Best Women’s Mountain Bike Jerseys for 2022
There’s a good chance that affiliate links are scattered throughout this post. If you click on one I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you and I’ll definitely be using it to buy bike gear.
If you’re like me, finding well-fitting mountain bike clothing is a full-time job. Fit, style, material, and even color, play a big part in how we – or at least I – feel and perform on the trail. No one wants to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable when bombing down a mountain, right?
I will be the first to say that I’m very picky when it comes to bike gear – including women’s mountain bike jerseys. I want the fit to feel good, the fabric to be comfortable, and a choice of colors in case I don’t want to wear pink.
I’ve tried and tested dozens of different jerseys and in this post, I round up my favorites. Keep in mind that everything in life is subjective, so what I love may not be for you and what I turn down might just be your favorite jersey ever.
Quick Tips For Choosing A Women’s MTB Jersey
Before diving into specific jerseys, let’s take a look at a few features to consider when shopping around:
Fabric choice
Women’s mountain bike jerseys tend to come in two different fabric options: close-knit and loose-knit.
Close-knit
Close-knit jerseys are going to be more like the everyday t-shirts and shirts that you wear. The fabric weave is tight and the jerseys tend to be super soft and comfortable.
However, on the flip side, close-knit jerseys don’t dry as quickly as loose-knit ones and they tend to be warmer.
Loose-knit
Loose-knit jerseys are typically more performance-based with high moisture-wicking capabilities and they are much faster to dry than a close-knit jersey.
I sweat a lot, so I usually prefer a looser-knit fabric when I ride unless it’s a cooler day.
Sleeve length
You can find women’s mountain bike jerseys in four different sleeve lengths:
- Tank top (no sleeves)
- Short-sleeve
- 3/4 sleeve
- Long-sleeve
Whichever jersey length you choose really comes down to personal preference. Take into consideration what type of riding you’ll be doing, what the weather/climate is like, and what you feel most comfortable in.
Personally, I don’t wear tank tops when mountain biking, because I almost always have a hydration pack on and I don’t want the straps to rub into my shoulders.
For bike park days I’ll typically wear a long-sleeve jersey because it provides a bit more protection – from the sun and crashes – than a short-sleeve jersey.
If I’m out for a pedally ride on a warm, sunny day, I’ll wear a short-sleeve or 3/4 sleeve jersey.
Fit
Mountain bike jerseys fall into two categories: a fitted look similar to what road cyclists wear or a looser fit, which is more traditional for mountain bikers.
There’s no one right answer when it comes to fit. Again, it comes down to personal preference and what you feel most comfortable in.
I personally prefer a looser, relaxed fit for my mountain bike jerseys and mountain bike shorts.
Best Women’s Mountain Bike Jerseys
1. POC MTB Pure Jersey
$70/$80
- Fabric: Loose-knit synthetic
- Fit: Loose
- Sleeve Length: 3/4 or long-sleeve
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- What I love: The super breathable, waffle-like material and long torso length
- What I don’t: Fabric is a little coarse until worn a few times
POC is my go-to mountain bike brand. I love their Women’s Essential MTB Shorts (in fact, these are pretty much the only shorts I wear) and their MTB Pure women’s mountain bike jersey is just as good.
I think one of the main reasons I jive with POC products so much is that they’re great for taller women. I’m 5’8 and this jersey falls past my hips, which I don’t get with a lot of other brands. I like looser fitting and full coverage apparel when it comes to mountain biking.
I also love the waffle-like knit with its high breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. I did find that the fabric was a little coarse at first, but it broke in after a couple of wears and washes.
2. Ride Force
$75/$80
- Fabric: Loose-knit synthetic sourced from Italy
- Fit: Loose
- Sleeve Length: 3/4 or long-sleeve
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- What I love: The lightweight and almost ethereal fabric
- What I don’t: A little too lightweight cooler temps
Ride Force is a relatively new mountain bike apparel brand based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I had the honor of participating in a little photoshoot for them and I fell in love with their jerseys!
Ride Force jerseys are unisex, but they’re designed by female owner, Taylor-Ann, to be simple and loose-fitting, yet still flattering. And also not ‘female-looking’. (Taylor-Ann has a background in graphic design and she’s done a great job with the patterns and logo).
One of the features that sets Ride Force apart from other women’s mountain bike jerseys is the fabric. Sourced from Italy, this Ventimo fabric is incredibly lightweight and breathable with an almost ethereal feel. It’s amazing!
While this fabric is perfect for warm bike park days, I do find that it’s a bit too lightweight for cooler days unless you wear a layer underneath.
Another added bonus is that Ride Force jerseys come in a wide range of sizes from XS to XXL.
3. Backcountry 3/4 Sleeve
$68
- Fabric: Loose-knit synthetic
- Fit: Loose
- Sleeve Length: 3/4 sleeve
- Sizes: XS – XL
- What I love: The loose fit that is also flattering & the ombre colors
- What I don’t: Nothing really!
I was really impressed with this Backcountry 3/4 Sleeve Enduro Jersey. The fabric is nice and lightweight but still has ‘sustenance’ for cooler days out on the trail. The cut is also really flattering with the 3/4 sleeves and long torso length.
What I like best about this jersey, though, are the colors! It comes in four different ombre shades, which I think look great.
4. Kaden Gryla 3/4 Sleeve
$90
- Fabric: Close-knit synthetic
- Fit: Between loose and fitted
- Sleeve Length: 3/4 sleeve (short sleeves models also available)
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- What I love: The super soft fabric
- What I don’t: The 3/4 sleeve hits slightly weird for me
Kaden Apparel is a women’s mountain bike clothing brand based out of Vermont (my home state!). I tested out the Gryla 3/4 Sleeve Jersey and loved the super-soft feel of the fabric and the flattering look, which is in between a loose and fitted cut.
This fabric is lightweight and quick-drying and a great weight for everyday pedaling in warm or cooler temps. I did find that the sleeves hit a bit weird on my arms, but that’s probably because I’m not used to a fitted cuff. I didn’t notice it when I started pedaling, though.
Kaden also has short-sleeve jerseys and tanks if you prefer those styles.
5. Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Tee
$90
- Fabric: Close-knit merino wool blend
- Fit: Between loose and fitted
- Sleeve Length: Short sleeve (3/4 sleeve also available)
- Sizes: XXS – XXXXL
- What I love: High-quality design & material
- What I don’t: Merino can be a bit itchy until worn in
Kitsbow is known for their high-quality cycling apparel designs and products. Based out of North Carolina, many of Kitsbow’s items are made-to-order in an effort to reduce waste and provide top-notch quality.
The Kitsbow Laurel Mountain Tee is one of their most popular women’s mountain bike jerseys for its high-quality merino wool blend fabric and women’s-specific cut including a longer back for full coverage when pedaling.
This jersey doesn’t ‘look’ like a traditional mountain bike jersey, so it can easily double as a hiking tee or everyday shirt. It’s also available in a huge range of sizes from XXS to 4XL
6. Troy Lee Designs Mischief
$65
- Fabric: Loose knit
- Fit: Loose
- Sleeve Length: 3/4 sleeve (short and long-sleeve also available)
- Sizes: XS – XL
- What I love: Loose fit and fun color schemes
- What I don’t: The Troy Lee Designs logo 🤷♀️
While I don’t love the Troy Lee Designs logo, I do really like this Troy Lee Designs Mischief 3/4 Sleeve Jersey. It’s made from lightweight, highly breathable synthetic fabric and the cut is designed for women shredders with a longer back and a looser fit.
I also really like the color choices and patterns!
If you prefer a mountain bike jersey that has more of a casual look, the SHREDLY 3/4 Raglan is a great option. The close-knit fabric is super soft and silky, but I did find that it’s on the heavier side, so it’s a better choice for cooler days. If you want a highly breathable tee, check out the SHREDLY Honeycomb Mesh Raglan which is made from a looser-knit fabric.
This is the kind of shirt I would wear off the bike as well. I do wish the torso length was a bit longer, but I’m on the tall so that might not be an issue for most women.
Get 10% off your SHREDLY order here!
Related Posts:
- Best Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts
- Women’s Mountain Bike Padded Liners
- Women’s Mountain Bike Shoes
- POC Women’s Essential MTB Shorts Review
Do you have a favorite women’s mountain bike jersey? What is it and what do you love about it? Leave a comment below
I love hearing from you and appreciate your comments! However, if you leave a rude, unconstructive, or spammy comment, it will be deleted. It’s cool to be kind. Have an awesome day!