A summer cycling jersey is a staple item in any cyclist’s wardrobe. They come in a variety of designs and often feature a plethora of different materials and technologies to ensure you stay comfortable and looking the bee's knees.
Although the basic structure of a cycling jersey remains the same regardless of brand and price point, there are many differentiating factors to consider when choosing your next summer cycling jersey.
Here's what we'll cover in this guide:
- What to consider when choosing a summer cycling jersey
- Our top summer cycling jersey picks for 2023
What should I consider when choosing a summer cycling jersey?
- Cut - The cut of a summer cycling jersey is a key consideration predominantly when it comes to comfort. Most brands state the type of cut they are using on a garment, opting for terms including ‘race’ or ‘performance’ to signify a tighter, more aerodynamic fit, compared to terms such as ‘relaxed’ and ‘endurance’ eluding to the garment being more forgiving around areas such as the stomach and chest.
- Materials - The vast majority of jerseys marketed for spring or summer use will have a degree of breathability already built in but choosing materials that are renowned for their lightweight and moisture wicking properties will ensure your body temperature remains stable regardless of the intensity or weather. Other neat features brands often include are UPF-treated materials and a mixture of fabrics to accommodate the need for additional stretch in certain areas, the pockets being just one of these areas.
- Grippers - Keeping your jersey from riding up and your sleeves in place to ensure those crisp tanlines are maintained, grippers come in many forms, with many silicone based, while more performance focused garments often now opt for laser cut ends to the sleeves to reduce the chances of chafing.
- Pockets - Other than the typically more figure-hugging fit and use of lighter materials, the cycling jersey’s significant difference when compared with a T-shirt is the inclusion of pockets, often found in the rear of the garment. Look for ample storage for items such as nutrition, a phone and a mini pump as well as materials that are designed to hold their shape and not sag under load.
- Zips - A full-length zip is often preferable on a summer cycling jersey as it makes temperature regulation easier on the move and allows you to take the garment on or off without needing to take it over your head.
Our top summer cycling jersey picks for 2023
Rather than sifting through a sea of Lycra, we have pulled together a selection of some of our favourite summer cycling jerseys for 2023 from some of the best brands. If you can't find what you are looking for in the list below shop our entire jersey range.
Universal Colours Mono Short Sleeve Jersey
Retail price from - £120
A jersey that you can match up easily with your bike and the rest of your kit, the Universal Colours Mono Short Sleeve Jersey boasts not just a timeless design but also key features to make it a wardrobe staple. Aside from the use of organic colours, the Mono Short Sleeve Jersey is made from premium, environmentally manufactured fabrics that are designed to filter out UV rays. It does this while still keeping you dry and comfortable, with an ergonomic fit, perfect for long days in the saddle.
What we love about this jersey -
- The easy to pair colours and earthy palette
- A full-length zip makes the jersey easy to take on and off and to regulate body temperature
- Three rear and one mesh pocket means transporting your phone, tools and other ride essentials is a breeze
- Neat touches, such as the reflective detailing makes this jersey suitable for riding in low-light
Shop the Universal Colours Mono Mens Short Sleeve Jersey
Shop the Universal Colours Womens Short Sleeve Jersey
Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Short Sleeve Jersey
Retail price - £158
Pas Normal Studios are one of the most fashion-forward brands we work with at Sigma Sports. The Danish brand produce distinctive designs that are backed up by carefully chosen fabrics and sublime, rider focused fits. A popular garment in their range is the Mechanism Short Sleeve Jersey, which provides all you could possibly need from a piece of summer cycling clothing. An ergonomic cut is perfect for when tucked over the bars, while the longer length sleeves are a neat aesthetic feature. Lightweight and breathable, we like how the team has used micro-perforated fabrics on the sides and back panel to really optimise moisture control.
What we love about this jersey -
- The addition of elastic grippers on the waist and sleeve hems to keep the jersey in place
- An easy to access zipped side pocket has been added
- Guarded zip ends and a full-length YKK zip with cam-lock puller cements this jersey’s premium credentials
- Subtle yet stylish branding is easy on the eye
Shop the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Mens Short Sleeve Jersey
Shop the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Womens Short Sleeve Jersey
MAAP Evade Pro Base 2.0 Short Sleeve Jersey
Retail price - £165
MAAP’s Evade Pro Base Jersey has long been a go-to item in the Australian brand’s fantastic range and for 2023 the re-imagined Evade Pro Base 2.0 Short Sleeve version only builds on the success of its predecessor. The team at MAAP has spent countless hours optimising the comfort and durability of this jersey and the result is pretty special. Their do-it-all garment, the Evade Pro Base 2.0 is made from 70% recycled knitted Italian fabric to provide a sublimely soft next to skin feel. If that doesn’t sway you, the signature Pro fit will, with a low profile collar and longer sleeves provide that sleek look, sure to make you feel a million dollar everytime you pull it on.
What we love about this jersey -
- The honeycomb mesh sleeves keep comfort in check
- A new bonded front hem, zip guard and pocket edge cuts down on bulk and the weight of the jersey
- Reflective print on the chest, back and sleeves increase all round visibility
- The use of bluesign® APPROVED sustainable fabrics
Shop the MAAP Evade Pro Base 2.0 Mens Short Sleeve Jersey
Shop the MAAP Evade Pro Base 2.0 Womens Short Sleeve Jersey
ASSOS Mille GT C2 EVO Short Sleeve Jersey
Retail price - £105
The name ASSOS may conjure up images of high priced cycling clothing but their Mille GT C2 EVO Short Sleeve Jersey is here to buck that perception. Delivering the precision you expect from one of the world’s leading cycling clothing brands, this Swiss designed garment uses ASSOS’ Big Dual fabric on the main body. This fabric’s circular knit interlock makeup is lightweight and features odorControl technology. Supporting you and enhancing the fit, the raw-cut sleeves and collar both use a Speedy material.
What we love about this jersey -
- It is a no fuss, highly capable short sleeve jersey at an attractive price
- Triple Ramp pockets have fabric lids added to keep your ride essentials easy to hand and secure
- All fabrics are UPF 50+ treated for exceptional sun protection
- The regularFit suits a wide range of body shapes and balances comfort with performance
Shop the ASSOS Mille GT C2 EVO Short Sleeve Jersey
Pas Normal Studios Escapism Light Short Sleeve Jersey
Retail price - £176
Although all the jerseys featured in this guide are more than capable of delivering exceptional comfort and ticking the box when it comes to performance for a wide range of needs, a dedicated, mixed terrain focused jersey is always going to excel when the route gets rougher. Say hello to the Pas Normal Studios Escapism Light Short Sleeve Jersey. Billed by Pas Normal Studios as their ‘hybrid surface’ option, the jersey boasts race-day ready lightweight credentials and pairs them with a Ripstop pattern and fully-dyed Italian fabrics.
What we love about this jersey -
- The quick-drying fabric is ideal for hot days in the sun
- A unique aesthetic. We are big fans of the understated design
- The jersey is ideal for combining with other items in the Pas Normal Studios Escapism range
- Opting for stretch woven fabric dials in both comfort and fit
Shop the Pas Normal Studios Escapism Light Short Sleeve Jersey
