Synthetic Cycling Jerseys

Wool cycling jerseys offer a number of differences to synthetic cycling jerseys that serve to make them an essential part of any cyclist’s wardrobe. Not only are they better for cold weather riding, as the material is far superior when it comes to retaining heat, but they are also able to absorb sweat and ensure that you don’t develop any pungent aromas while you are riding.

Of course, most people go for synthetic cycling jerseys first, but if you’re in the market for a wool cycling jersey these are the best ones that are currently available.

De Marchi Belgium 1974 Jersey

The classic style will never go out of fashion, and this is one of the best wool cycling jerseys because it harkens back to a bygone age in the cycling world. Coming with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for two years, the jersey is made from half merino wool and half acrylic, so you are truly getting the best of both worlds. It also has a quarter length zip and features three pockets that are perfect for storing all of those little essentials that you need whenever you go out on a ride. The sky blue coloring is contrasted by the colors of the Belgian flag emblazoned across the center.

Ibex Outdoor Clothing Men’s Pulse Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Ibex has built a reputation as a maker of quality cycling apparel and their pulse short sleeve cycling jersey is no exception. Available in both red and grape coloring, the jersey is made in the United States and features 96% merino wool compared to 4% spandex, for that extra little bit of elasticity. It is also machine washable, so you can easily get rid of any dirt that gets kicked up onto it when you are cycling across muddy terrain, and the merino blend mesh panels ensure that it will fit your form at all times.

Road Holland: The Montfoort – Women’s 1/4 Zip Merino Blend Jersey

This is one of the best women’s wool cycling jerseys due to the sleek and stylish design coupled with a level of practicality that you don’t get from many others. In addition to being made from merino wool, the jersey also features three rear cargo pockets and an additional zipper pocket should you need you take a few more things with you. Couple that with the handy reflective strip that will make you more visible when riding and you have a great jersey.

Road Holland: The Edam – Men’s Mid-Weight Long Sleeve Merino Blend Jersey

It’s Road Holland again with yet another high quality wool cycling jersey. This one is intended for male riders and is available in a wide range of colors, so you can always pick the one that best suits your bike. Made with a full zip, you can choose how open you want it, and a looser fit for those who are less comfortable with form fitting clothes and you have one of the best wool cycling jerseys for people who want to get the most out of their cycling. As an added bonus, it also comes with two large pockets and an additional zipper pocket for you to use as well.

Giordana Sport Knitted WOOL Jersey

This gorgeous jersey features a wonderfully sleek design and comes in a range of colors, so you can match it up against the rest of your cycling wardrobe. It’s one of the most versatile wool cycling jerseys on the market, thanks in part to the blend of wool, polyester and polypropylene, which lend the jersey its form-fitting nature in addition to make it better for riders in warmer weather. It also has three pockets at the rear, to allow for a little storage capacity.

Wool Cycling Jerseys

If you intend to spend a lot of time cycling in colder conditions, a wool cycling jersey may be the right choice for you. Merino wool is much better at retaining body heat, as opposed to synthetic fabrics that are often designed to keep your body as cool as possible when you are riding. This makes them ideal for those cooler rides where warmth is a factor.

Furthermore, wool cycling jerseys are specially designed to deflect moisture away from you when it is raining. The exterior will ensure that you stay nice and dry at all times, while the interior is absorbent and will keep sweat off your body when you are riding.

Wool cycling jerseys are also designed to ensure no nasty odors start to get in the way of your cycling, as they are layered to create as poor an environment as possible for bacteria to grow in. Couple that with the fact that they are machine washable in most cases and you can be sure that you won’t be emitting a nasty smell whenever you head out for a ride.

However, given that wool is used in the design, some cyclists find that wool cycling jerseys can get a little bit itchy on longer rides, which is a distraction that most cyclists could do without. They are also less efficient than synthetic jerseys when it comes to keeping you cool, though they are still surprisingly capable given the fabric.

Synthetic Cycling Jerseys

Synthetic cycling jerseys are usually the option selected by many cyclists and they certainly have their advantages when it comes to warm weather cycling. They are able to wick away the sweat on your body, allowing you to stay cooler, plus fabric like nylon and polyester breathe a lot better than wool.

They are also made to be as form-fitting as possible, which makes them extremely comfortable to wear in addition to providing an extra layer of support for your midsection when you are riding. Couple that with the fact that they are also extremely flexible, thus allowing for increased movement on the bike, and that they are more aerodynamic and you can see why they are the jersey of choice for those looking to clock faster times.

Better yet, cyclists who are on a budget will usually find that synthetic cycling jerseys are cheaper than their wool counterparts, so you can spend a little bit less.

They do have some downsides though. For one, even though they are fairly easy to wash, synthetic fabrics are much more likely to maintain those pesky body odours.

They are also not a great choice if you want to remain as environmentally friendly as possible. Wool comes from a source that is easily renewable, meaning said jerseys can be made without any worries about the effect on the environment. However, as forms of plastic are often used in the creation of synthetic cycling jerseys, you may find there is a pang of guilt if you are environmentally conscious.

Wool Cycling Jerseys vs Synthetic Cycling Jerseys which do you prefer?