Cycling Jerseys
A proper cycling jersey earns its keep the moment you're an hour into a ride — the fit, the fabric, and the pockets all matter more than they seem to before you're actually sweating in the Australian sun.
What to Look For
- SPF/UPF-rated fabric: Standard lycra can let a surprising amount of UV through, especially stretched or wet — a rated jersey closes that gap.
- Rear pockets: Somewhere to stash a phone, snacks or a spare tube without a separate bag.
- Fit: A closer, race-style cut cuts wind drag; a relaxed fit suits commuting and casual rides better.
Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve?
Long sleeve isn't just for cold weather — a long-sleeve UPF-rated jersey can be genuinely cooler in harsh summer sun than bare skin, since it blocks direct UV instead of leaving it to sunscreen alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cycling-specific jersey, or will a regular t-shirt do?
A regular tee holds sweat and can chafe on longer rides — cycling fabric is built to wick moisture and move with a riding position, which starts to matter past about 30–40 minutes in the saddle.
Is a long-sleeve jersey too hot for summer?
Not with a proper SPF/UPF fabric — it can be cooler than exposed skin in direct sun, since it blocks heat and UV rather than absorbing it.
More on choosing sun-safe gear in our cycling sun protection guide.
