The best cycling jerseys for peak pedaler style

Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colour: Black, Grey

We may or not be thinking about winter rides just yet, but Rapha is well ahead either way. Its spectacular freeze-busting garment for the coldest season: a Pro Team long sleever hewn from Gore-Tex and resistant to wind and rain. A zip-through saviour come colder days, it’s available in black, grey, dark red and bright yellow — all with reflective flourishes. As with most cycling jerseys: size up!

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Colours: Cream, Brown

A designer look needn’t — and doesn’t — mean compromising on performance, as consistently proven by Pas Normal Studio’s collections of gear worthy of a cycle lane lined by paparazzi. In its collaboration with Oakley, this couldn’t be more true, as the breathable summer jersey gets a punchy Y2K makeover. Add your Encoders and go.

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colours: Blue, Orange/Turquoise, White/Blue, White/Yellow

The lightest of Le Col’s many summer jerseys, the “Sport Lightweight” weighs just 90gsm and is intended for the hottest of conditions, with bonus UPF 30+ sun protection to boost the comfort of your heat wave rides. If you know Le Col you know this already, but rest assured that high breathability, beautiful design and second skin comfort are all part of the price.

• Sizes: XS-3XL
• Colours: Navy, Yellow, White, Black (+3 more)

It’s done its fair share of eye-popping cartoon brights in its time, but this side of Attaquer is more subtle. More reserved fans of the brand’s high compression Italian knits will be pleased to see this restrained take on the “Race” jersey, particularly if they’re planning some arduous summer rides: SPF 50+ protection and high moisture wicking abilities are part and parcel of the purchase.

• Sizes: XS-3XL
• Colour: Green, Multi

Universal Colours has entrusted this collection of cycling jerseys to 3D graphic design and, boy, is it a rush back to the hedonism of the early 1990s (before corporate-core hit fitness design). This feat of design and engineering comes from a relative newbie on the cycling brand scene, promising lightweight and breathable materials with reflective visibility that have been sustainably sourced.

• Sizes: S-XL
• Colours: White/Blue

Merino wool takes centre stage in District Vision’s summer jersey, prioritising natural antimicrobial and odour-controlling properties over man made ones. There are pockets, of course, and performance-prioritising fit, but it’s the look of this jersey — designed by Filip Pagowski and executed with logo-appliqués — that has us slamming our debit cards down on Mr Porter’s proverbial counter.

• Sizes: 2XL
• Colour: Orange

Simple and popping, the Castelli jersey has a considerable professional pedigree, having clothed myriad cycling greats including, most recently, Geraint Thomas and his Giro Di’Italia Ineos team. You probably need little more convincing, but to nudge you a little more: these popping zip-through designs incorporate UV protectant backs, fast-drying dimpled fabric and classic silicone grippers at the waist.

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colour: Black, Navy

Another ultra-stylish option from Rapha, the classic jersey was the brand’s first-ever product – a blueprint for the understated styles that followed. Everything about it is refined to perfection, from the fit to the detailing, crafted from the brand’s own Rapha Performance Merino 150, one of the softest and most breathable adaptations of merino wool you’ll find on a jersey. Ever the innovators, it's combined with recycled polyester to give otherwise landfill-bound materials a second life, and, as with all Rapha garments, the brand offers free repairs to the wear and tear they may pick up on the road.

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colour: Blue, Navy, Green, Orange

Former Tour de France stage winner David Millar is the man behind CHPT3, the cycling brand that puts sustainability at the top of its priority list. As dedicated to the planet as it is style and substance, CHPT3 uses recycled materials to create cycle-route gold. In this Aero Road jersey, the recycled content is 90 per cent and the style points 100.

• Sizes: S-XXL
• Colour: Purple/Multi

The brand to bring ‘80s and ‘90s brights back to the bike, Pearson makes some of our favourite kaleidoscopic jerseys. High up on our list is this colour block number complete with button press front pocket, traditional back pouch and oodles of design flourishes for a designer take on the cycling staple.

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Colour: Multi x3

Feeling nostalgic for the jagged shapes and cartoon brights of 1980s fitness? Maap has your back with its remit of interesting designs. This example — which uses reds and blues reminiscent of vintage opening credit reels — is part of an ultra lightweight collection that puts airflow at the forefront. Large mesh panels keep arms, flank and chest cool in the heat of the summer, and you’ll avoid sweaty back syndrome thanks to a targeted panel there as well.