Best long sleeved cycling jerseys 2024 for fall and spring riding, reviewed and rated
A long sleeved cycling jersey is a riding wardrobe staple, providing protection against cooler temperatures
With their ability to dress up or down via layering, the best long sleeved cycling jerseys offer incredible versatility, making such a garment a very shrewd investment.
There is a huge variety of long sleeved cycling jerseys on the market and finding the ideal one for you will depend on your cycling needs.
The best long sleeved cycling jerseys are perfect for plugging holes between warm weather, where you'll mostly want to opt for a breathable short sleeved cycling jersey (unless you opt for a UPF protection summer long sleeved jersey), and winter, where you'll want one of the best winter cycling jackets to wrap up in.
If you're looking to bridge the gap for the in-between seasons, then the best long sleeved cycling jerseys will be thermal with soft fleecy inners, and ideally offering an element of water or wind protection.
We’ll give you some pointers on what to look for and how to find your match below, but first here’s our pick of our favorite long sleeved cycling jerseys. Many will have both male and female versions available.
Best long sleeved cycling jerseys
You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey is very similar in many ways to the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 jacket – but considering it's also a fair chunk cheaper, that really is no bad thing at all. On the contrary, that's a massive selling point for this jacket.
The party trick of both of these jackets is to combine Gore-Tex’s Infinium Windstopper with taped seams. That material is quite incredible in how breathable it manages to be whilst still being totally windproof – and also highly water resistant. Those taped seams mean that there are no weak points for the material to be let down by.
This makes the Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey excellent for foul weather riding. Whereas with a hardshell rain jacket you can easily become hot, clammy and sticky, our reviewer found himself bone dry, both from the road spray flicked up over an hour and a half and around his upper back where sweat typically tends to linger.
The jacket is better suited to harder-paced riding where you are generating your own heat, because it doesn't offer the same level of insulation as a jacket intended for the deep winter. That said, it can work perfectly fine on its own during the more mild rainy conditions of the spring.
In all, it's an excellent jacket that borrows much of what makes the Castelli Perfetto so great, but at a sizably cheaper price.
Read more: Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The dhb Aeron Long Sleeve Jersey is made from a breathable, mid-weight material offering a fleecy inside. On test we found it to be decently warm but still offer a good level of airflow making it perfect for spring and autumnal riding.
The fit was great. A nice close cut means pockets aren’t moving around and solid grppers on both waist and wrists allow for no unwanted heat loss in colder temperatures.
The pockets are well-designed too, with a good fold on the bottom of the pocket to allowing them to bulge outwards not inwards, avoiding pocket items digging into your back whilst riding.
It's great to see Bluesign approved fabrics being used, which means there is control on the manufacturing standards from an environmental viewpoint.
The good build quality and a not too heavy price tag makes the Aeron an excellent option going into the colder months.
Read more: dhb Aeron Thermal Jersey full review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Specialized RBX Expert Long Sleeve Jersey is constructed from first rate fabrics with top notch build quality. Although not windproof - let alone waterproof - it still provides good insulation down into the sub 10ºC / sub 50ºF range of riding. Combined with a hardshell rain jacket, it delivers a pairing that can carry you deep into the foulest winter weather – but with the option to stow the jacket away for greater breathability should the conditions improve.
The RBX Expert Long Sleeve Jersey is best suited to those who prefer a relaxed fit and who have with shorter arms – the fit is not for everyone. Our tester found it lacking length in the arms, as well as riding up at the rear. Granted, he does have somewhat of a lanky build, but even accounting for this, the fit of this jersey isn’t run of the mill.
Although the RBX Expert Long Sleeve Jersey boasts a top quality construction, it does lack some niceties such as zipped pocket for cards and keys, and grippers around the hem of the sleeves.
Read more: Specialized RBX Expert Long Sleeve Jersey full review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The best way of describing Sportful’s Bodyfit Pro Jacket is as a lightweight deep-winter jacket – if that's not too much of a contradiction in terms! Its fabrics boast wind and water resistant qualities similar to that of 3-in-1 softshell jackets, but the insulation is a little lighter on the lighter side.
This makes it an incredibly versatile option throughout the milder conditions of fall / autumn and spring. For most rides, I'd just throw this jacket on without much more than a glance out the window – only bothering to bring a hardshell waterproof jacket if the clouds threatened a deluge rather than merely showers.
In terms of the fit and fabrics, this jacket was utterly excellent for that temperature window – if a little expensive at full price. There were a few annoyances, though. First, although the mesh pockets were perfectly functional in their strength and support, the jersey doesn't look the smartest when loaded up with used wrappers, multitools and tyre levers.
Secondly, there's no zipped pocket for valuables like keys or some cash and cards – which I quite missed. And finally, the zipper handle is quite small and it didn't come with a toggle to give a bit more grip – although this is something I have been able to upgrade myself.
All in all, this is an excellent jersey for most of your shoulder season riding. It is a little expensive and there are those questionable design decisions, but you're very unlikely to be disappointed by it.
Read more: Sportful Bodyfit Pro Jacket full review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Sportful Loom Thermal is a lighter long sleeve option that can be used as part for a layering system for three-season use. Similar in feel to the Stolen Goat BodyLine long sleeved jersey, the Loom has a little bit of heft to it without being overly stifling on a warmer spring day. Its relaxed fit allows comfort with a variety of layers over and under the jersey, while the jacquard fabric gives it a certain heft that aids warmth. We found the grippers on the sleeves and waist band keep the jersey secure.
On test, the only sticking point we found was its slight inability to wick sweat effectively. It gets a little heavy and damp during hard training sessions - especially when under a jacket. If you're going on slightly more relaxed endurance rides this won't be a problem for you though.
Read more: Sportful Loom Thermal long sleeve jersey full review
Rapha Brevet long sleeve cycling jersey
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
On test, we’ve highly rated the male and female versions of this specific long distance jersey.
Inspired by the long distance Paris-Brest-Paris endurance event, the font of the jersey has a zipped chest pocket for carry a brevet card that gets stamped at the race checkpoints.
Designed specifically for riding in low light, the jersey has two high-visibility stripes around the chest, along with a reflective armband. It's also made with a polyester/ merino mix, making it not only great at the double act of warmth and breathability, but if you do find yourself without the ability to wash between rides, then it's odourless! Making this is the perfect long sleeved cycling jersey for bike packing adventures.
We found it the perfect long sleeve jersey for functionality, with pockets, zips and pull chords all over the place, liking it to the Swiss Army Knife of the cycling clothing world. But all this extra functionality does add up, making it not the lightest jersey (weight tbc) and in price, so if you aren't needing all the cargo space and have the ability to wash before each wear, you might want to opt for the slightly cheaper Rapha Pro Team Training Long Sleeve jersey.
Unlike other options like the Rapha Pro Team Aero Jersey the fit is much looser, arguably too loose on the Rapha Brevet women’s long sleeve cycling jersey , but it does mean that it can easily be dressed up or down depending on weather conditions.
Read more: Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey full review
Perfetto RoS Long-Sleeve Jersey
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Cut with performance in mind, the Perfetto RoS Long-Sleeve jersey is the perfect companion for racking up the competitive miles.
With a temperature range ideal for spring and fall, the latest version of the Perfetto jersey has been engineered to provide water and wind resistance, with a GORE Infinium 205 warm fabric at the front for warmth and protection, and a GORE Infinium 203 back for restriction free movement.
Breathable fabric has been added where it's most needed, with zipped venting at the chest aiding moisture management.
The racing focused jersey does only have two rear pockets for essentials only, and as Castelli has a jersey for every season, weather, riding zone, and discipline it does make the Perfetto RoS Long-Sleeve very focused, there's even a Castelli Perfetto Light which is a short sleeved version, considered the lighter weight iconic Gabba jersey, for an even more niche version.
The Perfect long-sleeved cycling jersey for the exacting rider, less so for a do all option, but if you are looking for the best long sleeved cycling jersey for performance, you can't do better.
Read more: Castelli Perfetto ROS Long Sleeve Jacket full review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Le Col Pro Aqua Zero Long Sleeve jersey is made with Aqua Zero fabric with hydrophobic rain protection added to it to help water repellence. On test it put up a really good fight against the wet stuff, and although the water did eventually breach the repellence of the fabric, it maintained the original warmth - which was really impressive.
The fleeced back inner of the jersey was sumptuously comfortable, and with the cosiness of high collar, will happily keep you warm on its own, anywhere between six and twelve degrees. Topped with a gilet you'll be able to wear it in much lower temperatures too.
On test we found that the water repellent coating does swiftly wash out, but it's an easy fix with an off the shelf DWR treatment, we even have a how to re-waterproof your cycling jacket page to help you.
It's not the cheapest offering, but if you find yourself spending a fair proportion of your rides are undertaken in the rain, it's the best long sleeved cycling jersey you can get.
Read more: Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey full review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Giro Women's Chrono Pro Windbloc jersey is a versatile piece of kit. Despite it's streamlined fit it offers plenty of stretch so it can be paired comfortably with another jersey or with just a baselayer. Add this to the decent level of breathability the jersey offers and you have a long sleeve top that can handle both Autumn and Spring with aplomb.
The Polartec Windbloc fabric is a real winner, and its used here on both the front of the jersey and on the top of the sleeves. As the name implies it does a stellar job of keeping the gusts out while also offering a bit of protection against showers. To achieve some breathability the back of the jersey uses a Italian thermal fabric, which also gives the Chrono Pro Windbloc its stretch.
Read more: Giro Women's Chrono Pro Windbloc jersey full review
Best Long Sleeve Cycling Jerseys Buyers Guide
What is the best material for a long sleeve cycling jersey?
Are you wanting to make a cool or cold weather purchase?
If you are just wanting to take the nip out of the cool morning air, or add a layer during a warm up, then all you'll need in a thin fabric similar to that of a short sleeved cycling jersey.
At Cycling Weekly we find these a kit bag staple, ideal for warming up ahead of a race or event. Added over a short sleeve jersey with arm warmers or a thermal base layer will extend its temperature range.
For mid temperatures, the best long sleeved cycling jersey for you will probably have a soft brushed inner and high breathability properties.
If you're looking for something to take you below the 12 degree mark then you'll want a jersey with thermal credentials.
Look for fleece, soft brushed inners and close weave outers. High collars will keep the cold wind from whistling down your back. By layering up or down, the level of protection you'll get from the best long sleeved cycling jerseys in this category can be huge, from just above zero to low teens.
The best long sleeved cycling jerseys of this kind often come with additional weather protection features, such as a durable water repellent (DWR) coating or wind cheating capabilities.
All styles mentioned above - thermal or lighter weight long sleeved cycling jerseys - can easily have their temperature range extended via layering, such as adding a base layer, gilet or a packable waterproof jacket.
In really cold weather, you can even pair a long sleeved jersey with a winter cycling jacket, meaning that there’s a lot of use to be had from just one piece of kit.
Fleece linings will help trap air, natures best insulator.
Should a long sleeve cycling jersey be breathable?
All of the best long sleeved cycling jerseys that we recommend will have good breathability and sweat wicking capabilities.
It's important however to ensure that you've chosen the right level of protection for your ride and matched it with the right base layer. Some brands will even provide their own base layer recommendations to ensure you get the maximum benefit from the model.
If you decide to layer up, just bear in mind that this might impact on both breathability and sweat wicking functions. It's a bit of a trial and error to see what works well together, but if you are popping a waterproof cycling jacket over the top or a long sleeved jersey, you might want to avoid any that have water or wind proofing already as this can hinder breathability, overwhelming even the best moisture management systems.
How should a long sleeve cycling jersey fit?
The ideal fit for you will depend on the riding you do and personal preference.
If you're looking to just simply keep warm, you may want to consider a looser style of fit in order to layer up underneath. High collars will also be on your tick list.
If staying aerodynamic is more important, then consider tighter aero fits, lower neck lines and low profile pockets to ensure they don't billow in the wind when in the racing tuck.
Cuffs are the only other consideration fit wise as you are likely to want to pair your jersey with gloves at some point. It's horses for courses in terms of gloves over or under sleeves, but whatever you choose, slightly too long is better than slightly too short.
Some brands will have a few versions of similar models to choose from, so pay attention to fit guides.
The fit of the best long sleeved cycling jersey will depend on when you want to wear it.
What are the important features of a long sleeve cycling jersey?
As already mentioned, the warmer long sleeved cycling jerseys will come with more functionality.
Wind and water protection will be the most common additional feature. Be aware though that for even the best long sleeved cycling jerseys any water-repellency will be in the form of a DWR coating which will need reapplication over time. It's simple to do, but does require you to keep on top of it after every wash.
Other features to look out for across long sleeved cycling jerseys will be reflective details for low light levels, and roomy rear pockets for stowing rain jackets and gilets as well as spares and ride snacks.
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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.
Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.
For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas.
She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.
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