Find the Perfect Fit for Your Winter Cycling Jersey

 

After your shorts, a cycling jersey will likely be your key item of cycling apparel—and you may have noticed that it’s one piece of gear many cyclists get wrong. Jerseys that are too long or too big may look comfortable when pulling them on before a ride, but on the road, they can hinder performance (i.e., actually slow you down). And poor fitting winter cycling jerseys exacerbate the problem with their thicker fabric, long sleeves, and higher necklines. Don’t be that guy or girl suffering in misery while logging those winter miles. Instead, follow our guide to find the perfect cycling jersey.

 

Layer Up – Two Are Better Than One

 

Veterans of cold-weather riding know the key to flexibility and comfort is to use an intelligent system of layers that starts with a form-fitting base layer. This foundational, ultralight, breathable garment wicks sweat off your skin to keep you dry (and thus warmer). With a base layer knitted from Megmeister’s DRYNAMO on your skin, you can then choose a lighter weight long-sleeve winter cycling jersey to wear over it. This two-part strategy lets the jersey do the hard work of blocking wind through tighter weaves in the chest, shoulders, and arms; keeping you warm along your stomach, sides, and lower back; and rear holding pockets for your keys, nutrition, phone, and wallet.

 

Cycling Jersey Fit Guide

 

The ideal fit for winter is the same as for summer cycling jerseys: Snug all around. By snug, we mean the sleeves fit tight around your arms with no extra fabric flapping in the wind, the waistline lies flat against your stomach and over your shoulders when you’re bent over in the riding position, and the neckline wraps your neck with no gaps that would otherwise let cold air in. Megmeister’s THERMODREAM long-sleeve jersey checks all these boxes with the elasticity to fit snugly across your torso and arms while still sliding easily over a base layer and under a rain jacket. A snug fit that doesn’t flap in the wind is a fit built for free, aerodynamic speed. Believe it.

 

Winter Cycling Jersey Extras Make All the Difference

 

Beyond breathable, insulating fabric and a snug yet relaxed cut, there are several key features that turn a solid cold-weather cycling jersey into a standout piece of your kit. Start with a full zipper: With a full zipper, you have maximum flexibility to regulate your core temperature. You can even unzip it all the way on a long, slow, sustained climb (because remember, you still have your DRYNAMO base layer on). It also makes removing the jersey after a ride that much easier; no need to pull it off over your head.

 

A high neckline collar on a cycling jersey furthers your ability to stay warm as your neck expels a ton of body heat. It also keeps cold air or rain from trickling inside your clothing. Grip tape along the hem ensures that your jersey sticks tight and stays long on your body, providing maximum coverage against any water spraying up your backside. Same goes for the cuffs on the sleeves: Tight cuffs keep the cold and moisture out. On Megmeister’s THERMODREAM jersey, the shaped cuffs cover your wrist better and sit at the end of extra-long, articulated sleeves. 

 

Last, let’s talk about pockets. Look for covered pockets. They keep the nasty stuff out and your valuables protected from the elements. The Megmeister THERMODREAM long-sleeve jersey does one better: It features a zippered stowaway side pocket that’s perfectly sized to hold a wind vest, knit hat, or ultra-light rain shell.

 

In short, the rules for finding the proper fit and function on a cold-weather cycling jersey are the same as they are for a warm-weather jersey. You want a jersey that wicks moisture off your body while retaining enough heat to keep you warm. (Too warm? Modulate your temperature with that jersey zipper!) You want a snug-fitting jersey so no fabric bunches up or flaps in the wind. And you want a jersey with well-executed functional details such as covered pockets and no-gaps on the cuffs and collar, all designed to produce your best performances this winter season. 

 

Bonus tip: Make your ride as safe as possible by finding a jersey that uses reflective lettering or design elements that shine bright in the dark when illuminated by vehicle headlights or streetlights.