A few weeks ago, I wrote about a question that had been building and brewing in the back of my mind for years: why do cycling jerseys seem to be getting smaller? Apparently, I wasn’t alone – thousands of you responded, confirming that the struggle is real.
Since then, I’ve done some follow-up digging. Maybe I was a touch unfair in the first piece. I've since found some fantastic options that I didn't consider previously, but I maintain that the overall trend still holds. Or perhaps I'm holding onto my youth and I need to move on from the options I once used to consider.
In any case, I reached out to over a dozen brands to find jerseys that cater to riders like me: still relatively fit, still riding, but not exactly in the prime of his cycling life. To some, that might have resulted in the 'dad bod'.
This isn’t a technical deep dive. It’s about fit, comfort, dignity and yes, vanity. I looked for jerseys with real features, not just baggy beginner kits given away at gran fondos. Something breathable, performance-oriented, and that doesn’t give me body dysmorphia around my skinny mates.
I never dreamed I’d be the one championing the dad bod. Let's not talk about how we got here, but here we are – and I’m not going down without a fight!
For all you women out there who feel the same, I hear you. After many subsequent conversations with apparel designers, I also empathise with their challenge of accomodating many body types and I'm obviously not qualified to add much commentary to this topic. But we'll see if one of our female contributors would like to champion this one for you in the future ...
The brief
I reached out to some of the most popular apparel brands asking them to send me their best-fitting jersey that bucks the smaller-jerseys trend:
"I’m planning a second piece that highlights jersey options that buck the trend – technical, performance-oriented, flattering, but not skin-tight, and suited to cyclists who aren’t sitting at 4% body fat.
"Would you be open to sending a sample jersey that you feel fits this brief? Something that reflects a more inclusive approach to fit – still performance-oriented, but more wearable for the middle-aged average-sized rider.
"My chest measurement is 105 cm (41 "), I'm 185 cm (6' 1") tall, and about 90 kg (198 pounds), but I’d prefer if you chose the size, fit, color, and line you feel best represents this idea."
Each jersey I received is a different price point, for a different purpose and a different market. Therefore this is not a comparison between jerseys, but a commentary on each individually. I'll let you decide for yourself from the images and description which one suits your needs and body type.
Here they are, in random order:
Albion Traverse Jersey
At first glance, I expected this to be another skin-tight jersey, but when I put it on, it turned out to be far more comfortable and less restrictive than it appeared. After a closer look at the clever design details (including six pockets!), I’ve really fallen in love this jersey.
Fit & cut
Less tight and more comfortable than it looks in the photos.
Sizing accuracy
The size guide on Albion’s website is spot on – exactly what I’d expect based on my measurements. I’m wearing an XL here.
Comfort & feel
A very lightweight material with many panels that has a nice and soft feel.
- Main: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane | Side panel: 93% recycled polyester, 7% elastane | Mesh panel: 73% recycled nylon, 27% recycled elastane
Technical features
- Close-to-body fit without feeling tight.
- Six pockets.
- Breathable mesh panels at the sides and under arms for ventilation.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion. Also comes in 'mineral green' for those who don't like the darker 'Slate' color shown here (which has a tinge of green in it) and want to stand out more.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
The product page says, "Fabric complies with the Global Recycled Standard." Sustainability statement on Albion’s website can be found here.
Price
US$290 / €210 / £145 / AU$345
The Escape verdict
It may not seem like it breaks the mold at first, but once you wear it, your mind might be changed. It’s not cheap, but I expect it to last for years – in terms of both style and function. I highly recommended this jersey for its blend of comfort, understated style, and thoughtful technical features.
Rapha Brevet Jersey
The Brevet jersey is a classic from Rapha and has hardly changed in fit and styling since it first launched over a decade ago. Originally designed for some employees embarking on the Paris-Brest-Paris randonneur, it was made for rugged long-distance riding and has stayed that way.
Fit & cut
- Classic fit, not much drape, multiple panels and fabrics, and very well thought-out features.
Sizing accuracy
- The sizing guide on the website is accurate and exactly how I'd expect the jersey to fit based on my measurements. Large in this case.
Comfort & feel
- A well constructed ‘workhorse’-feeling fabric. Perhaps the thickest and most durable-feeling fabric out of all I've tried here.
- Material: 64% polyester, 36% wool (body), nylon, elastane, 95% polyester in other panels.
Technical features
- A generous fit, luxurious yet durable feel.
- Traditional rear pockets with two zip-up compartments and breathable fabric.
- Rapha’s proprietary merino fabric.
- Large reflective stripes on front, rear, and arm.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion, also comes in many other colors for those who don't like dark jerseys and want to stand out more.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- Sustainability and impact statement on Rapha’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$200 / €175 / £100 / AU$270
The Escape verdict
- Classic fit and sizing from Rapha of a decade ago.
- Pricey, but also something that will last for years (in terms of style, function and fit – it's not a trendy and disposable jersey). My original Brevet jersey has stood the test of time in terms of durability and style.
- I would absolutely recommend this jersey when considering the fit, the look, and the technical features.
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