Trail jerseys

Mtb-specific riding tops are designed to keep you cool, dry and comfortable for long hours in the saddle; we test 10 of the best

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Standard mountain bike uniform has changed a bit over the past few decades; trousers are in and Lycra is out, but the wardrobe staple of any mountain biker is still the loose-fitting riding jersey. If you’ve ever ridden in a T-shirt you’ll know why. The best mountain bike jerseys are made from hi-tech fabrics, both man-made and natural. They wick sweat away, dry fast, keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and come up smelling of roses after a cool wash. That’s a tall order for your cotton tee.

Most jerseys are made from polyester, but plenty also feature a blend of materials for added properties, chiefly elastane for its stretch. You’ll probably know the latter better by its most popular trade names, Lycra and Spandex. This gives your standard jersey a tough finish that’ll handle the odd spill and regular wash cycle, while having enough give to move dynamically in too. Plenty of jerseys go further though, we’re increasingly seeing the use of Drirelease, a kind of suped-up cotton that wicks better, while still retaining that lovely soft feel.

Posh materials are not the only excuse to have a proper jersey though. For starters, a dedicated riding top is designed to be ridden in, as such it’s cut specifically for that attack position, and that makes it more comfy. Some of the best also feature a range of great little details that make our lives easier, from zippy pockets to glasses wipes, and flat-stitched, itch-free labels. The design is a huge factor too, many have built-in ventilation as well as a range of different panels delivering different levels of stretch and even scuff protection.