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BUYER'S GUIDE

Best women's cycling jerseys for summer 2025 — short-sleeved tops to beat the heat and stay comfortable on your rides

The ultimate guide to women's summer cycling jerseys, featuring the top-performing options to help you choose the best

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Your comfort and performance during cycling rides greatly depend on the clothing you wear - and when it comes to essential pieces, your summer cycling jersey, along with bib shorts, can make or break the overall ride comfort. Here, we're telling you about the best women's summer jerseys that have scored top marks in our testing. 


Advancements in technical fabrics mean that there is a noticeable difference in on-bike performance between top-quality cycling jerseys and regular clothes not specifically designed for cycling. This difference becomes even more significant if you're aiming for speed or seeking comfort during hot weather rides - so forget about wearing your favourite cotton t-shirt if you want to be fast.

The jerseys listed below are specifically designed for warm and dry weather conditions. To read more about how to choose which one is the right for you, we've listed some of the most frequently asked summer jersey questions at the bottom of this guide. 

Best women's short-sleeve cycling jerseys

Specialized Women's Prime Short Sleeve Jersey

Specialized Women’s Prime Short Sleeve Jersey

Specialized Women’s Prime Short Sleeve Jersey

9
Best overall women's short sleeve cycling jersey
Buy now for £100 from Tredz
Soft, silky and luxuriously supple fabric
Dries quickly and helps keep you cool
Soft gripper-free sleeves
Gentle but effective hem gripper
Sleek but not clingy fit
Good looks
Only the price

The Specialized Women's Prime Short Sleeve Jersey is a stylish high-performance garment that excels in various weather conditions. Designed as part of Specialized's Prime range, it features a combination of smooth and silky synthetic stretch fabrics that provide a luxuriously supple feel. The soft and peach skin-like quality of the fabric, combined with its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, keeps the skin cool and dry even in hot and challenging weather conditions, and the mesh underarm panels further enhance cooling.

With a sleek fit that isn't overly tight, the jersey allows the moisture-wicking fabric to perform effectively. The XL size tested fitted well for a high street size 14, and the jersey felt sporty without being constricting. The sleeves are on the longer side, but they still offer a comfortable fit. The torso length is average, striking a balance between not being too long or too short. 

The three rear pockets are well-sized, and there is also a zippered pocket for cards and keys. This jersey is priced at £100, which is on the higher end of the price spectrum for short-sleeved jerseys. However, the high-quality fabric, comfortable fit, and stylish design make it worth the investment - if it fits within your budget.

Castelli Endurance Women's Jersey

Castelli Endurance Women's Jersey

Castelli Endurance Women's Jersey

9
Best for performance
Buy now for £86.25 from Tredz
Breathable
Light weight
Subtle styling
Well-placed, roomy pockets
Sleek but not clingy fit
Good looks
Elastic waist not as effective as some
It's pricey

The Castelli Endurance Women's Jersey is a top-performing warm-weather cycling jersey that offers exceptional comfort and functionality. Despite not being aero or race-fit, it delivers impressive performance and breathability. The jersey features well-placed, roomy pockets, a smooth-running zipper, and subtle styling with reflective elements for added safety. Its ProSecco Air Donna fabric ensures maximum airflow and accommodates various body shapes without compressing. Our review found this jersey sits comfortably on the skin and dries quickly, making it ideal for hot weather conditions

The jersey's relaxed fit and versatility suit all kinds of rides, from endurance cycling to gravel adventures. While the price may be on the higher side, the quality and durability of Castelli products are well-regarded, justifying the investment. It is a worthwhile choice for those who prioritise comfort and functionality over race-specific features

Santini Eco Sleek Bengal Women's Jersey

Santini Eco Sleek Bengal Women's Jersey

Santini Eco Sleek Bengal Women's Jersey

8
Best premium eco jersey
Buy now for £54.49 from Pro Bike Kit
Eco-friendly fabric
Good aero fit
Light
Sleek but not clingy fit
Good looks
No valuables pocket
Short fit won't suit everyone

The Santini Eco Sleek Bengal Women's Jersey is an eco-friendly, aero-fit cycling jersey made from light and breathable recycled fabric. The jersey offers a sleek and form-hugging fit, ideal for aspiring racers or those seeking aerodynamic performance. It performs well in warm weather, providing adequate ventilation and preventing overheating during high-intensity rides.

The jersey's fabric is made from recycled polyethylene and waste yarns, offering a premium feel against the skin. The front and sides feature a mesh design for added breathability, while the rear panel and sleeves have traditional lycra for elasticity. The jersey's three rear pockets provide ample space for essentials, but there is no valuables pocket. This jersey comes in an array of trendy colours and sizes, offering a racing fit for aggressive riding positions. While the sizing is accurate, the body length is shorter than expected. 

Priced at £120, the Bengal jersey provides value in terms of its aero performance and eco-friendly materials. While there are more affordable aero jerseys available, this jersey stands out with its unique design and sustainability efforts. Overall, it's a stylish and high-performance option for hot, intense rides, making it a great choice for cyclists who prioritise both performance and sustainability.

Santini Colore Riga Women's Jersey

Santini Colore Riga Women's Jersey

Santini Colore Riga Women's Jersey

9
Best for longer length
Buy now for £90 from Santini
Comfortable
Stylish
Light
Sleek but not clingy fit
Good looks
No valuables pocket
Slightly longer length won't suit everyone

The Colore Riga Women's Jersey is a classic-fit top designed to offer a more comfortable and relaxed feel than a race jersey. It features super-soft, breathable, and quick-drying technical fabrics, making it suitable for temperatures between 18-35°C.

In terms of the construction, the raw-cut finish on the sleeves contributes to the classic yet aerodynamic feel. You get three reinforced rear pockets, offering ample storage space without sagging but there is no valuables pocket included. Available in a wide range of sizes from XXS to 3XL, this top should suit various body types., but it's worth keeping in mind the slightly longer length.

Endura Women's Pro SL S/S Jersey

Endura Women’s Pro SL S/S Jersey

Endura Women’s Pro SL S/S Jersey

9
Best for heavy sweaters
Buy now for £58.99 from Chain Reaction Cycles
Very breathable
Wicks sweat away brilliantly
Great quality and detailing
Sleek but not clingy fit
Good looks
Light blue colour can get stained if riding off-road
Slightly longer fit won't suit all

The Endura Women's Pro SL S/S Jersey is a high-quality performance-oriented jersey designed for hot temperatures. Made from Italian fabrics consisting of 88% polyester and 12% elastane, it delivers excellent breathability and moisture wicking, keeping you dry and comfortable even during hot rides. Additionally, the jersey offers UPF50+ sun protection, making it ideal for sunny summer days.

The jersey features small holes on the back and under the arms. It has a slight aero feel, with laser-cut sleeves and silicone grippers to keep them in place. The light blue colour of the test jersey looks great on warm rides and washes well, although it can get a little stained if you take it on off-road rides in dusty conditions - but there is a black option available, too. At £89.99, this jersey provides good value for money compared to similar options on the market.

Van Rysel RCR Women's Short-Sleeved Cycling Jersey

Van Rysel RCR Women’s Short-Sleeved Cycling Jersey

Van Rysel RCR Women’s Short-Sleeved Cycling Jersey

8
Best budget option
Buy now for £29.99 from Decathlon
Lots of pockets (seven!)
Breathable mesh fabric
Price
Sleek performance fit
Good value for money
Washing lost a little of the tension in the fabric
Long sleeves won’t suit all

The Van Rysel RCR Women's Short-Sleeved Cycling Jersey offers excellent comfort and functionality for intense rides. Its standout feature is the exceptional ventilation system with a stripy mesh panel keeping you cool and dry throughout your ride.

With an abundance of pockets, including three rear ones, two zippable pockets, and two "bin" pockets, this jersey is a true pocket-tastic option. The middle back pocket easily accommodates a smartphone, and the material on the zippered pocket protects your valuables from sweat and moisture.

The fit of this jersey is generally good, and the construction quality is decent. It's available in various sizes, and makes a stylish and performance-driven choice for summer cycling adventures.

dhb Aeron Women's Short Sleeve Jersey 2.0

dhb Aeron Women's Short Sleeve Jersey 2.0

dhb Aeron Women's Short Sleeve Jersey 2.0

8
Best affordable short-sleeve aero jersey
Buy now for £25 from Chain Reaction Cycles
Light, soft and supple fabric
Breathable and fast drying
Made from recycled polyester
Smooth gripper-free sleeves
Sleek performance fit
Good value for money
Very short at front
Fabric prone to snagging

The dhb Aeron Women's Short Sleeve Jersey 2.0 is a comfortable and high-performing jersey suitable for hot weather rides. Made from soft and supple fabric, it offers excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for long days in the saddle. Moreover, it boasts sustainability, as it's constructed with 80% recycled polyester.

The jersey features a sleek and streamlined design and comes in UK sizes 6-18. The fit is performance-orientated but you may need to size down for a more compressive fit. The back of the jersey offers ample coverage, but the front is quite a lot shorter, measuring around 48cm compared to the 70cm rear length. This design aims to optimise the fit in an aero position, but it may not suit everyone, especially those with a longer torso. 

In terms of performance, the fabric excels in hot and muggy weather, effectively wicking away sweat and drying quickly. Mesh panels on the dorsal area add to the breathability and cooling effect. The jersey comes with three rear pockets and an additional small zipped pocket. The value of the dhb Aeron Women's Short Sleeve Jersey 2.0 is good, especially given its sustainable features, and it compares favourably with other performance-focused jerseys made with recycled materials.

Lusso Women's Aero Jersey

Lusso Women’s Aero Jersey

Lusso Women’s Aero Jersey

9
Best women's short sleeve jersey for light weight
Buy now for £59 from Lusso
Lightweight
Unrestrictive low collar
Fourth zipped essentials pocket
Slight pocket sag

The Lusso Women's Aero Jersey is a lightweight jersey for warm weather conditions. The latest version has been updated with improved fit and stretchier fabrics to ensure a figure-hugging feel that doesn't restrict movement. The jersey's perforated fabric excels in hot conditions, providing excellent ventilation, and it manages to keep you cool even during intense training sessions. 

The back of the jersey gets a traditional three-pocket layout and an additional fourth zipped valuables pocket. However, the pockets are slightly prone to sagging when loaded due to the light and stretchy material.

The Lusso Women's Aero Jersey offers excellent value at £75, placing it at the lower end of aero jerseys in terms of price. While it faces competition from other strong contenders in this price range, it stands out with its lightweight design, weighing just 104g (in size small) - and it compares favourably with more expensive options, offering a competitive choice for riders looking for a warm-weather aero jersey without breaking the bank.

Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women

Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women

Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women

8
Best short-sleeve aero jersey for women
Buy now for £89.99 from Nopinz
Good breathability
Low-profile gripper
Larger centre pocket
No zipped valuables pocket
Fabric isn't especially soft
Tight silicone arm bands

The Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women is a high-performance, figure-hugging jersey made in the UK. It features Nopinz's highly stretchy Chrono fabric for the main body, providing a form-hugging race fit. The jersey is cut fairly short at the front and longer at the rear.

It uses perforated fabrics throughout the main body, offering excellent ventilation and temperature regulation for rides in warm conditions. Although there is no zipped valuables pocket, the three rear pockets provide ample storage space, with the centre pocket being large enough for bulkier items like a gilet or wind jacket.

The Nopinz Pro-1 Jersey Women comes in four attractive plain styles with various colour options. The only potential drawback is the tight silicone armbands which may cause discomfort for some users during longer rides. Otherwise, it's a great option for riders seeking a high-performance and reasonably-priced aero jersey for summer cycling.

Gore Curve Jersey Women's

Gore Curve Jersey Women's

Gore Curve Jersey Women’s

8
Best women's jersey for a more relaxed fit
Buy now for £28.49 from Tredz
Good looking
Two wide pockets for stashing bulky layers
Reasonably sized zipped valuables pocket
Not that breathable
Pockets not as secure as some

The Gore Curve Jersey Women's is a very comfortable and relaxed jersey for warmer weather rides. It's made from a slightly stretchy soft fabric and is pleasant to ride in for extended periods. The jersey has a "form fit," which is Gore's closest cut. It is figure-hugging without being skintight like some race-orientated brands.

The pocket design of the Gore Curve is particularly useful for longer endurance rides as it features two wide rear pockets that can accommodate bulkier layers like a rain jacket or windproof. However, during intense efforts and out-of-the-saddle riding, the wider pockets may not secure valuables as well as three narrower pockets. You do get a reasonably sized zipped pocket for storing valuables.

In terms of breathability, the Gore Curve performs well on casual and training rides, but could benefit from additional perforations or mesh sections to enhance breathability further on high-intensity rides. The jersey has a subtle geometric graphic design, and there are four colour options to choose from. 

Castelli Aero Pro Women's Jersey

Castelli Aero Pro Women's Jersey

Castelli Aero Pro Women’s Jersey

8
Best all-out aero jersey for women
Buy now for £62.99 from Wiggle
Fit
Breathability
Transparency won't be for everyone
Can swing round if pockets are unevenly loaded

The Castelli Aero Pro Women's Jersey is a lightweight, comfortable, and breathable jersey that has undergone several revisions, and the latest version includes CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) analysis for fabric and seam placement to enhance aerodynamics. As a result, the fit of the Aero Pro Jersey is snug and form-fitting, which is typical for aero-oriented jerseys. The fabric around the arms and neck sits smoothly against the skin for minimal drag, while the raw-cut sleeves ensure a comfortable and accommodating fit without squeezing.

The main standout feature of the Aero Pro Jersey is its exceptional breathability, which makes it suitable for hot weather and high-intensity rides. The rear panel of the jersey is designed for maximum airflow and moisture management, making it perfect for scorching summer days. However, due to its ultra-lightweight and stretchy fabrics, this jersey is quite see-through.

Rapha Women's Pro Team Jersey

Rapha Women’s Pro Team Jersey

Rapha Women’s Pro Team Jersey

8
Best for a classic look
Buy now for £112 from Rapha
Extra-stretchy fabric on arms and waist
Classy looks
Barely-there feel
Sweat patches galore
Price

The Rapha Women's Pro Team Jersey is a summer jersey that strikes a balance between aerodynamics and summer comfort, making it suitable for both training and racing. The jersey features a dual fabric panel construction, with a stretchier and more breathable fabric on the waist, lower front, and arms, and a UPF40 sun-protected material on the back and shoulders.

The fit of the Pro Team Jersey is close and body-hugging. The fabric is lightweight, cooling, and silky-smooth, offering a barely-there feel while riding. The flatlock stitching, wide inner seams, and generous zip encasing contribute to overall comfort and prevent any rubbing during rides. The jersey's generous cut ensures a comfortable fit, with the length protecting the lower back even in aero positions. The sleeves are slightly longer, stopping just shy of the elbows, and work well when combined with arm warmers. 

The jersey's back features three pockets and a zipped valuables compartment, all of which sit flush and provide ample storage. The outermost pockets are tapered for easy access and can hold larger items like smartphones. The jersey's overall aesthetic is simple and tidy, with subtle design elements like the Rapha armband on the left arm.

In terms of performance, the Pro Team Jersey excels in fit, feel, and function. However, one drawback is that the material shows sweat patches easily, which can be a bit drawback - but there are other colours available that could avoid this.

Everything you need to know about summer cycling jerseys

faq-icon
Do I need a summer cycling jersey?

While you can wear a T-shirt for cycling, you'll probably end up drenched in your own sweat. That is why it's better to wear a specific cycling jersey made from a breathable and fast-drying fabric to keep you dry and cool, ensuring you remain comfortable all the way.

Along with padded bib shorts, a good short-sleeve cycling jersey for warmer weather is an essential part of any cyclist's wardrobe.

You can shed a lot of sweat on long rides in the sun so a technical cycling jersey made with a high-wicking fabric will keep you dry and cool. Worth noting is that many jerseys can be worn from early spring to late autumn when you pair them with some good arm warmers and a gilet.

faq-icon
What material should my summer cycling jersey be?

A summer cycling jersey is a simple garment in essence, but look through any catalogue or browse your local shop and you'll quickly realise there are hundreds of different designs. They're mainly trying to do the same thing though, but how they do it can be very different, so it's worth being clear what you're looking for before you start buying.

Yes, you could wear a t-shirt on your bike. But cotton isn't great at dealing with sweat; it simply holds onto it and before long will be soaked through. Add a light breeze and you can quickly chill. Not good.

So the aim of a technical jersey is to wick sweat from your skin to the outer side of the fabric, where it can evaporate. That leaves you dry, so you don't get clammy with sweat and won't chill if the temperature drops or the wind picks up.

Man-made synthetic fabrics are the mainstay of summer cycling jerseys, but natural materials – basically types of wool such as merino – are also good choices, even on hot days. One particular benefit of woollen cycling jerseys is that the fat molecules in sweat find it harder to cling to the organic fibres than they do with man-made polyester, so wool jerseys take a lot longer to pong - although they do have that slight woolly smell to them.

faq-icon
How much does a summer cycling jersey cost?

You can pay anything from a few pounds to £130 for a cycling jersey, but an expensive one isn't necessarily 20 times better. Generally, you're paying extra for more advanced fabrics that are better at wicking sweat and keeping you cool and dry than very basic fabrics. You can also expect improved fit and styling and extra features. Nowadays, many brands are choosing to use more sustainable materials and ways to manufacture and dye their jerseys, which might add to the cost a little, but the planet will thank us for choosing those products. 

For some affordable cycling jerseys, we have our separate guide to cheap cycling jerseys.

faq-icon
Will my summer cycling jersey protect me from the sun?

Another consideration for cycling in hot weather is to look for a jersey with a fabric that provides sun protection. Some cycling jerseys use very lightweight and loose weave fabrics that can let a lot of harmful UV rays through, so manufacturers have started addressing this by making clothing with SPF and UPF ratings.

When you're cycling you're exposing your back to the sun, the area under your jersey where you most likely won't apply sun cream. Don't forget the back of your neck, it needs some sunscreen as well!

faq-icon
How should my summer cycling jersey fit?

As you might notice from scrolling through the best jerseys we've listed above, summer cycling jerseys tend to be rather tight-fitting. Fit preference is a personal thing, and also depends on the style of riding you do. If it's sportives and racing, then tighter-fitting jerseys are better, as they're less flappy and more aero. When the jersey is also infused with sweat-wicking properties, you want it to sit next to your skin to work its magic. 

For touring and leisure cycling, a relaxed fit with a more generous cut will be preferable, and equally so for commuting to the office. Such cycling jerseys can be made from highly technical fabrics, but offer a more relaxed style that is as comfortable on the bike as sitting in the beer garden for a post-ride drink.

Sizing is critical whichever your chosen style, and most brands offer a range of sizes that should sit most body shapes. Some measure up smaller or larger than others, so don't take it for granted that if you're a medium in one brand you'll be the same size in all other brands - our reviews usually tell you if the sizing feels small or large. Trying before you buy is really the best way to proceed if you have the opportunity.

If you're racing or seeking an aerodynamic advantage, there are a raft of new cycling jerseys designed to sit very close to the skin with no excess material to flap in the wind, and help your upper body better cut through the air. Remember, about 80% of the wind drag you face when cycling is caused by you, the rider, as opposed to the bike, so ensuring your clothing is aero is a better place to start than dropping £2K on a pair of carbon deep-section wheels.

faq-icon
What features should I look for in a summer cycling jersey?

Tech features can make or break a good summer cycling jersey. Generally speaking, the more features the higher the price. The very minimum you want are three pockets around the back for stuffing a ride's worth of food, money and spare tubes, and a zip at the front for when you need to cool down. That's your classic cycling jersey right there.

There's a myriad of extra options, with everything from zipped pockets, full-length zippers, mesh panels strategically placed for maximum ventilation, elasticated waists, silicone hems to stop them riding up, and reflective stripes, good for riding late into the summer evenings. It's all down to preference, but if you know you sweat a lot, look for thinner, well-breathable materials and keep your back pockets empty if possible for maximum airflow. 

faq-icon
How do I care for my summer cycling jersey?

It's not a good idea to wear your cycling jersey more than once, even if it was just a short ride. The reason is that once the perspiration settles into the fabric of the jersey, the bad smell starts to develop because of bacteria, so wash your cycling jersey after every ride - even if it is a rinse in the shower with you. This way you keep the smell at bay. 

For washing, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines printed on the care label. The temperature rating is the vital bit. If you regularly wash a fabric at a higher temperature than advised, it will deteriorate in quality and become baggy.

Washing liquid or gels are preferable to powder as they are less aggressive with delicate fabrics, though powder is better at getting out really muddy stains. When it comes to drying, avoid the tumble drier unless you want your jersey to lose its shape. Instead, hang your jersey on the washing line or over a clothes rack and allow it to dry naturally. Thin summer jerseys dry quickly so you won't have to wait long.

Suvi joined F-At in 2022, first writing for off-road.cc and then road.cc and ebiketips too until August 2024. She contributed to all of the sites covering tech news, features, reviews and women's cycling content. A lover of long-distance cycling, Suvi is easily convinced to join any rides and events that cover over 100km, and ideally, plenty of cake and coffee stops.