Best MTB Jerseys of 2025
The best shirts for mountain biking based on comfort, durability, breathability, moisture wicking, and more
August 18th, 2025
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Mountain biking is a sport that often demands high-quality, durable gear for all those miles spent on the trails. That includes the shirt on your back. While you can definitely ride in any old shirt (no gatekeepers here!), having a jersey designed for mountain biking can add comfort and convenience to your ride, along with protection from both the sun and the trails.
Good mountain bike jerseys offer breathability and durability in a bike-specific fit. We spent dozens of days and hundreds of miles on the trails to suss out the best jerseys for mountain biking, for both men and women, and for riders of all types in a wide range of conditions.
And while you’re building up your mountain biking wardrobe and gear closet, you may find our Best Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts, Best Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts, Best Mountain Biking Gloves, Best Mountain Biking Helmets, and Best Mountain Bike Shoes guides helpful as well.
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Comparison table
Women’s comparison table
| MTB JERSEY | TREELINE AWARD | SLEEVE LENGTH | FABRIC | UPF RATING | FIT | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Rye Salida | Best Overall Read why |
Short | Polyester, merino | 30-50 (color variations) | Slim | $75 |
| Handup ActiviTEE | Best Affordable Read why |
Short | Polyester, spandex | 50+ | Relaxed | $36 |
| Wild Rye Holly | Best Long Sleeve Read why |
Long | Polyester, merino | 30-50 (color variations) | Relaxed | $99 |
| Flylow Phoenix | Best for Hot Weather Read why |
Short | Polyester, spandex | 50+ | Relaxed | $90 |
| POC Motion Air 3/4 MTB | Best 3/4 Sleeve Read why |
3/4 | Polyester | Not rated | Relaxed | $90 |
| POC Resistance Enduro 3/4 | Best with Pockets Read why |
3/4 | Cordura, synthetic mesh | Not rated | Relaxed | $160 |
| SHREDLY Beyond Tech Tee Vented | Best for Plus Sizes Read why |
Short | Polyester, spandex | 30 | Relaxed | $68 |
| Ocean & San All Day Shirt | Best Trail-to-Town Style Read why |
Short | Polyester, cotton | 30+ | Relaxed | $79 |
Men’s comparison table
| MTB JERSEY | TREELINE AWARD | SLEEVE LENGTH | FABRIC | UPF RATING | FIT | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mons Royale Tarn Merino T-Shirt | Best Overall Read why |
Short | Merino, polyester | Not rated | Relaxed | $100 |
| Handup ActiviTEE | Best Affordable Read why |
Short | Polyester, spandex | 50+ | Relaxed | $36 |
| Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB | Best Long Sleeve Read why |
Long | Polyester, spandex | 30+ | Relaxed | $70 |
| Flyflow Wesley | Best for Hot Weather Read why |
Short | Polyester, spandex | 50+ | Relaxed | $90 |
| POC Motion Air 3/4 MTB | Best 3/4 Sleeve Read why |
3/4 | Polyester | Not rated | Relaxed | $90 |
The winners
Best overall women’s MTB jersey: Wild Rye Salida Bike Jersey
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: front: 84% polyester, 11% merino, 5% spandex; back mesh: 91% polyester, 9% spandex
UPF rating: 30–50, depending on color (darker colors have higher ratings; the black we tested is UPF 50)
Fit: slim
Standout MTB-specific features: Back mesh panel for breathability, silicone lining on back hem to help jersey stay in place while riding
What we liked: Incredibly breathable mesh fabric on back, odor resistant merino blend fabric on front, slim but flattering fit
What we didn’t like: Longer fit isn’t ideal for folks with short torsos
We’ve been testing women’s mountain bike apparel for several years now, and the women-owned brand Wild Rye consistently makes pieces that balance performance, fit, and style incredibly well. And the Salida Bike Jersey falls right in line with that. This jersey quickly earned its keep as a favorite, thanks to a combination of fabric, fit, and thoughtful small details. This is our go-to choice for everyday riding.
Wild Rye Salida Bike Jersey
The Salida jersey is made primarily with polyester, which is durable and sweat wicking. But the main fabric of the shirt also includes 11% merino wool, which helps with odor resistance and gives a nice feel to the shirt overall. On the back, there is an airy mesh panel that covers the entire back of the shirt and works wonders for added breathability. Other thoughtful details include a silicone lining on the back hem of the shirt, which helps to keep it from riding up while you’re busy riding fast down the trails.
The Salida has a slim fit and we found it to be quite flattering. The torso length is a bit on the long side, which is nice for on-bike performance, but it may be a bit long for folks with short torsos. Our primary women’s tester has a remarkably short torso and the Salida did fit on the long side, but this wasn’t an issue at all in terms of comfort or performance. We tested the black color in this jersey, which has the highest UPF rating at 50.
Compared to the Wild Rye Holly Jersey, our long sleeve jersey pick for women, the Salida definitely has a slimmer, more figure-hugging fit, whereas the Holly is more relaxed (but not baggy). If you want a looser fit, consider sizing up in the Salida. We wouldn’t say it runs small, just that it has an intentionally slim fit. The Salida is also a little more breathable than the Holly and better for hot days.
We tested the Salida on hot and sunny rides on the trails around Breckenridge, Colorado and loved the overall performance—it’s one of those pieces of apparel you kind of forget you’re wearing because it’s simple, comfortable, breathable, and stays put. And, we just feel good in this jersey, which is equally important. Look good, feel good, ride good. Right?
Best overall men’s MTB jersey: Mons Royale Tarn Merino T-Shirt
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: 52% merino wool, 35% recycled polyester, 13% nylon
UPF rating: Not rated
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Breathable mesh back panel and under arm panels, glasses wipe
What we liked: Incredibly comfortable, great sweat wicking, odor resistant, excellent fit
What we didn’t like: Expensive
We asked our primary men’s tester: You’re going on a weeklong mountain bike trip and you can bring only one jersey, which is it? His answer: the Mons Royale Tarn.
Mons Royale Tarn Merino T-Shirt
The Tarn might look like a basic tee at first glance, and that’s part of the appeal, but it’s a well-designed riding shirt with fabrics and features tailored specifically to mountain biking. The merino blend fabric is soft, breathable, durable, and odor resistant. And, the shirt looks good both on and off the bike, too. We put two different colors of this jersey through the ringer over the past few seasons and it’s earned its keep at the front of the pack as our best overall pick for a men’s mountain bike jersey.
The Tarn is made of 52% merino wool blended with polyester and nylon for added durability and performance. The high merino content makes the shirt soft, comfortable, and odor resistant. The poly and nylon help the jersey to wick sweat and dry quickly. There is a panel of mesh fabric that stretches across the center of the back of the jersey, which adds breathability. There is also a small microfiber cloth attached to the inside hem of the jersey for wiping your mountain bike sunglasses.
The fit of the Tarn is both casual and ideal for biking. The relaxed fit looks like a cool and casual tee, but there is a drop hem (shorter in the front and longer in the back) that makes this great for riding in; the jersey doesn’t ride up at all, with or without a pack on. The merino fabric is inherently less durable than fully synthetic options, like the POC Resistance or POC Motion Air. If you’re wearing pads and riding downhill aggressively, those will offer more abrasion resistance. But after several years testing the Tarn over hundreds of days of riding, we have no durability issues to report.
Our primary men’s tester has used the Tarn as his go-to riding jersey for nearly five years. He’s worn the same two jerseys (both Tarns, just in different colors) during that time and they’re both still going strong. We’ve tested this jersey in Colorado’s high alpine, on desert trails in Southern Utah, along parts of the Arizona Trail, and more. It might seem a little spendy for a T-shirt, but we think the Mons Royale Tarn is well worth it and will quickly become your favorite riding jersey, too.
Best affordable MTB jersey: Handup ActiviTEE
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: Polyester/spandex blend
UPF rating: 50+
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Moisture-wicking fabric, fun bike-inspired prints
What we liked: Great tech tee with fun designs for riders on a budget
What we didn’t like: Not as odor resistant as merino blend options
Mountain biking often feels expensive, and while that can be true, it doesn’t have to be that way. You could toss on any old cotton t-shirt and go for a ride. But it helps to have fabrics that wick sweat, breath well, and stand up to branch swipes or crashes. The Handup ActiviTEE is like your favorite printed tee, but made with more technical fabrics for mountain biking. And the best part is that it’s a fraction of the price of many other MTB-specific jerseys. Plus, there are a lot of fun colors and prints to choose from.
Handup ActiviTEE
Men's
Women's
The ActiviTEE is made of a polyester and spandex blend that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and moves well with you on the bike. Ultimately, it’s a pretty simply designed tech tee that’s made specifically for mountain bikers. There isn’t much in the way of added features to speak of, but this is a comfortable and simple jersey for everyday riding.
The ActiviTEE has a relaxed fit, and it fits almost exactly like a standard t-shirt, but with more stretch. It doesn't have a drop hem like many others in our test, but the fit on the bike is still good. We had no issues with this jersey riding up on the trail. This is a unisex jersey and both our women’s and men’s testers took it out on the trails. Our women’s tester found the small to fit well and our men’s tester fit well in a large. Size this like you would a standard t-shirt.
We tested this jersey primarily on trails around Summit County, Colorado. We made hot laps in it on the trails at Arapahoe Basin and found the jersey to wick sweat and breath well. It’s not as odor resistant as merino blended jerseys we tested, or synthetic jerseys with anti-odor treatments, but that just means you’ll want to wash it after every ride.
Ultimately, we think the Handup ActiviTEE offers a great value for a fun and casual but technical jersey for everyday rides. It’s by far the most affordable in our test and still performs well out on the trails.
Best women’s long sleeve MTB jersey: Wild Rye Holly
Sleeve length: Long
Fabric: Front: 84% polyester, 11% merino, 5% spandex; mesh panels: 91% polyester, 9%
UPF rating: 30–50, depending on color (darker colors have higher ratings; the black we tested is UPF 50)
Fit: relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Underarm mesh panels for breathability, cut for movement on the bike
What we liked: Great fit, odor-resistant merino blend fabric, space for elbow pads
What we didn’t like: Not ideal for hot days
Unsurprisingly, Wild Rye came through with an excellent women’s long sleeve jersey, too. The Holly Jersey was among the favorites in our women’s test. We love the fit and fabric of this jersey, including the more relaxed shape that leaves room for body protection or just a looser fit and feel while pedaling. Other details like mesh paneling under the arms adds breathability. If you’re looking for a women’s-specific long sleeve jersey that’s ideal for all sorts of trail riding, the Holly is our top choice.
Wild Rye Holly
The Holly is made with the same merino-poly blend fabric as our overall pick, the Wild Rye Salida, but the overall design and fit is different. Rather than a mesh panel in the back, the Holly uses the same mesh placed under the arms and on the sides. That makes the Holly fairly breathable overall, but certainly not the most breathable in our test. We think it’s best for cool to warm temps. When it really gets hot, you’ll likely want something more airy (like the POC Motion Air). But, this material is great for most days.
We love the fit of the Holly Jersey. It’s loose but not baggy and wonderfully comfortable. There’s enough space in the body and arms for protection like elbow pads or a back pad, but the jersey still looks great and not overly loose without those extras. The fit is also versatile enough that this could easily be worn for hikes and trail runs, too. It’s notably less slim than the Wild Rye Salida (our best overall winner). So if you like the slim fit of the Salida, consider sizing down—but know there may not be room for body armor if you do that. Otherwise, we think the Holly fits true to size and our primary women’s tester wore her usual Wild Rye size, which is a 6.
We tested the Holly jersey on several rides around the mountains of Summit County, Colorado and on desert trails in Southern Utah. Even though it wasn’t as breathable as others, like the POC Motion Air or Flylow Phoenix, the Holly still performed well even on rides in the sun with temps nearing 90 degrees F. On a misty, rainy, cool summer ride at Arapahoe Basin, the Holly was the perfect companion. We think the ladies looking for a great all-around long sleeve jersey will love the Holly as much as we do. It’s got great style, performs well, and is versatile for all sorts of riding and other trail activities.
Best men’s long sleeve MTB jersey: Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Long Sleeve
Sleeve length: Long
Fabric: 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester, 10% spandex
UPF rating: 30+
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Drop-hem design with MTB-specific fit, microfiber glasses wipe
What we liked: UPF protection, sweat-wicking fabric, glasses wipe
What we didn’t like: Not as odor resistant as merino blend options
There are a lot of days on the bike that call for protection—both from the trail and the sun. That’s when a long sleeve jersey designed specifically for mountain biking is the ideal piece of apparel. And for those days, we reach for the Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Long Sleeve Jersey. This jersey has a great combination of sweat-wicking fabric in an MTB-specific fit, with 30+ UPF protection in a long-sleeve design. The Freewheel is our top pick for a men’s long sleeve jersey for everyday riding.
Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Long Sleeve
The Freewheel jersey is made of a synthetic polyester and spandex blend that’s stretchy and durable, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. Outdoor Research utilizes a treatment on this jersey called ActiveTemp that helps to regulate body temperature. The material is airy and moves well with the body while pedaling and descending.
The fit of the Freewheel jersey is relaxed and loose enough to fit elbow pads and body protection underneath without being overly baggy. The thoughtful MTB-specific details also make this jersey stand out. We like the drop tail hem design that adds to the MTB-specific fit and adds coverage on the back side. And the microfiber glasses wipe on the inside of the hem is also a great feature.
Our men’s tester used this jersey on trail rides and shuttle laps around Breckenridge and loved the stretchy and breathable fabric. It wicks sweat well but the fabric is burly enough to withstand abrasion from tree swipes. The UPF 30+ sun protection also came in handy on open, high alpine rides with the relentless (but beautiful) Colorado sun shining down.
This jersey also comes in a women’s version, and while we prefer the overall fit and fabric of the Wild Rye Holly, this is another solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a material with lots of stretch. For folks looking for a durable jersey with good coverage and ample sun protection in a men’s fit, we think the Freewheel MTB Long Sleeve should be at the top of your list.
The OR Freewheel Long-Sleeve jersey is also available in women’s.
Best MTB jersey for hot weather: Flylow Phoenix (women’s) / Wesley (men’s)
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: Intuitive Stretch IQ (85% polyester, 15% spandex)
UPF rating: 50+
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Small back zipper pocket, loose cut for movement on the bike
What we liked: Incredibly comfortable and airy fabric and design, great for hot days, fun style
What we didn’t like: Limited color options
We might talk a lot about technical specs in our mountain bike reviews (because they matter!), but in the end, riding bikes is about having fun. So it’s nice when your jersey can reflect that and be both fun and technical at the same time. We think the Flylow Phoenix and Wesley jerseys find that perfect balance between party shirt and technical jersey. They were among the favorites for all of our men’s and women’s testers for the comfort, breathability, and fun style—and the button down design contributes both to the maximum airflow and maximum style.
Flyflow Wesley
Flylow Phoenix
The Phoenix (women’s) and Wesley (men’s) are Flylow’s version of a technical button down jersey with a casual look. Both models have the same fabric, features, and design language; the only notable difference between the two is the men’s and women’s-specific sizing and colors. The Phoenix/Wesley uses Flylow’s Intuitive Stretch IQ fabric, which is a breathable, stretchy, and durable blend of polyester and spandex. There is a small zippered pocket on the back of the jersey for safely stashing small items like car keys or a credit card.
The fit of the Phoenix/Wesley jersey is relaxed and a little loose for maximum airflow. We’d say the women’s Phoenix is a little boxy (in a good way) and the men’s has a relaxed, casual fit. Both fit true to size. This jersey looks great both on and off the bike, and we think Flylow did an excellent job balancing style with technical features and materials. This jersey is also UPF 50+, and the fact that it has a collar adds even extra protection on hot and sunny days. One of our men’s testers chronically forgets to put sunscreen on his neck when he rides, but this jersey solves that problem for him.
We tested this jersey on the trails around Summit County, Colorado. On hot days, we absolutely loved the amount of airflow you get with the button down design. This design paired with the super stretchy, breathable, and quick drying fabric made this our favorite jersey for hot and sweaty rides. If you want a breathable and airy jersey that balances fun style with excellent technical features, this is it.
Best ¾ sleeve MTB jersey: POC Motion Air
Sleeve length: ¾ sleeve (tested); also available in short sleeve and long sleeve
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
UPF rating: not rated
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: MTB-specific cut with room for body armor, abrasion resistant fabric
What we liked: Super breathable, plenty of room for elbow and back pads, durable fabric for aggressive riding
What we didn’t like: Loose fit not for everyone
Mountain bike jerseys with ¾-sleeve lengths have a lot of advantages—added sun protection, more coverage overall, no fabric bunching at your wrists, and room and coverage for body armor like elbow and back pads. The POC Motion Air jersey is an enduro-oriented jersey that’s both breathable and durable. It’s got a loose fit and fairly technical look that we think makes it a great choice for aggressive trail, enduro, and downhill rides.
POC Motion Air
Men's
Women's
The Motion Air jersey is made with a honeycomb mesh polyester that’s abrasion resistant but still incredibly breathable. The honeycomb design allows for lots of airflow, while the ¾-sleeve length adds extra coverage and protection. The fabric is also very fast drying, whether you’re sweating or get caught in the rain—we tested it in both instances and it proved to do this well.
The Motion Air has the loosest fit of any of the jerseys in our test, and it fits true to size. This means it’s great for folks who like that extra relaxed fit, or who want plenty of room for padding underneath. This fit does make it a little less than ideal for everyday rides with lots of pedaling and no need for padding, but that also partially comes down to personal preference.
We tested the POC Motion Air, both men’s and women’s, on trails in the mountains of Colorado. Some days were cool and rainy while others were hot with full sun. We found this jersey to be comfortable in all the summer conditions that were thrown at us. The polyester fabric isn’t quite as soft as some of the merino blend options in our test, but it is among the most breathable, which made this especially great for hot days.
If you’re looking for a durable and breathable jersey for aggressive riding, with more coverage than a short sleeve, put the POC Motion Air at the top of your list.
Best MTB jersey with pockets: POC Resistance Enduro
Sleeve length: ¾ sleeve
Fabric: Cordura and synthetic mesh
UPF rating: Not rated
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Jersey pockets with internal gaitier designed for trail use, abrasion resistant fabric, fits with pads
What we liked: Great pocket design with internal gaiter to keep things from bouncing, durable fabric
What we didn’t like: Not as lightweight as others
Mountain bike jerseys often have a more relaxed fit than their snug, lycra cousins made for fast road riding. This makes integrating any sizable pockets a challenge, the contents of those pockets are likely to bounce around in a loose-fitting jersey. But POC seems to have solved that problem with the Resistance Enduro jersey.
POC Resistance Enduro
Men's
Women's
There are substantial pockets on this jersey, and the unique internal gaiter holds things in place while riding fast down rough trails. Our primary men’s tester (who will never be caught in lycra) has used this as his go-to race jersey for multiple seasons and loves the pockets and overall design of the Resistance Enduro.
The Resistance Enduro jersey is made with a burly, stretchy Cordura fabric on the main body and arms, and has a synthetic mesh fabric under the arms and on the back for added breathability. While not the lightest or most breathable in our test, the Resistance is made with highly technical fabrics that move well on the bike and provide ample breathability for long days on the trail.
The pocket design is the most unique and useful part of this jersey. Easy-access drop pockets, not unlike those found on cycling jerseys, allow for easy access to nutrition and other essentials. And though this jersey has a more relaxed fit, there is an internal gaiter that goes around the waist that helps to hold everything in place and stops things from bouncing around on descents. The Resistance jersey has a relaxed fit, though not quite as relaxed as the POC Motion Air.
Our primary men’s tester has used the Resistance Enduro jersey from long rides to even longer races. It’s his go-to jersey for when he doesn’t want to carry the weight of a pack, but still needs extra space for snacks and more. This was his go-to jersey for long endurance races like the Firecracker 50 MTB race and the notoriously challenging Breck Epic stage race—he wore this jersey for four out of the six stages. Even after many hundreds of miles and a few crashes, this jersey is still in excellent shape.
If you typically ride with a pack anyway, you may not need pockets on your mountain bike jersey. But if you’re looking for a jersey with a classic and relaxed MTB fit with pockets that are actually comfortable, put this at the top of your list.
Best women’s MTB jersey for plus-size riders: Shredly Beyond Tech Tee Vented
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: Polyester/spandex blend
UPF rating: 30
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: MTB-specific fit, abrasion-resistant fabric
What we liked: Great fit for a wide range of sizes and body types, bonded seams, non-chemical anti-odor treatment, fun color options
What we didn’t like: Fabric not as light or breathable as others
If you’re looking for a technical mountain bike jersey that comes in a wide range of sizes, that can often be a challenge. But Shredly has aimed to make that a lot easier. The women’s specific brand is known for their inclusive sizing and comfortable designs (we love their shorts too), and the Beyond Tech tee is a great option for folks looking for sizes up to 3XL.
Shredly Beyond Tech Tee Vented
The Beyond Tech tee is made with a polyester and spandex material that has a decent amount of structure for a tech tee while remaining super stretchy. The fabric is engineered with an infrared and negative ion technology that helps to make the material odor resistant without adding chemical treatments. There are also laser cut perforations on the side that help with breathability and add some flair to the look, too. And we like the clean look of the bonded seams, too.
The fit of the Beyond Tech tee is relaxed and fairly loose. We think it fits slightly on the large side, so if you prefer a slimmer fit we’d recommend sizing down. And we of course appreciate that this tech tee is offered in sizes up to 3XL. (Check out their collab with Marley Blonsky for all sorts of fun plus size options in the Shredly lineup.) Shredly as a whole is dedicated to making technical mountain bike gear in a wide range of sizes, and we think that’s rad.
We tested the Beyond Tech tee on trails around Colorado and loved how well the jersey moved with our body. It is among the stretchiest in our test. It’s not quite as breathable as others, so not ideal for the hottest rides. But it does offer UPF protection (and comes in a long sleeve version, too). But this is a comfortable and technical jersey for everyday trail riding, and it’s one of the few out there with such a wide range of size options.
Best MTB jersey for casual trail to town style: Ocean & San All Day Shirt
Sleeve length: Short (also available in long sleeve)
Fabric: DriRelease 85% polyester, 15% cotton
UPF rating: 30+
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Zippered pocket in back plus two drop pockets
What we liked: Incredibly soft and comfortable, great understated style, back pockets, patterned, cut, and sewn in the US
What we didn’t like: Not very breathable, pocket design not as secure for trail riding
The more we rode in the Ocean & San All Day Shirt, the more we loved it—and often wanted to stay in it all day. While much of Ocean & San’s lineup is geared more towards road cycling, we loved the style of the All Day Shirt and had to test it out on the trails. This is a great everyday ride tee with a casual and understated style that looks just as good on the bike as it does at the coffee shop or brewery after your ride.
Ocean & San All Day Shirt
Men's
Women's
The Ocean & San All Day Shirt is made of a blend of polyester and cotton—a mix that stands out in this test. The material is super soft and comfortable and drapes especially nice for being a technical jersey. The cotton helps with that more casual look and feel, while the polyester adds sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties. The fit is fairly relaxed, but we did find the women’s short sleeve to run small and would recommend sizing up if you want to maintain that relaxed fit that’s intended. (We did not find the men’s to run small, and the women’s long sleeve version actually ran a little large, which we found odd.)
The All Day Shirt has three pockets on the back: two side drop pockets and one zippered pocket in the center. The pockets aren’t quite as secure as the POC Resistance Enduro jersey, but they worked well on daily rides when carrying small nutrition items like gummies.
We tested the All Day Shirt (both the long sleeve and short sleeve) on trails around Summit County, Colorado and found it ideal for casual, everyday mountain bike rides, like after work hot laps. Both our men’s and women’s testers love the softness of the material and the cool and casual look of the shirt. It performed well on cooler days but didn’t breathe as well as others in our test. But if you’re into a style that’s less technical looking and more casual without sacrificing bike-specific features, we think the All Day Shirt is an awesome choice.
Other MTB jerseys we tested
Patagonia Merino Blend ¾ Sleeve Bike Jersey
Sleeve length: 3/4
Fabric: Merino, polyester
UPF rating:
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features:
What we liked: Great fit, soft and comfortable fabric, merino blend resists odor
What we didn’t like: On the expensive side for being quite simple overall
This merino blend jersey was a strong contender for our best overall for both men’s and women’s. It’s made with a super soft and lightweight fabric that’s both breathable and odor resistant. It’s a simple design with not much to speak of in terms of extra features, but the fit is excellent and it’s a choice we’d be more than happy with for daily trail rides. Ultimately, we chose the Mons Royale Tarn and Wild Rye Salida for their additional features that we think add to the overall value. But if you’re looking for a simple, incredibly comfortable ¾-sleeve jersey with an excellent MTB-specific fit, we love this jersey.
Patagonia Merino Blend ¾ Sleeve Bike Jersey
Men's
Women's
Ocean & San Deltapeak UtiliTee
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: Deltapeak 100% recycled polyester
UPF rating: Not rated
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Zippered back pocket
What we liked: Unique design, zippered pocket, breathable and durable fabric, patterned, cut, and sewn in the US
What we didn’t like: Drawcord on the hem can get in the way
The Ocean & San Deltapeak jersey is a fairly unique design, with a drawcord hem, a single zippered pocket on the back, and lightweight, breathable and abrasion-resistant Japanese Deltapeak fabric. We dug this jersey overall, even though it didn’t quite earn a spot in an award category. It has a cool, unique look and the fabric is more technical than what the Ocean & San All Day Shirt is made of, making it a good choice for more serious rides or hotter days.
Ocean & San Deltapeak UtiliTee
Men's
Women's
The Ocean & San DeltaPeak jersey is made with Japanese fabric and has a single pocket in the back. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Pearl Izumi Canyon Tech
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: 73% recycled polyester, 18% polyester, 9% elastane
UPF rating: 0–10
Fit: Relaxed
Standout MTB-specific features: Breathable and durable fabric
What we liked: Breathable fabric, comfortable
What we didn’t like: Lacks stretch, low UPF (at least 30 is recommended, but 50+ is best)
The Canyon Tech is another solid choice for a button-down, party-shirt-style jersey that’s still technical enough for trail riding. The mesh synthetic fabric is wonderfully breathable on hot days—we tested it on hot, full sun days in the Colorado alpine with little to no shade. Like the Flylow Phoenix and Wesely, the snap design adds extra airflow. Ultimately, the Flylow jerseys get our pick because of their supremely stretchy and comfortable fabric, and the added features like the zippered pocket and UPF 50+ fabric. But if those details aren’t as important to you as a super breathable mesh fabric, then the Canyon Tech is a great choice.
Pearl Izumi Canyon Tech
Men's
Women's
The author on a ride in the Pearl Izumi Canyon Tech jersey. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Sleeve length: Short
Fabric: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
UPF rating: Not rated
Fit: Relaxed/loose
Standout MTB-specific features: Drop-tail hem, zippered pocket on side
What we liked: Light and breathable fabric
What we didn’t like: Loose stitching after one ride gave us durability concerns, expensive
This jersey from another women’s-specific brand, Peppermint, is light, soft, and comfortable—especially for hot rides. The fit is loose and generous and we’d recommend sizing down unless you want an oversized look. We like the added details like a small zippered pocket for essentials, and we dig the overall style, too. But, loose threads that appeared almost immediately gave us some durability concerns with this jersey, especially for the price.
Peppermint Signature Lightweight Shirt
The author testing the Peppermint Signature Lightweight Shirt in the pump track on a hot day. This shirt is super comfortable and stylish, but left us with some durability concerns. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
What to look for in an MTB jersey
Our primary men’s tester riding on a section of the Arizona Trail near Flagstaff on a hot day. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
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Sleeve length in a mountain bike jersey is something to consider based on both personal preference and your riding style.
Long sleeve jerseys offer the most protection—both from the trail and the sun. If you want to mitigate scrapes from a potential crash, or just don’t want to think about sunscreen, this is a good option.
Short sleeve jerseys are great for hot rides and daily pedals on the trails.
Jerseys with ¾ length sleeves are a happy medium between the two: they offer your arms more protection from the sun and often leave room for elbow pads, but you don’t have to worry about fabric bunching up by your wrists when you ride.
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Choosing how you want your mountain bike jersey to fit depends on a couple things. First, if you plan to wear body armor, like elbow pads or a back pad, you’ll want a jersey that’s loose enough to fit the padding underneath. After that, it mostly comes down to personal preference.
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Fabric is one of the most critical factors in finding a good MTB jersey. It should be breathable, wick sweat well, and be durable enough for a lot of miles spent on the trails. Even better when it’s odor resistant, too—many of our favorite jerseys are made with synthetic materials like polyester, blended with a high percentage of merino wool which helps to keep the stink at bay.
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We won’t claim that any mountain bike is completely odor proof—our testing has clearly proved this (we sweat a lot on our rides!). But it’s very clear that some jerseys are better at this than others. Some fully synthetic jerseys do have odor-resistant treatments, but in our experience, nothing works as well as nature herself. In our testing, the jerseys with the best odor resistance have a high percentage of merino wool blended into the fabric.
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Mountain biking can be a rough sport, and branches reaching out to grab you or your jersey on the trail are not uncommon. Hopefully crashes aren’t too frequent, but they’re also often inevitable. Having a durable jersey that can stand up to the trail is important. Look for well-made garments with a blend of synthetic materials that help with durability.
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How you carry things on the bike often comes down to personal preference, but we do love to have options. Some jerseys have small zippered pockets that can fit car keys or credit cards—great for lunch rides and post-work hot laps. Others might have more substantial pockets that can carry water bottles and nutrition. If you don’t want to carry a pack when you ride, consider a jersey with plenty of pockets.
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Depending on where you live and where you ride, mountain biking can mean lots of time in the sun. And wherever you ride, it should hopefully mean lots of time spent on trails. For this you’ll want to consider jerseys with good coverage to protect you from both the trail and the sun. Pay attention to sleeve length and look for jerseys with UPF protection.
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We’ve said it before: look good, feel good, ride good. There’s no denying there’s some truth to this mantra, and it’s something our primary tester lives by. There are a lot of options out there for mountain bike jerseys, from subtle solids to full-on party shirts. Find one that feels great to you when you’re on your bike.
Why choose an MTB-specific jersey
In case you were wondering, yes—you can absolutely go ride your bike in any old cotton t-shirt you’ve got in your closet. Not every ride demands the most technical gear. But, like with a lot of outdoor sports, having the right gear can often make you more comfortable on the trail.
MTB-specific jerseys are made with fabrics that breathe and wick sweat and stand up to use on the trail. They’re also tailored to fit and move with your body in the biking position. Many also have added details like pockets and glasses wipes, all of which can help make your experience on the bike a little better.
The All Day jersey looks casual but has nice features like these pockets in the back. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
MTB jersey vs. regular athletic shirt
Regular tech t-shirts can also be a good option for biking if you want to keep the budget low, but there are advantages to bike-specific ones. First is fit. Regular tech tees will often have a standard fit and straight hem, while MTB-specific ones will have a fit designed for movement on a bike, often with a drop tail hem that gives more coverage in the back. This is, in our opinion, one of the biggest reasons to choose an MTB-specific jersey.
But aside from fit, these jerseys also often have added features like pockets and glasses wipes, which are great for life on two wheels.
Care and maintenance tips
Always pay attention to the care instructions on a specific jersey—it differs between models and materials. Generally, wash on a cold and gentle cycle and air dry your jerseys to keep them in the best shape. Especially with synthetic jerseys, this also helps to reduce microplastic shedding in the wash! If your jerseys have lots of holes or have stretched to the point of being transparent, it’s probably time for a new one. But always patch up and keep in rotation whenever possible!
We tested mountain bike jerseys on the climbs and the downhills to assess for breathability and durability, among other metrics. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
FAQ
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You can absolutely wear a regular shirt to go for a bike ride. The world of bikes can often feel a little elitist, and gatekeepers unfortunately abound. But not here! If you don’t want to spend money on a mountain bike-specific jersey, you can still have a whole lot of fun on your bike (especially if the weather is mild and cooperative). But if you spend a lot of time on the trails, a mountain bike jersey is worth considering for the materials, fit, and features that are designed specifically for the sport.
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How well a jersey does in hot weather most often comes down to the materials, not the sleeve length. Yes, short sleeves are often cooler, but long sleeves can be plenty cool too, often with the added bonus of ample sun protection. For our testers in Colorado, where the trails are often above treeline and the sun is almost always shining, lightweight long sleeve jerseys are a go-to for protection from the sun without overheating on the uphill.
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The primary difference between men’s and women’s jerseys usually comes down to fit and, of course, colors. Women’s jerseys are typically designed to fit curvier bodies while men’s jerseys are usually a little more straight fitting.
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You can wear a backpack or hip pack with just about any mountain bike jersey. Some jerseys with lots of pockets may be less comfortable with a pack, depending on their location. Check out our Best Mountain Bike Hip Packs and Best Running Hydration Vests guides to learn more.
How we researched and tested
We spent dozens of days and hundreds of cumulative miles testing jerseys for this story. Some of the winners are jerseys our testers have been riding in for years.
We tested primarily on singletrack trails around the mountains of Summit County, Colorado, with a few added test days on trails in Southern Utah. The trails were a mix of dry and loose to muddy and slick, depending on the conditions for the day—including one glorious testing day with perfect dirt that MTB dreams are made of.
We tested these jerseys primarily in midsummer in Colorado. And that means that weather conditions varied. Some days were hot and sunny, others cool and rainy. We encountered plenty of sun exposure, a fair amount of wind, and some rain and mud too.
We had two men’s testers and two women’s testers ride in jerseys for this review. Our primary women’s tester (Stasia, the author) is 5’ 3” and usually wears a women’s size small or medium, or numeric size 6. Our secondary women’s tester is 5’ 1” and typically wears a women’s extra small or numeric size 2. Our primary men’s tester is 5’ 11” and wears a men’s large. Our secondary men’s tester is 6’ 1” and wears a men’s XL.
We often wore jerseys multiple days in a row to test for odor resistance (and to avoid doing even more laundry). Some of our testers even took one for the team and crashed in these jerseys (not on purpose, those loose berms will get ya!) to test for durability.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Stasia’s summer days are dominated by life on two wheels. She learned to mountain bike as a kid in the mountains of northern Utah, and now she rides almost every day on the endless and magical singletrack trails around her home in Breckenridge, Colorado. She mixes things up between her full squish mountain bike and speedy gravel bike, riding hundreds of miles every summer, including 50-mile mountain bike races and even longer ones on the gravel bike. And every time she rides, she’s almost always testing gear—including mountain bike jerseys, which in her opinion need to look as good as they perform.
As a writer for Treeline Review, she’s committed to objective and thorough reviews, conducting independent field tests in a wide range of conditions with multiple testers weighing in. Treeline is not obligated to any of the brands in this review, and all awards were chosen by the writer, with input from other riders who helped her test.
As a true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She now calls Breckenridge, Colorado and the mountains that surround it her home. In the winters, she racks up as many ski days as possible; she loves long days in the backcountry, but nothing compares to hot laps on the T-bar at her home resort. In the summers, she’s an avid mountain biker and gravel rider who chronically signs up for races for “fun”—and who knows, maybe someday she’ll land on a podium. Sometimes you might even find her on a trail sans bike, running slowly or backpacking to an alpine lake. She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space and has been testing and writing about gear for over a decade. Stasia is also the managing editor for the print publication for backpackers, Trails Magazine.
