AN HIGH QUALITY JERSEY GIVE YOU 100% COMFORT!!
Different Types of Bicycle Jersey Fabrics & Materials & How These Affect Your Comfort Levels
It goes without saying that most of us sweat while cycling. And some of us sweat more than others. The climate you live in can affect this, but so can the fabric you’re wearing. Quality bicycle jerseys are typically made of a special material that allows for moisture wicking. Moisture wicking is the process in which the fabric pulls sweat off the skin and brings it to the outside of the garment, helping you to stay cool.
If you’re thinking that your good ol’ cotton t-shirt will do the same job as a bicycle jersey, think again. In fact, the 100% cotton and cotton-poly blends that comprise most t-shirts will leave you soaking wet in your own sweat, and possibly overheating. The reason being is that this type of material doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, which is one of the reasons why bicycle jerseys are a much more optimum choice.
Polyester Wicking Bicycle Jerseys
Though many bicycling jerseys are also made out of polyester, the polyester is woven in a manner that helps to draw moisture from your skin; this means that a bicycle jersey will give you a more comfortable riding experience. Of course, you’ll still sweat, but you won’t be sitting in your own dampness for long.
Nylon Bicycle Jerseys
In addition to bicycle jerseys that are made from polyester wicking material, there are also nylon bike jerseys that you can buy. A nylon bike jersey is made out of a unique blend of microfiber and spandex, materials that also have the ability to keep you cool while cycling by absorbing moisture. Nylon has a long shelf life, but if you have any colorful cycling jerseys made from nylon, you’ll find your colors fading over time, as nylon doesn’t hold different color dyes as well as other fabrics.
So if you’re buying a high visibility cycling jersey, which of course we recommend, because of the many benefits of hi vis cycling, your best bet is to buy a bicycle jersey made out of a polyester wicking material. All see me wear bike jerseys are made out of polyester wicking material to allow you the greatest possible comfort while riding, and to ensure that the colors of your bike jersey last a long time.
Merino Wool Bicycle Jerseys
If you do more cold weather riding, you may also want to consider a merino wool cycling jersey. Merino wool bicycle jerseys also help move the moisture away from the body and keep you warm. They’re also a lot less itchy than some other types of wool, but a merino wool jersey can be very pricey, and not always affordable for all cyclists.
Another option for cold weather cycling is layering. Depending on your climate, you may want to try a long sleeve cycling jersey, along with a cycling windbreaker paired together. That way you can also shed or add your layers as needed.
Or if where you bike is generally pretty chilly, and you already have a merino wool sweater in your closet, you can also couple that with a cycling jacket.
Just like their jersey counterparts, cycling windbreakers and jackets are made specifically with cyclists in mind and contain similar conveniences.
Other added benefits of bicycle jerseys are that they come with a short collar and a zipper. Zippers are an additional way to help you stay cool. Having a zipper will help you to manage your body temperature, and allow for more air to pass through the jersey, as you can open and adjust the zipper as needed, while you’re cycling.
For many cyclists, a bike jersey actually fits better than a regular shirt. Bicycle jerseys are designed for comfort and the material of a quality cycling jersey will work with your body as you ride. If you’re new to cycling, you’ll find that bicycle jerseys do fit better than regular clothes, as they often reduce bunching, and have a longer cut in the back, to keep your lower back covered and adjust for the fact that cyclists ride bent over.
