Top 9 Moisture-Wicking Cycling Jerseys Under $50 for Budget Cyclists

Cycling jerseys are more than just fashion statements—they actually contribute to your comfort and performance on the bike. 

The way cycling jerseys are made have really evolved, and new kinds of materials have made cycling clothes even better. 

This means that the right jersey can make your rides way better. But it also means that there are so many options to choose from that making a choice can be confusing as hell. But as always, we’re here to help!

In the summer, the ideal jersey is a good moisture-wicking and breathable short sleeve that’ll actually keep you cool and dry. And if it gets a bit cooler, you can wear arm warmers to make you even cozier.

In the colder fall or spring days, a long-sleeved cycling jersey can help keep you warmer without making you too sweaty. This jersey should be soft inside and still breathable. 

And when the temperature dips even further, check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets to keep you warm.

If you’re not sure what the weather will be like, you can always bring an extra layer. A good outer layer like the best waterproof jackets for cyclists will make sure you’re ready for any surprise weather during your ride.

With our guide to the best moisture-wicking cycling jerseys, you can get ready for your next bike adventure feeling sure you’ve got the best gear to keep you comfortable and riding at your best.

Key Features In Moisture-Wicking Cycling Jerseys

Moisture-wicking cycling jerseys are made to keep you dry and comfortable. The fabric is a big deal in these jerseys. Usually, they’re made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon mixes. 

These materials can pull moisture away from your skin and spread it across the fabric, which helps it evaporate faster. 

Another important thing about these jerseys is how breathable they are. They often have special panels with mesh for proper ventilation around you. So, you don’t sweat and even when you do, you dry fast and stay cool. 

Here’s a quick list of the most important features to look for in a great moisture-wicking jersey for cycling: 

• Breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from skin
• Mesh panels for increased airflow
• Zippered pockets to store essentials
• Snug fit to reduce wind resistance
• Reflective elements for visibility

We spent several hours researching and comparing different cycling jersey brands and models to find the best cycling jerseys for budget cyclists.

So let’s get right to it …

This Spotti Men’s Cycling Jersey will pleasantly surprise you with its quality and performance, especially considering its affordable price tag. It’s made with very high-quality and breathable fabric.

The jersey’s fabric is not only breathable but also very stretchy and will keep you comfortable and maintain its flexibility during rides. And it doesn’t stick to your skin, even when you’re sweaty.

The elastic at the bottom keeps the jersey in place, while the quick-dry and moisture-wicking fabric keeps you feeling comfortable even on long rides. 

It has 3 rear pockets which provide enough storage space for small essentials like your smartphone, snacks, and even spare clothing, and you don’t need to worry about items falling out during bumpy rides because the pockets are secure. 

This jersey is an excellent value for its price—it’s very functional, comfortable, durable, and true to size.

The Spotti Moisture Wicking Men’s Cycling Jersey strikes a balance between comfort and performance. It fits just right—not too tight for comfort but snug enough for streamlined cycling. 

If you have long arms and often struggle with sleeve length, you’d love this jersey because the arm length is spot-on, no more wrist exposure while riding. 

This jersey is versatile—great for spring and fall rides with its moderate fabric weight, and it layers well for winter use. It’s made from soft, stretchy polyester, and feels great on the skin. 

Though it’ll give decent sun coverage, it might get a bit warm on very hot days. However, its moisture-wicking fabric is breathable enough to offset some of the heat and keep you cool. 

It also comes with 3 pockets for storing essentials, though they’re not as spacious as some professional jerseys. 

And you may have to use ziplock bags to keep items dry on sweaty rides since there’s no sweat barrier in the pockets. 

Overall, it’s comfortable and functional and a reliable choice for relaxed cycling in cool weather.

If you’re looking for an affordable jersey that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance, you definitely need to check this one out. 

It’s made with 100% polyester, so the material is very breathable, very comfortable, and perfect for cycling on hot days.

It has a quick-dry feature to ensure that the jersey never sticks to your skin, which only contributes to its comfort on sweaty rides. 

The 3 rear pockets provide ample storage for essentials like phones, snacks etc., and securely holds them in place. 

This jersey has a silicone anti-skid band at the bottom to prevent it from sliding up when you’re riding, adding to the overall convenience.

One downside is the sizing. It runs small, so it’s best to order one size up for a better fit. While it’s obviously not the most high-end option, this jersey offers good quality and functionality, and the best part is that it comes at a great price.

The ARSUXEO Men’s Cycling Jersey is another comfortable and high-quality jersey. Its lightweight and breathable fabric are perfect for long rides in any weather. 

The fabric effectively wicks sweat away, to keep you always cool and dry. The fit is just right—not too tight, not too loose—so you can move freely without feeling uncomfortable. The elastic waist grippers and sleeves help with this too.

The jersey’s full-length zipper makes it easy to wear and take off, and the zipper garage stops it from rubbing on your skin. 

It fits snugly, so the fabric doesn’t flap around in the wind, and the reflective parts help you to stay visible when it’s dark. 

It also has three pockets on the back, which give you lots of space for your essentials. This jersey is a great buy and almost a steal for its price.

This is a cycling jersey that checks all the right boxes; lightweight, breathable, stylish with great moisture-wicking abilities.

It’s really good at wicking away sweat, fits snug but not too tight, and great for wearing all day. 

The breathable mesh panels on the arms, back, and sides make it perfect for hot summer rides, though the UPF 50 rating might not be accurate because of the sheer fabric. 

It has a very comfortable and stretchy polyester front panel, and the silicone hem gripper keeps it in place. 

There’s also a handy zippered pocket on the side, plus 3 big pockets at the back, including one with a zipper for valuables. The pockets are roomy and secure, so your stuff stays put. 

The BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jersey is a stylish choice with sleeves that’re a bit longer for extra comfort. It’s a great buy for the price.  

The Lo.gas Cycling Jersey is a blend of style, comfort, and performance, and also very affordable—a pleasant surprise. 

The fabric is mostly polyester with a bit of spandex, so it’s very stretchy with excellent moisture-wicking properties. Plus, it has sun protection to keep you safe from UV rays. 

It’s also very breathable with a full-length zipper to let you easily cool down on hot rides, and a ‘zip garage’ stops it from rubbing your neck or chin. The zipper also works smoothly and doesn’t get stuck.

The jersey comes in a nice color and has a good fit. But the fabric isn’t the best quality, though it does the job; wearing a base layer underneath is a good idea because it’s a bit see-through. 

Although the pockets are slightly small, they’re still useful. It’s a good jersey that’s stylish, comfortable, and affordable.

The Beroy Women’s Cycling Jersey has top-quality fabric that’s great at keeping you dry and cool during hot summer rides. This jersey was designed with hot weather in mind, and it’s very comfortable for riding in the heat.

It fits snugly like a second skin, so it might be tricky to layer underneath. Still, it’s very lightweight and really breathable, which is perfect for staying cool in hot weather, even if it’s really sunny.

The zipper might not be the best, but it still works well, just make sure you handle it with care. The jersey’s back has 3 handy zippered pockets at the back for storing a few items.

It comes in many beautiful colors and patterns, but because the material is very thin, it can be see-through, even in dark colors, so keep that in mind. 

This BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jersey is good for different weather and is made to last with strong seams and solid build-quality. It has a great fit, feels comfortable, and works great for active use.

This jersey is both relaxed and practical, and its quarter-length zipper adds to its casual style. Plus, the silicone grip at the bottom stops it from riding up while you ride, and the cool pattern adds some flair.

The design includes lots of useful details like reflective strips and elastic pockets, including a small zippered pocket for extra convenience, especially for right-handed cyclists. 

The 3 back pockets give you plenty of room for your essentials; one pocket has a zipper to keep things safe. It fits very snugly, so consider going one size up to get a  fit that’s still comfortable without feeling too tight.

This is not a typical cycling jersey, but it’s still a great choice. It’s stylish and practical for women who love all sorts of outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, etc.

It’s also a great gym wear, and the soft fabric and comfortable V-neck collar give it a nice shape. 

The fabric is really breathable and lightweight, which is great for working out. It also has moisture-wicking properties, which keeps sweat away, so you stay dry and cool.

The Opna Women’s Athletic Shirt has a great fit and comes in strong, pretty colors. It’s not just good-looking, but also feels good on the skin during exercise. The fabric keeps you comfortable, even when you’re working hard. 

It might be a bit small though, so if you like a looser fit, go for a bigger size. Overall, it’s a great buy for style, comfort, and very practical for an active life.

Type of Rides 

Choosing the right cycling jersey depends a lot on the type of rides you do. Different types of rides have different demands, so your jersey needs to match those needs.

For road cycling, jerseys are designed to be aerodynamic. They’re usually tight-fitting to reduce wind resistance, which helps you go faster with less effort. 

They often have features like longer sleeves and low collars to streamline your body. Plus, they’re made from lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep you cool and dry during long rides in the sun.

On the other hand, mountain biking calls for a more rugged jersey. Trails can be rough, so these jerseys are often made from tougher materials that can withstand scrapes and falls. 

They’re also looser fitting to give you more freedom of movement, and they may have extra padding or reinforcement in key areas to protect you in case of crashes.

If you’re commuting by bike, comfort and visibility are key. Commuter jerseys are often more casual-looking and may have features like reflective accents or bright colors to help you stand out in traffic. 

They’re also usually made from moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry on your way to work or school.

Every cyclist knows that not all jerseys go with every weather, in fact, there are jerseys for every weather. 

For instance, if you’re cycling on a hot summer day, you need a very lightweight and breathable jersey to let your skin breath and prevent overheating and sweat build-up. Think of jerseys with mesh panels and zippers to help increase airflow.

On sunny days, especially during long rides, you’ll need a jersey that can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. 

I always prefer one with long sleeves and high collars for more coverage. And it’s even better if the fabric has UPF protection, like this BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jersey with UPF 50+

And in humid weather with extra heat because of the moisture in the air. It’s important to have jerseys that wick away sweat and dry it fast. In this case, loose jerseys with good airflow tend to help you stay cool and keep you more comfortable.

On the other hand, cycling on a chilly day calls for something that’s slightly thicker to keep you warm but not make you too hot. It still needs to be breathable to prevent overheating.

A good-fitting jersey makes you faster by cutting down on wind resistance, especially on roads. 

When your jersey fits snugly (but not too tight), it helps your body to smoothly cut through the wind, so you’ll actually ride faster.

Comfort matters too. If the jersey is too tight, it can rub and make you uncomfortable. But if it’s too loose, it’ll flap in the wind and slow you down. 

A comfortable jersey lets you move freely and feel good, so you can focus on actually pedaling fast.

The best cycling jerseys have a few features that contribute to their performance and comfort on the bike. Here are five important features to look for:

Moisture-wicking Fabric: 

• It’s important for keeping you dry and comfortable. This fabric helps control your body temperature, so you don’t feel sticky and sweaty, especially when it’s hot.

Breathable Panels:

• Jerseys with good airflow will keep you from getting too hot and overheating, even on long rides or in humid weather. 
• Look for jerseys with breathable panels, usually under your arms or on your back, that let air move through and heat escape. 

Lightweight Build: 

• A lightweight jersey won’t weigh you down or limit your movement. The best jerseys are made from lightweight materials that are durable. 
• They’re often more breathable and easy to pack, so they work well for lots of different types of riding.

Form-fitting Design: 

• A good jersey should fit snugly but not be too tight, with a shape that fits your body nicely. This reduces wind resistance and makes you more aerodynamic, so you can ride faster and more efficiently. 
• A form-fitting design also stops extra fabric from flapping around in the wind, which can slow you down.

Useful Pockets: 

• Pockets are important for carrying snacks, tools, and other stuff while you ride. Look for jerseys with 3 pockets in the back, which give you plenty of space without adding bulk. 
• Some jerseys also have extra zippered pockets for keeping valuables safe, like keys or money.
• Functional pockets let you bring everything you need without needing a big backpack or bag.

How should a cycling jersey fit?

A cycling jersey should fit snugly, but not too tight. It should be close to the body without restricting movement or making you uncomfortable. 

The best cycling jersey for you should conform to your body’s natural shape and give you freedom for a full range of motion.

How do I wash my jersey?

Most cycling jerseys are machine-washable, so you can simply wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. 

However, you need to avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, because they can damage the fabric and reduce its moisture-wicking properties. 

It’s best to hang your jersey to air dry, preferably away from direct sunlight, this can help preserve its color and elasticity.

Are jerseys good for hot weather?

Yes, jerseys are good for hot weather. High-quality cycling jerseys are made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and allow for proper ventilation to keep you cool and dry even in hot and humid weather.

Can moisture-wicking jerseys prevent odor buildup?

Yes, moisture-wicking jerseys can help prevent odor buildup. 

Cycling jerseys that wick moisture away from the skin prevents the build-up of sweat, which can reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

However, it’s still important to wash your jersey regularly to maintain its freshness and hygiene.

Finally, it’s important to focus on fit, comfort, and performance when choosing cycling jerseys.  

Keep in mind that a good-fitting jersey helps wind resistance, faster riding, and generally improves your comfort on the bike. 

It’s best to go for jerseys with lightweight build and have features like breathable and sweat-wicking fabric, comfortable fit, useful pockets, and sun protection to keep you cool, dry, and safe.

Our top recommendations are the Spotti Men’s Moisture-wicking Cycling Jersey and the BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jersey UPF50+ for top-quality jerseys. 

You should definitely check these out and let us know what you think.

Happy Riding!