Pro / race

Since launching their debut collection in the summer of 2020, Universal Colours has grown enormously in popularity. Fusing style with performance, Universal Colours offer super-modern looks that, quite literally, turns heads on the road. Its latest collection, Chroma, includes a series of pastel-coloured (cantaloupe pink, lemon yellow and blue java) jerseys, made from a super breathable, sweat-wicking and lightweight construction. In fact, this jersey is 40% lighter and four times more abrasion resistant than the previous edition. We tested this on a very sweaty 30°C ride, covering around 70km, and since the fabric is so thin, and in such light colours, the sweat that you could see seeping through very quickly dried. With an aerodynamic fit, it also hugs the body without feeling too restrictive on the arms or neck.

Pearson Cycles is a British bicycle brand that dates all the way back to 1860. Known for its expertise in bike fitting, it seems that after 160 years in the cycling business, it's finally stepped away from the monochrome world of cycling jerseys and black bib shorts and modernised its apparel offering. This bright blue jersey, from Pearson's new Prisma collection, is bold and oozes energy – the ‘refracted’ print is inspired by car headlights when cycling at night. Made from a women’s specific cut, the main body of the jersey is constructed from a high-wicking fabric, while a mesh back panel ensures optimal comfort and temperature regulation, keeping you cool even in the heat of the summer. Better yet, not only are there the standard three rear drop-in pockets, but this jersey has two mesh front pockets, too.

Here are our top picks for summer is a French premium cycling brand that effortlessly manages to blend style, performance and functionality. This summer cycling jersey feels incredibly high quality and features a pretty floral pattern – inspired by the world’s perfume capital which sits close to Nice, where the brand is headquartered. Ideal for warmer weather (we’ve tested this jersey on numerous summer rides and it never leaves embarrassing sweat marks), it’s lightweight, sweat-wicking and cut slightly longer than normal – so there’s a noticeable amount of extra protection at the back. The sleeves feature horizontal reflective panels, and there are three rear pockets (plus a handy zipped pocket) that provide ample storage for essentials.

Rapha has teamed up with British fashion brand Shrimps (known mainly for their cool, boxy-shaped beaded bags) for a one-of-a-kind collaboration. Aiming to blur the boundaries and redefine what it means to be a cyclist, the Rapha x Shrimps collab includes some rather experimental off-bike items, including a cornflower blue skort and a whimsical cropped zip tank. The short-sleeve jersey is perhaps one of the more traditional items in the collection – combining a playful Shrimps pattern (gingham with bright lime green panels) with Rapha's tried-and-tested product innovation. Totally unique, now we want to get our hands on the limited edition matching gingham cap with a detachable Shrimps bow and ponytail gap, to really look the part.

Australian brand Black Sheep Cycling already has a strong reputation in the cycling community for its innovative designs and fun cycling apparel. This jersey, with its striking azure stripe pattern, immediately caught our eye. Made from high-performance fabrics, it's lightweight, breathable, soft and perfect for summer. Featuring three rear pockets that provide lots of storage for essentials, the cut is slightly shorter at the front, which gives this jersey a more racey feel. For those used to wearing slightly longer jerseys, make sure you’re wearing a high-waisted pair of bib shorts – because no one wants to go cycling with their belly button hanging out.

Available in dusty pink, navy, olive green or a bright ultramarine pattern, this is Rapha’s lightest jersey – designed for your hottest rides and races. Since this highly technical jersey is part of the pro team collection, it offers a tight aerodynamic fit and the whole front panel is essentially made from an open-mesh construction in order to promote airflow (so be careful which sports bra you decide to wear underneath). Lighter shades reflect light to help keep you cool – so perhaps save the darker shades (aka navy) for the rain showers and cooler temperatures. We particularly like the raised collar at the back of the neck, which helps to shield your skin from the elements.

New brand on the block, Angry Pablo – created by Brighton-based friends Jago and Felix, who grew up riding bikes together – is redefining what it means to be a cyclist. After both competing internationally in their respective sports (Felix won multiple World Cups on the track and competed at the Tokyo Olympics), they felt that the world of cycling had become more about image and less about going out to have fun with your mates. So Angry Pablo is here to change things up. Their short-sleeve EarthTone jersey is unisex and super lightweight. Made from regenerated nylon, we particularly love the unique zipped water-resistant pocket on the back, and the fact that all their kit packs down into a handy self-storage pouch.

Copenhagen-based brand Pas Normal Studios merges minimalist, contemporary designs and technical fabrics to create high-end apparel. Made from a fully dyed Polartec DELTA fabric, this mesh short-sleeve jersey is designed to keep you cool – even on those super hot days – thanks to its innovative fabric composition which helps disperse moisture and improve breathability. Of course, the only downside is that due to its perforated fabric, this jersey does not offer complete UV protection – so you'll need to lather yourself in suncream if you decide to wear this jersey in direct sunlight. We love the bright orange colour, but if this is too much for you, there’s also a subtle light mauve, light grey and white.

Offering that second-skin feeling, this graphic jersey from Liv Cycling – the female section of Giant which focuses on empowering women to discover the joy of cycling – is lightweight, sweat-wicking and dries quickly. Featuring breathable mesh panels that keep you cool, there are three spacious rear pockets that hold everything you might need for a long training ride. This jersey has a slightly longer torso than other race-style fits, and if you're a fan of the pattern, they offer bib shorts (£129.99) that match.