While summer is winding down, it’s still hot and humid all around the United States. One way to stay cool on hot summer days and ensure you have a great ride is to wear the right clothing. Whether you’re riding on pavement or dirt—on a road, mountain, or gravel bike—there are great cycling-specific jerseys out there to meet your needs.
Our team of editors and test riders spent hundreds of hours this summer on roads and trails across the world. Some rode grueling Pyrenean climbs in the blazing sun, others raced cross country mountain bikes in stifling humidity, and others baked in the sun while grinding out miles on the road. We ride-tested dozens of jerseys; some were great, others were not. These are the eight we liked the most.
Matt PhillipsMatt Phillips tested the Pearl Izumi Pro Mesh jerseys on the famous Hautacam climb.
Every rider has different riding needs, personal style, fit, and budget. We tested each of these jerseys for on-the-bike comfort and performance during several rides lasting two hours or longer. We also put them through multiple wash cycles to ensure the fabric didn’t pill and seams didn’t pop.
Our Favorite Jerseys for Summer Riding
Best Mesh Jersey
Pearl Izumi Men’s Pro Mesh Jersey
Available in Women’s Sizing
Since they are so lightweight and breathable, mesh jerseys are great for hot days on the bike. However, a big downside of many mesh tops is a lack of UV protection. Many cyclists wisely use sunscreen on their arms, neck, and face, but they forget to apply it to their back, shoulders, and chest. This can quickly result in an unexpected mesh-patterned sunburn after a long ride on the road.
“The Pearl Izumi Pro Mesh is super breathable (of course) and far more comfortable than most mesh jerseys I’ve worn (which tend to be scratchy). Its UPF protection is also impressive; I wore it on some tough rides in the Pyrenees and wasn’t burned through. I was super skeptical about Pearl’s sweat-activated In-R-Cool technology, and while it’s not shockingly noticeable, this jersey is just really nice to spend time in when the weather is hot.” – Matt Phillips, Senior Test Editor
Best Summer Long Sleeve
Velocio Ultralight Mesh Long-Sleeve Jersey
Many riders turn to long-sleeve jerseys or sun sleeves for added UV protection in the bright summer sun. Unfortunately, many long-sleeve tops aren’t designed for the hot summer temps and can leave you sweaty and overheated. The Velocio Ultralight Mesh Long Sleeve combines the mesh front from the brand’s excellent short-sleeve Ultralight Mesh jersey with UPF 50 sleeves and back panel.
“I’ve used the short-sleeve version of this and like it, but actually, I am obsessed with the LS version,” said Bicycling contributor Molly Hurford. And having spent a lot of time in this jersey this summer, I concur. I wasn’t a big fan of long-sleeve summer-weight jerseys until I tried this one; now I’m convinced. It’s lightweight and you barely notice the long sleeves, even on super hot days.
Best Deal
Spexcel SPPC Race Aero Fit Summer Jersey
Unless they have a lot of money to spend, cyclists aren’t left with many options for cycling clothing. Hand-me-downs are a time-tested way to get into premium kit (But do you really want to ride in your friend’s used chamois?), and scouring the internet for great deals is another. AliExpress is a source for very low-priced gear; however, some of it can be knockoffs or low quality. This Spexcel Summer jersey is one we’ve tested and like.
“For pure summer hot riding, I’ve been surprised at how much I’m enjoying this AliExpress jersey by Spexcel. Lightweight, breathable, wicking SPF fabric, and modern design motifs without being a pure counterfeit like some other jerseys from China. At only $34, I think it’s a worthwhile gamble. I’ve found the return process arduous (almost impossible, actually), so do your homework and get the right size.” – Tom Messina, Digital Designer
Best Race-Fit Jersey
Capo G.S. Padrone Aero Jersey
Capo Cycling recently returned with a tight selection of cycling apparel for road and gravel riding that combines fit, style, and performance. The kits quickly became some of our favorite gear of the summer. The Capo Padrone Aero jersey is a great example: It’s lightweight and fits amazingly.
Mesh panels on the back and armpits increase the jersey’s breathability, while a full-length YKK zipper and water-resistant hidden pocket add functionality. “The most comfortable race-fit jersey I’ve ever worn: Slim-fitting race cut, but not tight. You don’t feel like a 10-pound ham in a 5-pound sack.” – Bobby Lea, Senior Reviews Editor
Best Zipless Jersey
Pas Normal Studios Men’s Mechanism Pro Zipless Jersey
Jerseys without zippers are popular among performance-oriented road riders since they’re lightweight and more aerodynamic than traditional cycling tops. Pas Normal’s Mechanism Pro Zipless combines low weight and aero with mesh’s breathability—and then it added pockets. The look might not be for everyone (it would fit right in at a German nightclub), but the on-bike performance is excellent.
“I often get the PAS Mechanism Pro Zipless jersey and my summer base layers confused in my kit drawer. This jersey is designed for the hottest and most humid summer days—it’s essentially a summer base layer with pockets and a little bit of structure added. It weighs around 60 grams (which is half the weight of a more typical jersey), and it feels like you’re not really wearing a jersey. The result is a jersey that can make riding in the heat remarkably more tolerable. Make sure you apply sunscreen before putting it on, as the fabric offers no UV protection.” – Dan Chabanov, Test Editor
Best Summer Merino
Velocio Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey
Wool jerseys are a legendary part of cycling culture. You know those old photos of bike racing from the 1970s or earlier? The riders were probably wearing wool. However, wool has fallen out of fashion over the last few decades as lightweight, more breathable, and aerodynamic fabrics came into favor.
Modern wool kits—such as Velocio’s Merino Luxe Colorblock jersey—show that the material still has a place in cycling. The Italian-made Luxe Colorblock is constructed from a blend of soft Merino (71 percent) with nylon and elastane. The jersey’s fit and function are excellent: I found it comfortable on all but the most humid summer days.
Best Sleeveless Jersey
Capo Super Corsa Sleeveless Jersey
Many traditionalists loathe sleeveless cycling jerseys. Yet sometimes the temperature is so hot (or the humidity so high) that a sleeveless jersey or tank top is the most functional solution. And this is particularly true for riders who wear sports bras. I admit that, until I tried this jersey, I wasn’t a big fan of the sleeveless jersey aesthetic or feel.
I’ve ridden hundreds of miles in Capo’s standard Super Corsa jersey and droptail bib shorts, and I’m impressed—The fit is excellent and the comfort is top-notch. But for the hottest summer rides, I prefer the Super Corsa Sleeveless. The mesh front and sides provide breathability, and three rear pockets have more functionality than most tech tank tops.
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Best for Trail Riding
Rapha Trail Lightweight T-Shirt
Many riders prefer a loose cut jersey for mountain biking or riding gravel. Regular cotton t-shirts aren’t breathable and quickly become heavy with sweat. And while tech tees are more breathable, their cut isn’t designed for riding and can bunch up, and the backs often aren’t long enough. Rapha’s Lightweight Trail t-shirt has a casual cut and the dual-material wicks sweat, so you won’t smell too ripe on hot days.
“The Rapha Trail Lightweight Tee offers an excellent on and off bike fit paired with quick drying and comfortable materials that are perfect for hot laps on the trails. For being so lightweight, the jersey is still robust enough to survive brushes with branches and occasional meetings with the ground. If you do end up damaging it, Rapha still offers a free repair service.” – Trevor Raab, Senior Photographer
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As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.