Best cycling jerseys for men of 2024: All the best options for road and gravel

+ Does most things brilliantly
- Few colour options

A brilliant all-rounder. A modern fit, breathable without mesh, and good looking too. The only downside besides the limited colour range is the lack of a zipped valuables pocket.

Other alternatives

+ Wonderful cut and compressive fit
- Wide neck might not be to everyone's taste

If you're after speed, or simply that aero look, then this is my pick. The fit is exceptional, but what sets it apart for me is the compressive fit - It feels noticeably more supportive.

Other alternatives

+ Pro-tier performance for a low price
- Plain colours only

You could easily be forgiven for thinking this is a jersey from a far more established, premium brand. The fit and details are brilliant, and the price is pretty astounding.

Other alternatives

+ Almost entirely mesh
- For hot weather only

For hot riding (or indoors) this is hard to beat. Every panel is mesh, and even the pockets are perforated to encourage heat to escape more readily. Don't wear it in the cold, though!

Other alternatives

+ Extra storage without going over the top
- Pocket zips a little sticky

One of my favourite jerseys, and not just for gravel. The fit is tight but with more freedom to move than others which is great off-road, and the extra storage is handy but not overdone.

Other alternatives

+ Incredibly comfortable
- Heavy pocket loads make it sag

This jersey is as much a jersey as it is a second base layer for me in cold weather. Incredible comfort, breathable, and warm when you need it to be, but don't stuff the pockets too full.

Other alternatives

+ Aero look, but less restrictive
- High collar feels a bit odd

If you're after a pro look, but don't want the restrictive feel and shorter torso of an aero jersey then this is a great choice. The long, mesh sleeves and solid fabric body are the inverse of the Albion, but it works well. The fabrics feel very premium, and the hem especially does a great job of staying put. The real stars for me are the pockets; the hem of them has a large stiffener, which ensures they sit flat when empty and also keeps everything secure. The collar is my main gripe, as for a summer-weight jersey I prefer a collarless option, but when unzipped even slightly it sits flush and poses no real issue.

Read our Attaquer All Day jersey review here 

+ Aero fit, without the squeeze
- Shorter torso less ideal for tall riders

Rapha's 'training' range is excellent in my eyes because it offers the 'pro fit' and aesthetic that many of us crave, without you having to go the whole hog and commit to the full aero jersey. This is the most snug fitting of all in this section and is similar to the Pro Team Aero Jersey, but the materials are more stretchy, especially in the sleeves and shoulders, so it feels easier to move in. It also doesn't have the wide neck of many modern aero jerseys, either. Unless you're riding against the clock or actually racing, this is about as aero as you'd need for every day. If you're tall, watch out for the short torso, and like the Aero jersey, it also has relatively small pockets. 

+ Two bonus pockets
- Block colours only

If you constantly find yourself wanting more pocket space then the Sportful Supergiara is a great option (as are any in the gravel section). It's the most 'normal' looking of the bunch, but still with a modern fit with long sleeves. The sleeves have raw edges, and take a bit of work to get them to sit flat when you pull it on. It's block colours only, so fans of patterns need not apply, but what it lacks in jazzy designs it makes up for in terms of storage. In addition to the standard back three pockets, you also get two mesh pockets over your hips in a similar way to the Endura GV500 Reiver jersey. 

+ Very comfortable
- No aero fabrics

If the Rapha option feels like an aero jersey, this feels like a normal one. More stretchy materials and a more breathable front, along with a slightly longer torso make it super comfortable, and it definitely blurs the line into the all-round section. The sleeves and shoulders are all one fabric, as per the Pro Team, but unlike the other aero jerseys in this section, the sleeves are totally smooth, relying on close fit rather than any ribbing or texture to cheat the wind. If you want to dabble in proper aero jerseys but want more real-world useability, then the bigger pockets too make this a great option.

+ Normal neck
- Short sleeves by modern standards

The feel of the Assos Equipe RS is somewhere between the Pro Team and the Castelli; lightly compressive, especially in the sleeves, but with a more stretchy body. The sleeves are short for current tastes, but the neck is normal which will be great for those of you who want a proper aero jersey without that wide-necked look. The body panels are also well thought out, with a more solid fabric on the front and upper back where the wind will hit, and an open mesh similar to those in the lightweight section on the lower back to help dump heat better when riding full gas.

+ Aero fit on a budget
- Less premium fabrics

It's no secret that Endura does a great job of offering quality gear to those on smaller budgets, and the Pro SL Race Jersey is no exception. You still get that aero fit and aesthetic, but in a package crucially under the £100/$140 mark. The sleeves are similar in length to the Assos option, and the body is similar in feel to the Castelli, though the main body fabric is the same on the front and the rear, with only a small amount of mesh on the sides to aid the fit. It feels less premium than the others, but it's also a lot cheaper. For fans of real-world useability, the pockets are also good and roomy, too.

+ More casual fit
- Full pockets bounce around

The skintight jersey look isn't for everyone, especially if you're just starting out. The Endura Xtract II jersey has a looser, more casual fit while still offering all the features of a jersey. You still get three rear pockets and a zipped valuables one, plus a rear hem gripper to keep things in place at the back. The downside to the looser fit is that the rear pockets, when loaded up, can get a little floppy and things don't feel so secure in them. Because the torso isn't supported by being super tight it also means stuffing the pockets full pulls on the front of the shoulders. The looser fit is great though if you want maximum freedom of movement, and will likely be especially appealing to cycle tourers where aero isn't the main goal. 

+ Fit is a great middle ground
- Arm grippers aggressive

If the Van Rysel and Rapha Core jerseys are too race-like for you, but the Endura Xtract is too loose then the Altura Icon exists in a happy middle ground betwixt the two. the body is slim fit but not race fit by any means, but the sleeves are slimmer and more modern in length. The sleeves end with quite restrictive grippers, but a firm tug on them to loosen them does help. The main body of the jersey is a little thicker than most on this list, so if you're a warm rider then maybe go for something more breathable, but the flip side is that this will have more use when things get a little cooler. The pockets are super roomy too, some of the biggest on test.

+ Classic looks
- Short sleeves

The Rapha Core jersey is effectively a more modern iteration of the brands timeless Classic Jersey. It's a little dearer than the Van Rysel offering, but it's cut a little less aggressively too, making it likely more of a friendly purchase for more riders. The whole thing is constructed from the same fabric that's thinner than the Altura, and thicker than the Van Rysel, and not perforated at all. The fit is great, though the sleeves are the brands more old-school length and a little short nowadays. The aesthetics though are absolutely classic, drawing on a lot of brand heritage. My main gripe is the pockets, which on the side ones are pretty small. Block colours only, but the colour range is broad with enough options to suit most tastes, from high-vis pink through to earthy tones. 

+ Super breathable
- Tiny pockets

The Castelli Climbers 4.0 Jersey is very similar to the Maap option, both in terms of fit and materials. The back, like the Maap, is a less mesh-like fabric, but in this case, so are the sleeves, so it's marginally less breathable, but it's splitting hairs at this point. If you like the look of this over the Maap then I'd go for it. The only issues I take with it are the rear pockets - the central one is fine but the two at the sides are genuinely tiny. The addition of a proper zip toggle is great though, given you're more likely to be undoing it on a regular basis. 

+ Less transparent
- Less breathable

It's safe to say that the mesh look isn't necessarily for everyone. Stepping out of the house in something close to the emperor's new jersey takes a bit of getting used to. The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight jersey offers a solid alternative, with a breathable front that isn't overly translucent, and a more solid rear and sleeves. It looks similar to the others under studio lighting, but on the road it looks far more solid. The fit is similar to the other Pro Team options, with a slight compression. For riders who aren't always heading out in 30-degree heat, this will probably see more use as an all-purpose summer option.

+ Compressive fit
- Not as meshy as others

The nature of most hot-weather jerseys is that mesh doesn't offer that same compressive, supportive feel as other fabrics. Q36.5 for its hottest weather jersey instead of mesh opts for a mostly solid, really quite stiff but incredibly thin fabric that incorporates graphene to dissipate heat. There are small mesh pockets, but if you want a superlight jersey that feels like an aero jersey then this is one to go for. The grid fabric is unusual, but has a futuristic look to it that I'm rather partial to, and is pretty comfortable next to the skin. 

+ Cavernous utility pocket
- Old school looks

If you need maximum carrying capacity then this is the jersey for you. Not only do you get three large rear pockets, but there's also a chest pocket which I find is perfect for keys and cards, along with a zippered rear mesh pocket that spans the whole width of the jersey, into which you could easily fit enough food to keep you going for a day. You could easily lose a whole bunch of bananas inside, and the fit is loose enough to allow for the expansion. While the standard weight is likely perfect for UK weather most of the time, and is the same as the brand's Classic Jersey, there's also a lightweight version for hotter climes. Finally, the reflective stripe on the body and arm are certainly of benefit if you're riding through the night. 

+ 7 Pockets
- Internal stitching on the rear is itchy

If you're gravelling on a budget then the GV500 Reiver jersey is a great one to go for. You get the additional carrying capacity of two hip pockets and a chest pocket for valuables, along with a slightly less skintight fit that'll perhaps come in handy for big days in the saddle. The shoulders and outer sleeves are constructed from a more sturdy material, which will help if you run a hydration pack, and the body is pretty well perforated for when the mercury rises. There is a central strip down the spine, which looks good but it means you have two seams which run down your shoulder blades - one to wear a base layer with in my opinion. 

+ Really sturdy pockets
- Can be a bit warm

If aesthetics are important to you then then Maap's alt_road collection is likely already on your radar. The jersey from this collection is one of the nicest looking, I've come across, particularly for that gravelly/all-road look. The inside is a low-pile wool blend and is superbly soft against bare skin. It could easily have gone in the wool section to be honest, but it feels more gravelly to me. The cut is modern and feels supportive thanks to a slightly thicker material. Like the 1/4 zip version I've tried, it's a little on the warm side, but the full zip helps vent, and the pockets are reinforced with ripstop fabric.

+ Timeless aesthetic
- A little old-fashioned

I think the Rapha Classic jersey has come full circle. A decade or so ago it was the height of cool, back when cycling didn't have such a focus on aesthetics. After a period of perhaps being a little cliché, I think it's cool again, especially in the all-black option. The hint of pink down the zip and the white armband are enough to elevate things visually, and style aside it's also just a really solid jersey for general road riding. It's thick enough to stave off chilly mornings, and soft to the touch without any wool itch. As with most looser jerseys, if the pockets are crammed full they can sway from side to side a little. One feature that is perhaps lost nowadays but I still really rate is internal headphone wiring loops into the rear pocket - For really long rides I'd always take wires over wireless.

+ Modern looks and performance
- Some synthetic panels

Merino jerseys have a bit of an old-fashioned look, most of the time. The Signature Merino Tech Jersey from Isadore bucks that trend, with a modern cut and a slightly different use of merino wool. Unlike the Velocio of Rapha options, the main fabric uses a grid structure on the inside, consisting of small squares of tiny loops of wool, with the gaps between them helping ventilation. This means you get added insulation without sacrificing breathability. If you're after a fully woolly jersey this isn't the one though, as Isadore has opted to use synthetic panels down the sides and under the arms - this helps in what is usually quite a sweaty area, but that's also where one might want the claimed anti-odour properties of merino, too. 

+ Great pockets
- Low wool content

It is perhaps a little unfair to pop this in the Merino section, as the overall wool content is only 20%, but if you look past this it's a great jersey, especially for long/multiple days in the saddle - It could easily have gone into the gravel section. Soft, and of a similar thickness to the Rapha Classic, but with two extra hip pockets, and a larger than usual valuables one on the back, and a large chest pocket on the front. If you're using a hydration vest or even a backpack, the shoulders are reinforced with a more durable, ripstop outer fabric. The colour selections on offer are minimal, but all are gorgeous in my view, and look extremely premium, especially if you pair them with the matching bib shorts. 

+ Jacket stuffing tube
- Short torso

Albion's Ultra jersey ticks all the winter jersey boxes, with a focus on long-distance riding. It's made of your classic Roubaix, fleece-backed fabric that makes it super cosy, though a little warm if it isn't actually cold. Long sleeves are great for the more lanky rider, especially if you have a reachy bike position, but the torso is rather short at the front if you aren't riding in an aero position. Where it shines for me is, like with the brand's cargo bibs, in the pockets department. You have your normal rear three and valuables pocket at the back, bolstered by a properly useable chest pocket that could accommodate a phone or even a relatively chunky pair of gloves. At the back, below the pockets, resides a mesh tube, into which a waterproof jacket can easily be stuffed from either side on the fly. 

+ Actually windproof
- Material rustles 

At once a jersey and a wind jacket. You can wear it with just a base layer, or layer it over one of the short-sleeved jerseys if you want to be a bit warmer (Velocio Concept, I'm looking at you). On cool windy days, the wind can cut right through you, but Windstopper (now Gore-Tex Infinium) stops that happening, and two panels inside the chest trap just enough air to provide a little extra insulation. The fit is a little more forgiving than the Maap, and can absolutely fit over a jersey, but it's still a race-oriented garment. The raw edge cuffs work well with gloves if that's your thing, and the Nano Flex treatment helps to keep light rain at bay too. The fabric is a little stiffer and noisier than some, so if you want an absolutely flap/rustle-free ride then maybe look elsewhere. 

+ Storage for all your layers
- Short sleeves

So many of the features that make the Brevet jersey so good for cycle touring/bikepacking also make its long-sleeved sibling brilliant in the colder months. The extra pocket space can swallow more or less all the layers you could ever want to carry, and the looser fit makes more sense when you're not giving it both barrels. The material, too, is warm and comfortable, and the reflective stripes make even more sense in winter than they do in summer. The sleeves are a little short for my gangly arms however, so if you get cold hands you'll want to wear gloves with a large cuff, though this isn't an issue if you're not riding a very long bike.