Which cycling jersey is best for hot weather?

Heat haze rises off the road ahead. The sun on your back, the warm air rushing past your ears. Stopping off for a mid-ride ice cream and the promise of a long, cold glass of the good stuff when the miles are done. There’s nothing quite like cycling in the height of summer. But when the mercury rises, choosing the best cycling jersey for hot weather can be the difference between feeling hot to go – or just uncomfortably hot under the collar.

To help you make the most of your summer cycling adventures, we’ll talk you through how to choose the best cycling jersey for hot weather – including which of the Stolen Goat summer range is best depending on the conditions.

What to look for in a hot weather cycling jersey

Before we dive into the specifics of the Stolen Goat summer range, first let’s look at what the non-negotiables are for a hot weather jersey. Because not all short sleeved cycling jerseys are created equal!

• Highly breathable materials. It doesn’t matter how nice a jersey looks, if it’s not breathable it’ll have you feeling boil in the bag and overheating the second you start turning the pedals in hot weather. Look for lightweight fabric which is two-way breathable – your core temperature will thank you!
• Fast-drying fabrics. Alongside breathability, it’s really important that your hot weather cycling jersey is designed to quickly wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly. This evaporation will have a cooling effect, and it’ll keep you more comfortable. There’s nothing worse than a jersey soaked in sweat sticking to your back while you ride!
• Four-way stretch. When it’s boiling hot, the last thing you want is to be stuck in an overly tight, restrictive cycling jersey. Our bodies tend to swell slightly in the heat anyway, so if your cycling jersey doesn’t offer a comfortable fit with plenty of stretch – it’s going to feel claustrophobic. Look out for premium materials with four-way stretch for a fit that moves with you.
• Comfortable, considered construction. When you’re buying a cycling jersey for hot weather, take a look at the seams as well as the design and the fabric. In hot conditions, you’ll be sweating more which can leave you vulnerable to chafe. Any raised or overly scratchy seams (particularly under the armpits) are going to get uncomfortable pretty quickly.

Stolen Goat Kalahari jerseys vs Ibex Every Day cycling jerseys

All of the Stolen Goat short sleeved cycling jerseys have been painstakingly designed to offer the perfect balance of comfort and performance in hot conditions. Lightweight, breathable, stretchy and of course – great looking! But if you’re wondering what the difference is between the ranges to find your perfect summer cycling jersey, let’s narrow it down.

Kalahari hot weather cycling jerseys

Our Kalahari range is named after the Kalahari goats, found roaming in the desert and known for their ability to keep their cool when the heat is on. The Kalahari jerseys are Stolen Goat’s most lightweight and breathable cycling jerseys, designed to help keep you comfortable in heatwave conditions.

Stolen Goat Kalahari cycling jerseys: key features

• Ultra-lightweight summer cycling jersey. Constructed using our lightest, most breathable fabrics for optimal temperature regulation.
• Fast-drying. Sweaty jersey stuck to your back? Not in our Herd! The Kalahari jerseys are designed to dry quickly when you’re working up a sweat, helping to keep you cool and comfortable.
• Aerodynamic fit with four-way stretch. Alongside being even more lightweight than our Ibex jerseys, the key difference between those and our Kalahari jerseys is the fit. Here you’ll find a close, aero fit but the integration of four-way stretch ensures it’s comfortable all ride long.
• Lower neckline. Ideal for those who don’t like the feeling of a jersey collar around their neck, or those who like to ride down on the drops.

When to wear a Stolen Goat Kalahari cycling jersey

• Hot conditions (>25 degrees C) where cooling is your top priority
• Road racing or rides with hard efforts
• Long climbs in warm weather. Keeps you cool on the ascent – consider popping a gilet in your back pocket for the descent!

Ibex Every Day spring/summer cycling jerseys

Ibex goats are the ultimate all-rounders… and so are our Ibex cycling jerseys! Ideal for layering up during the cooler spring months or wearing alone once summer rolls around. Comfortable, versatile and perfect for warm weather rides.

Stolen Goat Ibex Every Day jerseys: Key features

• All day, every day comfort fit. Designed to be slightly less ‘race fit’ than our Kalahari and Advanced jerseys, our Ibex Every Day cycling jerseys offer a slightly more relaxed fit. Close enough to not flap around, but not a second-skin aero jersey.
• Lightweight and breathable. Not quite as ridiculously lightweight as our hot weather jerseys (so you won’t be shivering if you wear an Ibex jersey in the spring) but still light enough to wear in warm conditions, with two-way breathability to keep you comfortable.
• Classic cycling jersey neckline. With a premium YKK zip and a neckline zip protector, because nobody enjoys zip-nibble.

When to wear a Stolen Goat Ibex cycling jersey

• Cool to warm conditions (< 25 degrees celsius).
• Long rides and big adventures where all-day comfort is key.
• All year round as a layering piece – our Ibex jerseys are ideal under our jackets or thermal jerseys!
• Need extra protection from the sun? Consider trying one of our long-sleeved Ibex jerseys for extra coverage – they’re lightweight enough to wear in warm conditions.

Kalahari jersey vs Ibex jersey

Riding in hot conditions (>25 degrees) and looking for an ultra-lightweight jersey with an aero fit and a lower neckline? Kalahari is your go-to.

Adventuring in warm weather (< 25 degrees), layering up in cooler conditions, or heading out for a long old day on the saddle? Ibex will see you through!

Check out our Summer cycling kit range to see the full collection >> 

Get more hot weather cycling tips

• Read our full hot weather cycling gear guide to get more tips on what to wear for cycling when temperatures soar
• Check out our article on heat training for insights on how to train in hot conditions, including how to calculate your ideal fluid intake and how to make riding in hot weather a little more comfortable.

Shop the Stolen Goat summer collection

From cycling and running gear to triathlon race suits. Whatever summer adventures you have planned – Stolen Goat have got you covered! Take a look at some of our top picks below, or CLICK HERE to check out the full summer collection.