Every now and then, when I’m picking up a few things at the HyperMart, dressed in my cycling clothes, I’ll catch someone staring at me. Some folks even edge away. I can almost hear their thoughts: “Why are you wearing that weird shirt? That yucky color! And those funny pockets! Why are they in the back? You must be crazy!” Well, no, I’m not crazy, but I’m not exactly surprised by my fellow shopper’s reaction, either. I used to ask myself the same questions whenever I saw lycra- and Coolmax-clad cyclists whizzing by my window. The difference between then and now? Now I know the answers to these unspoken questions.

Cyclists call their specialized shirts jerseys. Originally knitted from wool, today most are made from synthetics, using materials engineered to wick moisture away from the skin. That’s certainly welcome news, because cycling works up a sweat, even in cold weather. Many cyclists also believe that the slippery synthetics will help reduce the severity of road rash (skin abrasions) if they crash. The old wool jerseys had a well-deserved reputation as versatile garments—cool when it was hot, yet warm when it was cold—and modern synthetic jerseys carry on this tradition, though really chilly temps warrant adding arm warmers and a knit undershirt, while arctic conditions call for heavier long-sleeved winter jerseys.

The jersey’s tight fit is functional, too. Excess material acts like a drag chute when you’re riding hard, and no cyclist has that much energy to spare. The other details are equally utilitarian. The long zip makes it easy to cool down before you overheat, the high standup collar shields the nape of your neck from the sun, and those elasticized, rear-facing pockets that puzzle non-cyclists are ideal for holding snacks and small tools, keeping them secure when the cyclist bends low over the ‘bars. The cycling jersey is one garment where fashion takes a second place to function.

But what about those garish colors? Well, not every jersey is brightly colored. All mine are, though. I want to be seen by tired or distracted motorists in plenty of time for them to steer around me. (One writer has even labeled a popular fluorescent-lime-green color as “Please-don’t-kill-me green.” That says it all.) Of course, we don’t dwell constantly on the possibility of imminent death under the wheels of a 4WD pickup driven by a texting teen, do we? Some cyclists choose garish jerseys for the same reason that fashionistas select their wardrobe: they like the look. And who can argue with someone else’s taste? On a more practical note, a few manufacturers make summer-weight, long-sleeved jerseys in brilliant white, designed to keep you from burning to a crisp under the blazing sun. Can’t argue with that, can you?

Do you have to buy special jerseys in order to ride a bike? Nope. Wear cotton t-shirts if you prefer. Or even a tweed jacket. But despite having ridden in Ts for years, I now find that I prefer jerseys, even on the shortest rides. And I haven’t had to pay a fortune for the privilege. While many fashion-oriented jerseys sell for as much as a Wal-Mart bike, and wool jerseys are now hard-to-find luxury items, I stock up on inexpensive generic jerseys (solid colors, no team logo, no grabby graphics) during the end-of-season sales. But while my jerseys may be cheap, they do the job—and they last. I’m still wearing jerseys I’ve had for five years. That makes them cheaper than many of my cotton Ts.

 
The Bottom Line Jerseys make it easier for you to cycle in your comfort zone. They’re textbook examples of the design dictum that form should follow function. And if you go the garish color route, they just might save your life someday. That’s worth a few stares at the local HyperMart, isn’t it? I think so.

 
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