal fit while in the saddle. While it may feel unusual or look odd when you’re standing upright, rest assured that it’s completely normal and purposeful.
Once you start riding, you’ll appreciate the jersey’s design, as it helps keep you comfortable and focused on your ride.
Sits around 2” below the belly button
As you lean forward into your riding position, the front of the jersey will naturally shorten, potentially causing the excess fabric to bunch up near the chest area. This accumulation of material sometimes called a stomach wiener, can be unflattering and uncomfortable during your ride.
Aim for a cycling jersey that falls about 2″ below your belly button to avoid this issue when standing upright. This will help ensure a more streamlined fit, reducing excess fabric around your torso as you hunch over your bike.
Longer than normal sleeves
The ideal sleeve length is 1 to 2″ above the elbow when standing up and off the bike. As you extend your hands over the handlebars during your ride, the sleeves will naturally roll up slightly.
If the sleeves appear to be a normal length when you’re not on the bike, they may be too short while you’re riding, causing discomfort as they dig into your armpits.
Additionally, the sleeves should fit snugly to prevent any flapping. The sound of fabric flapping can be particularly irritating, especially when riding at higher speeds.
No sagging waist
The waist grippers on your cycling jersey should fit snugly when the pockets are empty. As you fill up the rear pockets with essentials like your smartphone, wallet, energy bars, mini pump, and inner tubes, the pockets will naturally start to sag.
If your jersey has a sagging waist to begin with, the sag will only worsen when the pockets are full, making your ride less comfortable and potentially affecting your performance. To prevent this issue, opt for a jersey with a secure waist fit that keeps everything in place, even when your pockets are loaded with all your cycling necessities.
Opt for a full front zip
Opting for a cycling jersey with a full front zip offers several advantages. Firstly, it makes pulling the jersey on and taking it off much easier, saving you time and effort, especially after a long ride when you feel fatigued.
Secondly, a full zip provides greater ventilation options on hot days. You can adjust the zip to allow more airflow, helping to keep you cool and comfortable throughout your ride.
Lastly, full-zip jerseys have a sleek and stylish appearance, adding extra coolness to your cycling wardrobe.
Have three rear pockets
Most cycling jerseys today come with three rear pockets designed to evenly distribute the load between the left, middle, and right sections. This thoughtful arrangement allows you to carry all your essentials without creating an imbalance that could affect your ride.
When filling your pockets, place the heaviest and largest items in the middle pocket. This will help maintain stability and keep the weight centered. Next, utilize the side pockets for lighter or smaller items.
Some jersey brands even offer an additional fourth zippered pocket that overlays on top of the standard pockets. This extra compartment is perfect for securing important items like keys or other valuables, ensuring they stay safe and easily accessible throughout your ride.
Try at the shop if possible
It’s always a good idea to try on a cycling jersey at a shop, if possible. However, with the increasing prevalence of online shopping, this might not always be an option.
In such cases, you can seek advice from your riding group, as they may have experience with the particular brand you’re interested in. Additionally, browsing customer reviews can provide valuable insights, as you’ll often find information about rider height, weight, and fit preferences.
Consider all the points mentioned above when trying on a jersey, either in-person or when evaluating an online purchase. Prioritize the fit and comfort of the jersey, ensuring it has a snug waist, longer sleeves, and an appropriate length at the front and back.
Don’t forget to consider the practical aspects, such as a full front zip and three rear pockets, making your cycling experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Type of jersey fits
Here are the three types of jersey fitting.
- Club fit, sometimes referred to as a relaxed fit, is looser and has more materials. It offers minimal compression and is not 100% snug against the body. It’s usually worn by those who aren’t looking for performance gains or aren’t ready or comfortable in tight-fitting clothing yet.
- Race fit is where most cyclists end up eventually. It provides enough compression and is snug against the body. Some cyclists need to size up if they go from a club fit to a race fit.
- Pro fit, sometimes called aero fit, is super-tight and is not for everyone. In many cases, one would need to go one or two sizes up.
Navigating the nuances of jersey sizing
It’s important to note that sizing can vary significantly depending on the clothing brand. You may find yourself wearing a Medium for Brand A, while requiring an X-Small for Brand B.
For example, if we consider US sizing as the starting point, European sizing typically runs one or two sizes smaller. In recent years, the emergence of Asian brands has introduced Asian sizing, which is quite similar to European sizing.
To avoid confusion and ensure the perfect fit, always consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer or retailer. Remember that your measurements may not correspond directly to a single size, so be prepared to make adjustments or try on multiple sizes when shopping for your ideal cycling jersey.
More reading : Assos vs Castelli vs Rapha Clothing Comparison
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.