How to Choose a Jersey

HOW TO CHOOSE A BIKE JERSEY

To make the most of your kit’s functionality, consider the whole picture when choosing a jersey. Most standard bike shorts are pocketless, so a classic, pocketed jersey is often the most useful companion. Still, our cargo bibs and our line of trail shorts offer ample storage, giving you the option to change the game up top. And most importantly when picking your kit, know the conditions you’ll be facing from the saddle.

We’ve outlined a few common scenarios below to get you started:

Close Up Picture of Blue PEARL iZUMi Jersey

THE GO-TO

Traditional cycling jerseys were designed with rear pockets so that riders could carry essentials with them on the road. To help keep you comfortable, jerseys made with our Transfer fabric are ace at wicking moisture away from the body, allowing for evaporative cooling to happen faster. You can turn to these jerseys for any fair weather riding, and combine them with a baselayer and arm warmers for chilly days too.

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Close Up Picture of Cyclist in PEARL iZUMi Jersey

When the Temps Climb

When the mercury rises and the sun is blazing, we’ve got you covered. In these conditions jerseys that feature our In-R-Cool® technologies will help you keep your cool. For additional sun protection, our sun sleeves (for arms and legs) provide UPF 50 sun protection and cooling properties.

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Mountain Biker Sporting Green PEARL iZUMi Short Sleeve Jersey

For the Trail

Mountain bikers have a little more freedom when it comes to choosing tops, because trail shorts usually have enough pockets to carry what you want to keep at arm’s reach. To match the baggy short look, a looser fitting jersey is a popular choice. Our trail jerseys are made with the same fast drying Transfer fabrics as our line of road jerseys.

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COOL CONDITIONS

Some of the best riding comes in the fall or early spring, when the combination of a warm sun and brisk air keeps you feeling sharp. For these days it’s hard to beat a Thermal jersey, which has the same fast drying properties as our Transfer jerseys, but with extra loft to trap the right amount of body heat for warmth. Wear over a baselayer for the best riding experience!

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Rider Wearing a Sleeveless Baselayer Under Bib Shorts

BASELAYERS

Mountain bikers have a little more freedom when it comes to choosing tops, because trail shorts usually have enough pockets to carry what you want to keep at arm’s reach. To match the baggy short look, a looser fitting jersey is a popular choice. Our trail jerseys are made with the same fast drying Transfer fabrics as our line of road jerseys.

shop baselayers

Mountain Biker Riding in Orange Jacket on a Trail in Wet Weather

Wet & Damp Riding

Rain happens, but that’s no reason to throw in the towel on your ride. We’ve engineered our WxB fabric and PI Dry® technology to keep you dry despite what the weather throws your way, and without compromising breathability. Depending on the temperature, pair any of our jerseys with arm sleeves, and a jacket or shell to counter the unexpected shower.

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COLD WEATHER

Prepping for cold weather riding means finding the Goldilocks combination of layers—not so many that you’ll overheat, but enough insulation to keep your core temperature up. The perfect combination will vary rider to rider, but pairing a baselayer with a jersey, and if needed a vest or jacket, will set you on the right track.

Learn Layering