Short-sleeved cycling jersey

The summer jersey is ultra-breathable, whilst the base layer jersey is insulating and retains body heat. The summer jersey (lightweight Lycra, mesh) is designed to wick away sweat as effectively as possible in hot weather (20°C and above). Below 15°C, it can expose the skin to cold air during descents. The base layer (Craft Warm, Assos Skinfoil) is worn under the jersey in cold and damp weather: it retains heat whilst wicking away sweat. The combination of base layer + jersey + windbreaker is the most versatile winter clothing system.

Technical polyester is the performance standard; merino is more comfortable but takes longer to dry. Modern polyester (synthetic) jerseys (Castelli, Assos, Capo) are lightweight, durable, dry very quickly and offer antibacterial properties. Ideal for performance and intense rides. Merino wool (Café du Cycliste, Ornot) is naturally thermoregulatory, less irritating on the skin and better at resisting odours on multi-day rides. However, it dries more slowly and is more delicate in the wash. Merino/synthetic blends (Rapha) combine the advantages of both.

Yes, women’s cuts are essential for comfort and performance. The women’s cut adapts the back length (generally shorter), the compression zones (stomach, waist) and the panel layout to the female anatomy. A men’s jersey worn by a woman will gape at the back, compress the shoulders differently and may be uncomfortable. The rear pockets are positioned differently (higher up) in women’s cuts to suit the body’s position when seated on a bike. Leading brands (Castelli, Assos, Giordana) offer complete women’s ranges.

Choose a jersey with flat or heat-sealed seams, fitted without being too tight at the seams. Common areas of irritation: underarms (sleeve seam), neck (collar), lower back (silicone tape). High-end jerseys use flat-lock seams (no raised stitching) and soft silicone bands. Avoid jerseys with thick seams or rough finishes. For long rides (cyclosportives, touring), a jersey with a low collar (or no collar) reduces neck chafing. Check that the silicone band at the bottom of the jersey does not compress your lower back when descending.

Smooth, low-drag fabric, a close-fitting cut without excess fabric, fitted short sleeves and optimised texture. Aero jerseys (Castelli Aero Race, Assos Mille GT, Rapha Pro Team Aero) use panels of fabric with different textures depending on the area: smooth fabrics on the chest and back to reduce frontal drag, rough fabrics on the arms that create a favourable turbulent boundary layer. Wind tunnel tests show gains of 5 to 15 watts at 40 km/h between an optimised aero jersey and a standard jersey. For competitive cyclists and triathletes, choosing an aero jersey is a sensible option.

Ideally yes, or at most every two rides if perspiration has been moderate. Perspiration encourages bacterial growth in the jersey’s fibres, causing persistent odours that are difficult to remove if washing is delayed. Wash at 30°C using a technical detergent (without fabric softener). With naturally antibacterial merino fibres, you can go up to three light rides between washes. But for intensive summer rides, washing after every ride is the only way to keep the fabric fresh.

Short sleeves for temperatures of 18°C and above, long sleeves or arm warmers for 10 to 18°C. Below 15°C, removable thermal arm warmers are the most versatile option: they can be taken off and stowed in the jersey pocket if the temperature rises. Integrated long sleeves are better for consistently cold temperatures but less versatile. For mountain cycle races with significant temperature variations, arm warmers are always recommended.

Check the seams, the quality of the fabric and the finish of the back pockets: flat seams, two-way stretch fabrics and zipped pockets are signs of quality.A high-quality jersey can be recognised by its flat or heat-sealed seams (visible or invisible), its fabric that regains its shape without leaving marks after compression, and its deep, securely attached rear pockets (which do not turn inside out when cornering at 80 km/h). The finish of the silicone bands (carefully sewn, without peeling) and high-quality zips (YKK) are further indicators.

The most practical solution is to add a special jersey pocket or choose a model with a professional cut and an extended back. Entry-level jerseys often have a back that is too short, which rides up when you’re in the riding position, exposing your lower back to the wind and rain. Professional jerseys (Assos, Castelli, Rapha) are cut with an extended back (e.g. Castelli Gabba) to perfectly cover the lower back when leaning forward. If you have already bought a jersey that is too short, a separate back protector (neck warmer or back cover) can partially remedy this problem.