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.
Assos GT (Endurance)
I own many Assos pieces from years ago but haven't had the opportunity to try anything new in over a decade. Those pieces have lasted well and are still as functional and carry just-as-relevant styling as they did 15 years ago. Back then Assos was a leader in technical apparel, and the brand doesn't appear to have lost that focus.
Fit & cut
- A more forgiving fit than it may look in the photos, however still a bit on the tight side (especially on the arms) for those looking for a generous fit.
Sizing accuracy
- According to the sizing chart I should fit a Large. I was sent a Large and XL sizes, and XL was what fit and is shown here.
Comfort & feel
- Comfortable cut for a bent-over position on the bike.
- Close fit to the body, bordering on the 'painted on' look, but not as tight as the photos may indicate.
- Material: 73% polyester, 14% elastane, 13% polyamide
Technical features
- Close-to-the-body fit without being 'tight'.
- Traditional three pockets constructed with a more sturdy fabric than the main body to prevent sagging.
- Very light and breathable fabric for the main body.
- Main body fabric is dubbed “Aircell” and claimed to be very breathable and wicking, with horizontal stretch and vertical support.
Style & design
- Subtle, classy yet technical features.
- Striking color (rusty brown shown here).
Sustainability claims
- Sustainability statement on Assos’ website can be found here.
Price
- US$180 / €135 / £125 / AU$250
The Escape verdict
- A simple and beautifully designed jersey with subtle and well considered details.
- Fits surprisingly well and more flattering than I expected.
- A fantastic jersey that I’d personally buy, but perhaps not one I'd recommend for someone with a larger build and conscious about a fit that’s more on the forgiving side. Solid colors usually aren't flattering, but this one pulls it off.
Ronan Mc Laughlin
Le Col Sport Lightweight jersey
I don't have a lot of experience with Le Col apparel so I'm glad the brand was able to send me this sample. I own one other kit from Le Col which I quite like (despite being very tight fitting), and this gives me another perspective on this UK brand that I was otherwise unfamiliar with.
Fit & cut
- I'll let you be the judge, but I don't find this overly flattering for my build. This is probably more due to the graphic design and color rather than fit. The fit was certainly generous and nothing felt too tight. However, when I was on the bike, there was a lot of drape coming out from my chest that couldn't be tucked away.
Sizing accuracy
- The size shown here is a Large which I found comfortable, and on their sizing chart I may even fit into a Medium.
Comfort & feel
- A wonderful-feeling material in the body, and the arms and sides are a lighter mesh material which would make for a very light and breathable jersey in the heat.
- Body: 100% polyester. Panels/arms/pockets 94% polyester, 6% elastane
Technical features
- Breathable mesh panels in the side and underarm for ventilation.
- Three main pockets, one zipper pocket.
Style & design
- The design would look fantastic for the right body type, however I think that it accentuates some unflattering shapes on my own body.
Sustainability claims
- No central sustainability area on Le Col's website that I could find except for the brand's partnership with Blue Marine Foundation and a couple product lines (Pro Eco Collection and Pro Air Recycles Jersey) using sustainable materials.
Price
- US$210 / €180 / £165 / AU$355
The Escape verdict
Personally, this isn’t the jersey for me nor is the price point, but for someone who wants a generous cut and a performance-oriented jersey for riding in the heat, one of the darker color designs may be a very appealing option.
7MESH Ashlu Merino Jersey SS
7Mesh is out of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada and I love their garments that I personally own. 7Mesh doesn't come with a background steeped in cycling tradition and it's a much more product-led company rather than style or hype, so I was keen to see what 7Mesh had to offer according to this brief.
Fit & cut
- Generous fit, innovative pocket design to help keep its shape and prevent sagging. I actually like the longer body style and gives off Fausto Coppi vibes.
Sizing accuracy
- According to the sizing guide on the website I'm a Large which is what’s shown here. However, I may be able to fit into a Medium, but that may also be too tight for the styling.
Comfort & feel
- Very comfortable fit, but I would have loved to have tried a size Medium which may have fit better in the bent over position on the bike.
- Body: 89% merino wool, 11% nylon. Pocket: 80% polyester, 20% elastane
Technical features
- Merino is nature's 'wonder fabric'. This jersey is made from a fairly light and soft merino.
- The 'anything modular pocket storage' has an interesting fabric and separated design that helps jersey pockets stay in shape without sagging or compromising fit.
- Five compartments/pockets, including a double-deep zippered pocket that extends across two outer pockets. There’s a massive amount of storage in this jersey.
Style & design
- Lighter-colored jerseys don’t look great on me, in my opinion, but the darker options on the 7Mesh website look fantastic. The ‘Port’ color is my personal favorite.
- Discreet embroidered logo, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- The product page says, "PFAS-free, RSW (Responsible Wool Standard) certified." A sustainability statement on 7Mesh’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$170 / €152 / £128 / AU$260
The Escape verdict
Assuming a Medium fit me better than the Large, I would absolutely buy this jersey and add it to my staple of favourites. It would make a fantastic bikepacking or touring jersey that could go for days without washing (being merino), it has tonnes of pocket storage, and it would look respectable at the cafe.
Pactimo Summit Jersey
This is my first experience trying a Pactimo garment and I was excited to find out what the Colorado brand has to offer.
Fit & cut
- Everything about this jersey says ‘traditional’ to me. It has a generous fit in the body and it's form-fitting in the arms with traditional length (none of the ‘forearm length’ business we’re now seeing). However, when bent over on the bike I found quite a bit of draping in the front.
Sizing accuracy
- Pactimo has gone through considerable effort on its website to communicate the difference between its Traditional vs Aero fit, as well as equipping customer reviews with helpful sizing feedback for others.
- According to the sizing chart I’d be right between a Large and XL. This sample I was sent is a size XL, which may be slightly too big for me.
Comfort & feel
- Very light and soft material and bucks the ‘painted on’ trend.
- Material: 82% recycled polyester, 18% Spandex with various differing panels on side, arms, and pockets.
Technical features
- Breathable mesh panels in the side and underarm for ventilation.
- Three main pockets, one zipper pocket, reflective details.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion, also comes in 'mineral green' for those who don't like dark jerseys and want to stand out more.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- “The Summit Jersey is constructed entirely with recycled lightweight and breathable body fabric," the website claims. A sustainability statement on Pactimo’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$149 / €93 / £130
The Escape cerdict
- This jersey is a solid option for the person wanting a generous and traditional fit, lightweight fabric and technical features, especially for the price. It’s simple and nothing fancy, but it does exactly what it says.
- I’d absolutely recommend it, and there are some nice additional color options on Pactimo's website.
An interesting perspective from Pactimo's head of product (expand):
"These are all the personal opinions and observations of Ryan White, head of product for Pactimo. While these opinions do inform how we approach our product design, I’m not specifically speaking for Pactimo.
"When communicating the intended experience of a garment to a customer, I agree with [former Rapha designer and now Albion designer] Graeme Raeburn: there’s a clear distinction between size and fit that often goes unexplained – and that lack of clarity can dramatically affect customer expectations and overall experience.
"Raeburn states, 'In my mind, if you’re a medium, you should be able to buy all the brand’s fits – ‘relaxed, enthusiast, pro’ or whatever they’re called – and the size should be consistent.' While I mostly agree, this idea deserves a closer look. Brand intent, customer education, and consumer expectations all shape what “consistent” actually means.
"At Pactimo, for example, we offer two primary fits in our retail line: Aero and Traditional. 'Traditional' is our eased fit – not tight, but not loose. However, the language used to describe fit ('Traditional,' 'Regular,' 'Core Fit,' etc.) isn’t universally understood, and we frequently revisit how we communicate this. Each brand must clearly define their fit terminology and convey the intended experience through copy, imagery, and video.
"Within our Traditional fit, we offer a 'Better/Best' jersey lineup: the Ascent (Better) and Summit (Best). The expectation is that a customer can buy a size Large in either jersey and experience a similar fit – but the actual experience can differ significantly.
"Our Ascent Jersey is a mid-tier, workhorse garment made from slightly heavier materials with less drape. It’s intentionally designed to be forgiving –smoothing over contours and offering a more flattering, secure feel.
"The Summit Jersey, in contrast, uses the same high-end materials as our Summit Aero jersey but in a Traditional fit. It’s aimed at riders who want premium materials and performance without the painted-on look. However, we’ve observed that the same rider often feels more exposed and less confident in the Summit Traditional – despite it being the higher-end product. The drapier, stretchier fabric clings more to the body, which can make riders feel vulnerable even if the technical fit is correct.
"This is a nuance not fully addressed in the article, particularly in Wade’s comment about looser options feeling like beginner gear: 'I often find those to be mediocre quality and poor fit … more like a 'beginner' option than something that's state-of-the-art.' In truth, many advanced fabrics are engineered specifically for compression and performance in tight-fitting applications. When you loosen the fit, those properties – stretch, support, even visual texture – can lose their intended effect. This has been a known challenge for our Summit Jersey (Traditional), and we’re actively testing fabric blends to better deliver a truly high-end, eased-fit experience. This is not to say we don’t believe in our Summit Jersey product, but to point out that there is a distinct hurdle to translating 'performance' (as we understand it in 2025) oriented fabrics and features to a looser fit garment.
"Interestingly, we sell more Aero fit jerseys than Traditional, even though our customer base isn’t necessarily more athletic or fit than the industry average. This leads to questions: Are customers upsizing Aero jerseys to access higher-end materials? Are they squeezing into them with popped seams just to get the look? Or are they actually in the size we intended for them? Even with regular polling of our 3,000+ ambassadors and ongoing sizing surveys, it’s difficult to extract this data in a way that’s truly analytically useful.
That said, through this feedback and a deeper research initiative, we made an important change: we adjusted the grade of our sizes from L–5XL to grow at an increasing rate relative to 2XS–M. We found our original fit block wasn’t fully accommodating the needs of riders in the upper size range, and this adjustment was a step toward addressing that imbalance.
To circle back to the emotional side of fit – an anecdote that sticks with me happened at an event where we provided jerseys. A customer who had pre-ordered based on our size chart picked up his jersey, walked off, then came back to ask if we thought he had chosen the right size. My coworker and I genuinely told him that, if we were local, we’d consider using him as a model – it fit him perfectly in our eyes, tailored and sharp. But he didn’t see it that way. He felt uncomfortable, like it was too tight. We gave him the next size up. Technically, we knew he’d have a slightly compromised experience – less aero, more movement – but ultimately, it’s about how he feels in the garment. All we can do is guide the customer toward our intent and hope they find alignment with it.
Ornot Micro Grid Jersey
This is my first experience with Ornot, a brand I’ve long admired from afar. Their minimalist styling and unique product range that isn’t all about hype and looking ‘pro’ is something I can connect with.
Fit & cut
- Generous fit with a contemporary cut that looks fantastic. The arms are less tight than most other jerseys I’ve tried, yet still look good.
Sizing accuracy
- Ornot has gone through considerable effort on its website communicating the size and fit of its products as well as making this part of their customer reviews.
- The size that was sent to me is a Large which the sizing chart indicates is the right size, however I probably would have liked to have tried a Medium.
Comfort & feel
- The standout thing on this jersey is the material. It’s extremely comfortable and nice on the skin, and unless I was told otherwise, I would think that it was a jersey meant for cooler temperatures. However, Ornot claims that it has a remarkable temperature range of 58 ºF - 85 ºF (12 ºC - 29 ºC).
- Made from Polartec Power Dry (92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane) from deadstock fabric.
Technical features
- Large temperature range.
- Anti-microbial treatment to keep from smelling.
- Three rear pockets, reflective details.
Style & design
- The simplicity and understated look is great in my opinion. Personally I would probably go for the black or ‘Americano’ color scheme, but I also like the ‘stone blue’ shown here.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- A sustainability statement on Ornot’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$152 / €136 / £116 / AU$235
The Escape verdict
- I love everything about this jersey, even though I think a Medium might be a more flattering fit for me.
- Great value for the price and something I could see lasting for years.
- I would absolutely recommend this jersey when considering the fit, the look, the material, and the technical features.
Velocio ONE Jersey
After all I’ve heard about Velocio, this is my first opportunity to experience the brand first created with a focus on women (such brands were in short supply over a decade ago). Now owned by SRAM, Velocio has been a leader in social and environmental practices since it began.
Fit & cut
- Traditional length in body and sleeves with a generous fit.
Sizing accuracy
- The sizing guide on the website says I am between a Large and XL, and I was sent a Large sample, as shown here. This looks to be accurate, perhaps even running a bit large.
Comfort & feel
- Lightweight, soft, comfortable.
- Material: Recycled polyester.
Technical Features
- Three pockets.
- Breathable, lightweight, simple.
Style & design
- The simplicity of this jersey makes it elegant and easy to like.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- A sustainability statement on Velocio’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$149 / €133 / £112 / AU$230
The Escape verdict
- A fantastic option for someone who wants a larger, more generous fit.
- It’s not flashy, but doesn’t claim to be.
- Not cheap, but also something I could see lasting for years (in terms of style, function and fit – it's not a trendy and disposable jersey).
- I would absolutely recommend this jersey when considering the fit, the look, and the simplicity.
MAAP Training jersey
MAAP respectfully declined to send a sample for this article, but I figured I'd include a personal jersey that has been my go-to for a couple years now. I love it too much not to mention it.
Fit & cut
- Looks like it's skin-tight fit in the photos, but it's more generous that it appears. A simple yet very comfortable jersey that looks great in my opinion. That said, I also have a different-colored Training Jersey from MAAP that’s one year newer which fits much smaller than this one in XL. It's not flattering at all – because of both the color and a tighter fit.
Sizing accuracy
- MAAP has a clever sizing calculator on its product pages however it pins me as a size Large based on my inputs. In many of MAAP’s jerseys I’m a XXL (they run very small for a body type like mine), but for their Training Jersey shown here I fit a size XL.
Comfort & feel
- The soft yet durable fabric feels fantastic and looks ‘performance oriented’ without being complicated. In the words of Goldilocks, "it’s just right.”
- Material: 70% polyamide (recycled), 30% elastane.
Technical features
- Close-to-the-body fit without being 'tight'.
- Three rear pockets, zipper pocket, reflective details.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion, but lighter colors will probably be less flattering.
- Discreet (and reflective) logos, subtle design yet distinctly MAAP.
Sustainability claims
- The product page says, “bluesign® approved fabric.” A sustainability statement on MAAP’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$140 / €140 / £130 / AU$195
The Escape verdict
I'm conflicted by this jersey. Like I mentioned, this is my favourite jersey that I own and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. However, the same jersey that was produced one year later fits nothing like the one shown here and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that one to the rider wanting a fit that’s flattering.
Ciovita Men's Nucleo Classic fit jersey
Ciovita is a brand originating from South Africa and has been making a splash in the apparel game. Their factory is in the same location as their offices in Cape Town. I first discovered the brand at Cape Epic, took note of some of the wonderful garments I saw people wearing thereafter, and have had an affinity with Ciovita ever since.
Disclosure: Ciovita is Escape Collective’s apparel partner.
Fit & cut
- Everything about this jersey says ‘traditional’ to me. It has a relaxed fit in the body, form fitting in the arms with traditional length sleeves.
- Close-to-the-body fit without being 'tight'.
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 my case, as shown here.
- There is a ‘find your size’ calculator on the site that was quite off for my measurements (it suggested XXL).
- Customer reviews incorporate helpful size feedback.
Comfort & feel
- Breathable lightweight mesh lycra.
- Main body: 90% polyester | 10% elastane.
Technical features
- Three pockets with reflective trims.
- Multiple panel designs placed for breathability and moisture wicking.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion.
- Discreet logos, subtle design.
Sustainability claims
- A sustainability statement on Ciovita’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$98 / €95 / £82 / AU$119
The Escape verdict
- A simple jersey that takes a moment to start revealing its details and design considerations.
- Excellent value for money and I would recommend this jersey to someone wanting a generous fit, especially when considering the design features and styling.
POC Cadence Jersey
If you’re like me, you’re probably very familiar with POC helmets and less so with the brand's apparel range. But take note: The Swedish brand has a comprehensive apparel offering, and if the sample sent here is any indication, it’s worth checking out.
Fit & cut
- The cut and fit actually reminds me a lot of my beloved MAAP Training jersey mentioned above. It looks a lot tighter in the photos than it actually is. However, it’s not the most generous fit that fellow ‘dad bods’ out there might be looking for, but I’m a fan. My 11-year-old son (who took all the photos in this article) says it’s his favourite jersey on me.
Sizing accuracy
- The sizing guide on the website appears to run slightly large and says I’m an XL according to my measurements. The sample sent to me and shown here is a size Large which feels like the correct sizing for me.
Comfort & feel
- Very soft and lightweight, high quality feel.
- Material: Body: lightweight 91% recycled polyester, 9% elastane. Pocket: 100% recycled polyester.
Technical features
- Three pockets with zipper side pocket.
Style & design
- The lines of the panels that contour my less-than-flattering body shape don't do me any favours, but a darker color (‘Apatite Navy’ perhaps) might look better.
- Discreet logos, simple design.
Sustainability claims
- The product page says, “Constructed in Italy using lightweight recycled polyester”. A sustainability statement on POC’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$130 / €120 / £110 / AU$190
The Escape verdict
I rate this jersey and it’s one I would buy and wear on "skinny days". I like the simple design, the fit, the fabric, but I’m probably just past the point of being able to pull this one off. For fellow dad bods looking for a fit and design that’s on the more flattering side, this might not be the one for you.
Honorable mentions
A couple of the brands I requested samples from sent jerseys that didn't quite fit the brief. But I thought I'd showcase them anyway because even though they are tight-fitting, I was still impressed and quite liked them.
Attaquer Intra Jersey
I've known the guys from Attaquer since they were doing crazy kits with cheetah spots or fish designs, way before that was acceptable in cycling kits. It was so crazy that it worked. These days Attaquer has a more pared-back approach with a touch of edginess still build in, which I love.
The Intra jersey Attaquer sent was quite tight in a XL and didn't quite fit the brief, which they admitted is something they don't cater for at this time. However, the jersey was too nice to omit showcasing here even though it's not flattering for my dad bod.
Fit & cut
- Reflective of the general trend of a tight fit. Even though it might not look that different from some of the jerseys above, the XL was quite the squeeze for me.
Sizing accuracy
- According to the sizing guide on the website and my chest measurement, I’d be a size Large. However, according to my weight, I’m an XL. As is often the case, I seem to fall right between many brands' sizing steps.
Comfort & feel
- Compressed feel. Very soft-feeling material.
- Material: Body: 70% recycled polyester, 30% elastane.
Technical features
- Three breathable mesh pockets, reflective strip on the lower back.
Style & design
- Looks great in my opinion with lots of little details such as labels and patches.
- Cleverly placed screen-printed logos. Subtle for Attaquer, but undeniably on-brand.
Sustainability claims
- The product page says, “Crafted in Italy from recycled Italian fabrics and Oeko-Tex Certified”. ASustainability statement on Attaquer’s website can be found here.
Price
- US$120 / €110 / £95 / AU$180
The Escape verdict
This might not be the jersey for me at my age and stage, but the wonderful little details and general feel of this jersey gives me motivation to be able to fit properly into it one day.
Pedla Men's Classic jersey
Pedla sent me two jerseys – one was this Men's Classic jersey and the other one was a 'relaxed fit' option the brand offers in its custom line. However, with that one being not available for general sale on the Pedla website, I thought this jersey was the most appropriate to show.
It wasn't the generous fit I was hoping for, but what I learned is that the right patterns and textures can definitely hide a lot and be far more flattering than block colors. While this jersey doesn't buck the trend in tight fit, it's certainly one I'd wear.
Fit & cut
- Reflective of the general trend of a tight fit (or ‘form fit’ as it’s called on the Pedla website). Even though it might not look that different from some of the jerseys above, an XL was quite a squeeze for me (which it’s meant to be).
Sizing accuracy
- The sizing guide on the website indicates that I’m a size Large, however a size XL was sent to me as a sample (shown here) and appears to be the correct fit.
Comfort & feel
- Compressed feel. Very light and soft fabric, a thick and consistent band around the waist (which I like), breathable mesh side panels and arms.
- Material: 86% polyester, 14% elastane.
Technical features
- Close-to-the-body fit without being 'tight'.
- Six pockets.
- Breathable mesh panels in the side and underarm for temperature regulation.
Style & design
- Pedla pushes the boundaries with self expression and an artistic flare on its jerseys and this jersey is no exception. This design really pops on the material, and there many others like it on the brand's website.
Sustainability claims
- There is no central sustainability policy on Pedla’s website, but you can read about the brand's partnership with Ecologi here.
Price
- US$200 / €170 / £145 / AU$220
The Escape verdict
I’m someone who gravitates towards a look that doesn’t attract any attention (boring, plain jerseys), but after trying this jersey, I could be convinced otherwise. The compressed feel of the fit is something that I quite like if it’s able to hide my unflattering dad bod features, which this jersey does better than most. I’d definitely buy this jersey and wear it on a fast and loose Christmas Day Hell Ride!
According to Graeme Raeburn, head of design at Albion, formerly Rapha (paraphrased for clarity and brevity):
"Achieving consistent sizing across garments – even within the same brand and range – is more complex than it seems. While brands use precise digital patterns, several variables in the manufacturing process can affect the final fit.
"Fabric is a major factor. Most performance materials are knitted and then undergo dyeing and heat treatment, which causes shrinkage. The type of dye, temperature, duration, and batch variations all influence how much a fabric contracts. Even with tight quality control, a shrinkage tolerance of up to 5% is considered acceptable – enough to noticeably affect the fit across multiple panels.
"Then there’s the human element. Garments are sewn by machinists using industrial equipment, and small differences " such as trimming a seam by a few extra millimetres " can add up. Across four or more seams, that might mean a garment ends up 2–4 cm smaller or larger in circumference. The same pattern sewn by different people can produce slightly different results.
"Another source of variation comes during the measurement and approval process. Brands typically receive a full size set to inspect, but the process involves humans measuring by hand or with digital tools. If one person interprets a measurement as being off-spec, they might adjust the pattern, causing slight changes from one production run to the next.
"Lastly, time pressures mean there’s often not enough time to fully diagnose or correct inconsistencies. Garments must be produced and shipped to meet deadlines, even if sizing issues remain.
"In an ideal world, every variable would be perfectly controlled. But in reality, the combination of fabric behaviour, human sewing differences, and measurement interpretation makes perfect consistency difficult to achieve – even when everyone is aiming for it."
Summary
This review covered a diverse range of jerseys across different price points and intended uses, so the goal wasn't to crown a single winner. Instead, I've drawn several insights from testing these options on my own body and riding style.
Perhaps my biggest revelation was a better understanding that fit and sizing are completely different concepts. While material technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade, I've had to accept that some jerseys simply aren't designed for my body type, age and stage. Fortunately, plenty of options combine cutting-edge technical fabrics with designs that actually make me look and feel comfortable.
Observations
Printed patterns can be incredibly flattering or brutally unforgiving. The Pedla Classic jersey perfectly executes this double-edged sword and looks and performs wonderfully. The recent trend toward bold, block colors often lacks forgiveness, though the Assos GT endurance jersey somehow manages to pull off this aesthetic while looking, feeling and performing fantastic. Fortunately current design trends seem to be drifting away from block colors and toward subtle patterns.
What appears to fit comfortably while standing can potentially translate poorly to the riding position. Some jerseys I tried develop too much drape across the torso when you're actually on the bike, and since I prioritize riding fit over café comfort, the riding position matters most.
Certain fabrics like merino (Rapha, 7Mesh) and Polartec (Ornot) offer exceptional comfort, great techical performance and a more generous fit. Given another chance, I'd experiment with sizing down in these materials to see how they fit with a closer cut.
High polyester/elastane blends (typically 85%/15%) usually deliver that snug, performance-oriented fit, though not universally. I was surprised how dramatically two different jerseys with similar fabric compositions could feel and fit.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin is deeply personal. I hope these observations provide a useful starting point for exploring brands that might work for your specific needs and body type.
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