Sports & Outdoors - Live Life Big

Written by Camila Reed in Sports & Outdoors last updated July 2022 LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase. I have never given much thought to the type of clothes I wore when cycling, and that’s mostly because I go for short rides from my home to work, or to the park on the weekends. My husband on the other hand loves the intense stuff, like mountain cycling or going for off-road rides on his fat bike outside of the city. He’s a big guy and one thing that he always struggled with was finding high-quality cycling equipment to fit his size and style. Proper cycling jerseys are designed to be breathable and since my husband sweats quite a lot, especially when he’s riding, he needs a jersey that offers more sweat control. Because he has broad shoulders, a long torso, and a big belly it took us a while to find jerseys that were actually plus size and complimented his shape and size. But we did find them and that’s why I made sure to make this list so you don't have to go through the same troubles. We’re also going to go in-depth on what makes a cycling jersey plus-size friendly, but if you want to skip that and see which ones made the list you can check them out here: Best Overall: Big Man's Colossal Cycling Big Guy Bike Jersey Best On A Budget: JPOJPO Men's Cycling Jersy Best Fit For Big And Tall Men: Aogda Cycling Jersey For Men Most Breathable: Uriah Men’s Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve Best For Sweat Control: Aero Tech Designs Big Man’s Clydesdale Hardy Drafter Jersey Best For Cold Weather: Uriah Men's Cycling Jersey Best Long-Sleeved Jersey For Hot Weather: Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Best Short-Sleeved Jersey For Hot Weather: Primal Wear Air Force Stealth Cycling Jersey Best Design: Weimostar Men’s Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve Jersey How To Choose The Best Cycling Jersey For Big Guys? Even if you find a plus-size cycling jersey that doesn’t mean it will work for your needs. Because size isn’t the only thing that matters here. There are 5 things that can make a cycling jersey good, and we made this list following the following criteria. Fabric Whether we’re talking about dress shirts or polo shirts I try to encourage plus-size people to wear clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or at least cotton blends. But when it comes to cycling jerseys, cotton is actually a bad choice, because this material doesn’t offer any sweat control when your body is working out. The worst thing about ending up with a soaked cotton shirt is how it clings to your body and as the cold air hits you the sweat evaporates, and you end up getting cold. The best materials that offer proper insulation according to the University of Rochester are actually “synthetic fabrics like lightweight polyester, polypropylene, or moisture-wicking materials. So, it makes sense to go for polyester, or nylon cycling jersey since they are manufactured to wick away sweat, improve breathability and they stretch easily without losing their shape. Of course, if you still want to go for a natural fiber then you can choose a merino wool cycling jersey or a merino wool blend. This wool is less itchy, it’s great for sensitive skin and it's great at maintaining proper body temperature, especially during cold weather. However, merino wool cycling jerseys are usually quite pricy compared to synthetic options. The Fit Don’t get me wrong getting a cycling jersey that is your size is essential, but you also need to think about the fit. There are two types of jerseys, a fit cycling jersey, and a relaxed fit jersey. The fit cycling jersey is a tighter fit that could make a heavy rider self-conscious, but if you’re planning on fast cycling, then you need a more aerodynamic and ergonomic design that will not restrict your movement. If you’re looking for a more comfortable fit for everyday cycling and commuting, then a more relaxed jersey is also an option since these have plenty of give, and they are usually longer than fit jerseys. Whether you go for the first or second option your cycling jersey should still fit snuggly. The cuffs should sit close enough to your skin, but they should not dig into your flesh. As a heavy cyclist, you need to make sure that the jersey is long enough to cover both your front and back. Especially since the front is shorter than the back and the last thing you need is your belly picking. Sometimes, a jersey will feel tighter or looser when you’re standing upright, but before you discard it, test the jersey out by taking up the riding position, and you’ll see if the size and fit are actually right for you. Design Jerseys are specifically designed for the needs of cyclists. Because you need to lean forward proper jerseys offer lots of mobility and stretch around the sleeves and shoulders that have a wider cut. You will also find plenty of cycling jerseys featuring mesh panels under the armpits and even on the back. These mesh panels regulate your body’s temperature by letting the heat escape and they let the cool air through. Unlike most regular shirts cycling jerseys are designed with pockets on them where you can carry important things like your cell phone, your keys, and even a few energy bars. Usually, the pockets are positioned at the rear to keep your things from falling out. Other jerseys feature small, zipped pockets and side pockets as well. But be careful when choosing the size and fit of your cycling jersey. If it’s too loose then these pockets might sag and not only will it add more volume or simply make you look lumpy, but it might be difficult to reach your things while you’re on the road. Weather Conditions Another thing to consider before buying a cycling jersey is the weather in your region and when you’re planning on hitting the road with your bike. When it comes to cold weather layering is important. This means you need a base layer, a long-sleeved cycling jersey, and a jacket. If we’re talking about early spring and autumn weather then you can skip the jacket, but you need to make sure the jersey is wind and water-resistant. Usually, long-sleeved jerseys that are meant for colder weather have a design that’s focused on insulation and not so much on ventilation. As the weather gets better you can just wear the long-sleeved jersey and when you’re ready you can move on to a short-sleeved jersey. Short-sleeved cycling jerseys put an emphasis on breathability to keep you dry and cool in the hot weather. They also come in lighter-weight fabrics to increase ventilation with the mesh panels I mentioned above. This is a great opportunity to mention that lightweight fabrics won’t protect you from the sun. According to Cleveland Clinic “UV light can penetrate through the micro holes in the weaves of regular clothes or can even travel directly through a light-colored shirt.” And while synthetic fabrics are usually the best choice for sun protection, the mesh panels on cycling jerseys can let it through. So, don’t forget your sunscreen! Your Cycling Goals All the above features are really important if you want to have a comfortable ride, but your ultimate choice will also depend on the type of riding you’re planning on doing. For example, if you’re planning on racing then you’ll probably need a tight-fitting jersey that doesn’t flap. Being a completive rider and a large and heavy individual means that we need to choose a jersey that will keep our body as aerodynamic as possible, as well as breathable and sweatless. For those of you who want to have a relaxing ride with some intense pedaling here and there then a more relaxed fit might work better. You might also want to look at a cycling jersey that looks presentable and doesn’t hug every curve on your body in a city setting. 9 Best Cycling Jerseys For Fat Guys Now that you know what makes a cycling jersey great it's time to look at our top options! Best Overall: Aero Tech Designs Big Man's Colossal Cycling Jersey AERO|TECH|DESIGNS Big Man's Colossal Cycling Jersey Neon Yellow 2XL This is a loose-fit jersey with sizes up to 5XL The lightweight polyester fabric wicks away sweat and keeps the jersey dry I love that this jersey was designed to make heavy cyclists feel comfortable, but I would love to see more colors and designs Check Today's Price on Amazon On our number one spot, there could be no other than Aerotech Designs. My husband loves this brand not only because they know how to manufacture plus-size jerseys for men, but because they always make sure they have all the necessary features a man of his size will need. As a larger person, I know how uncomfortable it can feel wearing something tight. Part of the discomfort is being seen and judged, and the other part can simply be the physical discomfort of being squeezed into a tight piece of clothing. So, I'm not surprised that this jersey is my husband's go-to cycling shirt, because it offers a loose fit which is great for those of you who tend to fluctuate between different sizes, and you can always have that spare wiggle room. The non-restrictive design on the short sleeves also offers plenty of room for those of you who carry a lot of upper body weight and muscle including your shoulders and upper arm. However, I do want to mention that if you're a competitive cyclist and you have thinner arms then the loose sleeves won't help lessen the aero-drag while you cycle. While this shirt is not form-fitting, I appreciate that there is an elastic stitched at the hem of the jersey. Not only does it keep the jersey from flapping while my husband is riding, but also helps it stay in place especially since road bikes usually require you to lean forward when you're cycling. Basically, you don't have to worry about your belly peeking out as you move and you can expect the same from the longer back hem. A major complaint would be the zipper because you can't unzip the jersey all the way down, which let's face it on a hot summer day is an important feature to have if you want to cool down on your bike break. That being said, the opening is still large enough to let the cool air through, if you feel too hot. Speaking of hot, this is a great jersey for the summer since it keeps you dry and you don't have to worry about sweat stains no matter how intensely you've been cycling. With proper layering, you can also wear this jersey during the colder months, but you'll definitely need a jacket or a raincoat. This jersey also has three large rear pockets where you have enough space to store your phone, keys, and small objects that you will most likely need to keep on you during the ride. I would prefer if the pockets had a zipper, but they are deep enough so you don’t have to worry too much, but it might be risky if you’re planning on riding across rough and bumpy terrain. If you're someone who is looking for a jersey with crazy designs then the three options (neon yellow, royal blue, and red) this brand offers will be underwhelming, to say the least. But it should work for men that prefer to stay on the side of good old simplicity. This one is definitely on the pricey side, but considering how plus-size friendly it is, and the great cycling features it offers this Aerotech Designs jersey is well worth a try! You can read reviews from other fellow big guys, take a look at all the colors and check today's price on Amazon by clicking here. Best On A Budget: JPOJPO Men's Cycling Jersy 226 Reviews JPOJPO Men's Cycling Jersey,Bike Short Sleeve,Mountain Riding Shirt, Comfortable Quick Dry Sizing options up to 3XL but it has a lot of stretch to it The jersey has three back pockets for storing small objects like your phone and keys There are 24 designs to match your unique style I would love to see a bigger size range for overweight cyclists Check Today's Price on Amazon When I first started cycling, I wasn't sure if I was going to stay motivated, nonetheless, I wasn't afraid to invest a lot of my resources into something that might not last. My husband on the other hand was far more careful at the start of our cycling journey. So, he decided to get a few affordable jerseys including one from JPOJPO. To be honest he was a bit skeptical, because of the small size range. He is a big and tall guy and he definitely has his ups and downs when it comes to weight, but despite his initial fear the largest size actually fits him. He wasn't too sure about the snug fit, since he prefers looser shirts, but there's plenty of stretch to this jersey so it's not restricting your movements while you're leaning forward and pedaling to gain full speed. One thing to love about this jersey is the bottom hem which is much longer at the back and it also has rubber grippers. The longer length gives you more coverage as you lean forward while the grippers keep the jersey in place, which is an important feature for someone who is self-conscious about revealing their belly or back. Similarly, the tight sleeves won't move even as you cycle at high speed, so, you get that aerodynamic feature that our top pick as we talked about earlier lacks. However, if you have large arms, it might feel a little too tight and restricting. And this brings me to the biggest issue with this brand and it's the sizing. While it is quite generous and a guy over 240 lbs can rock this jersey, I would appreciate even more inclusivity for larger men. I have noticed that whenever my husband feels bloated this jersey sits on the shelf until he feels like he can wear it again, but in fairness, it could be more about his confidence than size. The high-quality polyester is lightweight and breathable, but it can get a bit warm if you’re cycling under the hot summer sun, but that’s to be expected from the majority of jerseys. I believe with proper layering this jersey can also be worn during cooler temperatures around early fall and late spring. The good thing is that the zipper goes all the way down so you can get all the ventilation you need on a hot summer's day, and since mobility doesn't always come easy to larger folk the zipper makes it easy to put the jersey on or take it off. This jersey has all the features that make a good cycling shirt, but for the most part, it's the price that makes this a great pick for novice heavy cyclists. You can take a closer look at the color options, sizing, and the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Fit For Big And Tall Men: Aogda Cycling Jersey For Men Aogda Cycling Jersey for Men Bike Shirts Team Biking Top Bicycle Short Sleeves Clothing Sizing options up to 4XL with a tight fit This jersey is suitable for men over 6 feet 4 inches tall and the long hem will keep your back covered This jersey is affordable and can be a good starter jersey for new cyclists The pockets can look droopy if you use them to store heavy objects like your phone or keys Check Today's Price on Amazon Shopping for clothes is not an easy task when you're overweight, most bike brands don't seem to care about larger cyclists, and when you add height to the equation you've got a double challenge in front of you. Luckily Aogda is a cycling brand that caters to both tall and large dudes, but you will have to put up with a tight-fit jersey. As you may have gathered, my husband is not a huge fan of the tight jersey look, but if you’ve been cycling for a long time, you’ll know that this jersey is meant to fit you tightly because it’s supposed to lessen the aero-drag. If you prefer a looser fit you could go a size up, however, depending on your size and body type going up a size for that baggy look might not work. Now one of the main reasons a tall guy like my husband actually enjoys wearing the Aogda jersey is because of how low the hem at the rear is. His legs are shorter compared to his torso and his hips are quite narrow, so most bike shorts tend to fall down, but with this jersey, his back is always covered, so that’s one less thing to worry about whenever he’s cycling. I do want to add that while the hem is long it doesn't feel or look like he's wearing a dress. Because the fit is quite snug the jersey doesn't move a lot, instead, it sits close to the body, and it almost feels like you're not wearing it. The fact that the material is thin and designed to wick away sweat and keep you dry also helps with that feeling. That's why this is definitely a great option for your summer cycling! I also want to add that this jersey has a left-handed zipper which might come as a surprise to some men, but in fairness, it's only a minor detail and it doesn't take too long to get used to. My biggest issue with the zipper is how flimsy it is and it tends to jam. I definitely appreciate the 44 design options and when it comes to color, I'd suggest going for a bright neon yellow or green to increase your on-road visibility. There are also a few sleeveless options that can work better for men with large arms or for those of you who don't enjoy a tight sleeve. You can check out these unique designs and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. Most Breathable: Uriah Men's Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve 292 Reviews Uriah Men's Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve Breathable Size options up to 5XL, the sizes may run smaller compared to US sizes The polyester fabric is breathable and does a good job protecting you from UV rays Well-constructed jersey despite being affordable The rear pockets are really small and most likely won’t hold your phone Check Today's Price on Amazon Most synthetic fabrics don’t allow your skin to breathe, they trap heat and moisture, and they end up causing skin irritations. That's why the fact that most bike jerseys are made from synthetic materials may come as a surprise, but the technology used actually helps move the sweat away from the skin and keep your temperature cool. If you have sensitive skin and you want a cycling jersey that is breathable then this Uriah men's jersey is a great option. While it is manufactured out of 100% polyester this jersey features underarm mesh panels that increase breathability and will keep you cool on hot days. Aside from the sweat control technology, this fabric is also designed to keep your skin safe from the sun. Despite the fact that it’s thin, it should keep the UV sun rays, which are harmful all year round, from penetrating your skin through the jersey. Additionally, the company uses the Italy Ink Printing Technology to create the 30 bright patterns that won't fade even after extensive use. In fact, Italy is one of the top countries with the largest printing industries, so you know what you’re getting. The company also claims that the dyes are safe for your skin, and while we never had any issues with the Uriah company, we can’t speak for all people with sensitive skin. When it comes to storing you get three back pockets, and while I do appreciate the zipper closure on them, they are nowhere large enough to hold your necessities like your phone. In other words, they are mostly useless. Read more about the Uriah brand, look at the great design selection and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Best For Sweat Control: Aero Tech Designs Big Man's Clydesdale Hardy Drafter Jersey 7 Reviews Big Man's Clydesdale Hardy Drafter Jersey - Made in The USA Size options up to 5XL with a generous fit The high-performance fabric lets your sweat come through and wicks away the moisture to keep you dry The elastic around the waist keeps the jersey in place and doesn't reveal your belly as you cycle Check Today's Price on Amazon Another jersey I'm truly excited about is from our top manufacturer on this list, Aerotech Designs. As I’ve already said, this company truly knows how to make the perfect jersey for large men. Unlike regular brands that state they make 5XL shirts, when you get this jersey you know you’re actually holding a 5XL jersey with some room to grow. More so, this is a great option for tall cyclists! Of course, another important reason why this jersey is so great is the fact that it does an awesome job wicking away sweat on long rides even if you're riding for hours under the hot sun. This means that you will stay dry, and you don't have to be embarrassed by sweat stains on any area of the jersey. The breathability also helps with the airflow, which is an important feature for anyone who is doing something physically demanding like cycling. My husband actually wears this one around town, because it looks presentable even after long hours of cycling and doing chores around the city. As with most plus-size clothing, he would prefer to have more choice when it comes to patterns. But on the bright side, the 3 back pockets are actually useful, and he can keep his wallet, phone, and keys on him at all times without bringing his fanny pack with him. There's also an elastic at the bottom hem that will keep this jersey from flapping or moving up as you ride against the wind. Unlike our first pick from Aerotech Designs, this actually has a zipper that goes all the way down, but you might want to be careful not to pull too hard because some zippers may be faulty and break. That being said the jersey is quite durable, and the stitching is high quality, giving you the ability to move and stretch the fabric fearlessly. So, while you may have to replace the zipper you don’t have to worry about the rest of the jersey. The price is not the friendliest compared to some other jerseys on our list, but the quality of this jersey and its sweat-controlling capabilities are definitely worth investing in for all big and tall guys. You can read reviews from other big and tall folks and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. Best For Cold Weather: Uriah Men's Cycling Jersey 25 Reviews Uriah Men's Cycling Jersey Long Sleeve Thermal Fleece Sizes run up to 5XL with a tight fit The thermal fleece will keep you warm while retaining the quick-drying function during intense cycling The cool 24 designs make it easy to find your own unique jersey This jersey is not windproof, so you’ll need a rain jacket Check Today's Price on Amazon Cycling doesn't have to end during the cold season if you are properly equipped. With the right layering and this Uriah long-sleeved jersey, you can rest assured that you won't get cold. That's because this particular jersey features a 100% polyester fabric that is lined with thermal fleece. Now while I usually sweat less during the winter, a little bit of exercise can leave me soaking wet. The same goes for my husband, so if we are cycling even when the weather is cold, we will still get quite sweaty, and wearing regular warm clothes like a sweater is going to end in a disaster. That’s why we think this Uriah jersey with the fleece liner deserves this spot, because not only will it keep a big guy warm, but it will also wick away sweat so you don't end up wet while cycling and then freeze the moment the cold wind hits you. Like most Uriah jerseys this is also tight-fitted, and I must warn you that the fleece liner will add some bulk, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have enough space for proper layering as a large cyclist. Aside from the inner fleece, I love the fact that the zipper goes all the way down and you can easily put the jersey on. As a tall cyclist, you’ll be pleased to know that the back is indeed long and there’s a silicone waist gripper that will keep the jersey in place, so you don’t have to worry about the sneaky cold wind coming through. I mean the last thing you want is to experience the dreaded winter back pain! To read reviews, go through all the colors, and check the latest price on Amazon click here. Best Long-Sleeved Jersey For Hot Weather: Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 ½ Zip Long Sleeve Big and tall sizes up to 4XL with plenty of stretch The 100% polyester fabric retains moisture and dries super-fast While it’s a workout shirt it can still work as a summer bike jersey Check Today's Price on Amazon While this is the only non-jersey product on our list, my husband was really impressed with this top and thought it’s worth a mention. We have plenty of short-sleeved bike jerseys and to be fair not all large folk will be comfortable with wearing them during the summer. Winter can be a bit easier since you can layer them, but other than that they simply won’t work. This top is a great way to escape the short-sleeved jerseys during the summer and to keep your arms covered. It’s also great for large men who live in areas that are never too hot even during the summer, or it can be a great transitional top for plus-size and tall cyclists. It can also offer more protection from the sun, for those with sensitive skin, that can easily get sunburned. However, the fabric can end up a bit see-through especially if stretched so I do want to point out that just wearing a long-sleeved shirt doesn’t mean you don’t need to wear sunscreen. Now back to the fit, if you do want to wear a long-sleeved breathable jersey during the summer then you’ll be happy to know that this top offers a relaxed fit, so you don't have to worry about the fabric accentuating your body. The material used is 84% polyester and 16% elastane, so it has plenty of stretch and offers lots of mobility. Another important feature is the quick-drying quality of this fabric and how easily it wicks away moisture. This top is used for extensive workouts so you can be sure that it will work perfectly for long and difficult rides, but it will also look good to wear around town. If you want to find out more about Under Armour you can read the 3,400+ reviews and check today's Amazon by clicking here. Best Short-Sleeved Jersey For Hot Weather: Primal Wear Air Force Stealth Cycling Jersey If you’re not afraid to show off your arms during the summer, and you want to keep yourself as cool as possible during those hot months then Primal Wear is a great option for larger men. The fit is something between the Aerotech Design jerseys on our list and Uriah men’s jerseys, basically not too tight and not too loose. My husband was also happy to find out that this is a US brand, specifically it is Colorado based and they’ve been really putting a lot of work into creating great cycling apparel. That’s why this jersey is made of highly durable fabric that is designed to bring the moisture from your body up to the surface of the fabric. This way you get to experience the feeling of a dry lightweight jersey during your long rides. In simple terms, it will keep you cooler and drier during the summer whether you're riding a marathon or cycling around the city center. Aside from being super breathable the front zipper will further increase the ventilation and will make things easier when you have to take the jersey off. And let me tell you as you get older having additional weight can decrease your mobility, plus your sweat will make you sticky no matter what, so you need a jersey that can be easily removed. Like most jerseys on our list, the back on this one is longer and there's an elastic hem that will keep the jersey from moving up and revealing your belly or rear. Like most jerseys, this also has three pockets at the back with plenty of space to keep your essentials on you at all times. My only complaint is the price. While it’s nowhere near outrageous, it’s a less budget-friendly option especially since there's only one pattern to choose from that some people might simply not like. But if you want to stay cool during the summer, you don't mind the design and you don't care about splurging on a good plus-size cycling jersey then this is a great option. Don't forget to read the reviews, get familiar with the size guide and check today's price on Amazon by clicking here! Best Design: Weimostar Men's Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve Jersey Men's Cycling Jersey Short Sleeve Bike Clothing Multicolored Diamond Sizes run up to 4XL It comes in 31 funky designs to go with your unique sense of style The price is budget-friendly so you can afford more than one cool design The sizes might run a bit small, and the fit will also depend on your body type Check Today's Price on Amazon Sometimes having a jersey that is comfortable and fits us well is not enough. Some of us also want to look cool when riding our bicycles no matter where we're heading. My husband loves to wear eyecatching jerseys and Weimostar jerseys know how to deliver. Whether he wants a mysterious wolf adorning the front of his cycling jersey or multicolored stripes and cubes he knows he can find that design from this brand. But wild designs are not the only thing Weimostar has to offer. This jersey features a breathable and quick-drying fabric made of 100% polyester. It will wick away your sweat so you don't have to worry about any stains. I mean what does it matter if your jersey looks cool if it's full of white or greasy stains right? I also want to mention that despite the decent quality of this product this is also a really affordable jersey. This jersey is actually my go-to present for my husband because I know that the 4XL fits him like a glove, and he enjoys surprising his friends with his flashy and ever-changing cycling apparel. All in all, I give most of my points to this Weimostar brand for the designs, because other than that it's just another regular jersey. Make sure to read some of the 1,000 plus five-star reviews, take a look at the versatile design range and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Closing Thoughts There’s always going to be someone faster and stronger than you when it comes to cycling and life in general. But there are so many ways you can improve your cycling skills. If you don’t believe me then check out Leonard, my favorite YouTuber, and a plus-size cyclist who loves his jerseys. Of course, motivational videos are not going to get you where you want to be but a good quality bike that can handle your weight and the right cycling equipment can. Speaking of equipment, for a comfortable ride, you definitely need to invest in a couple of cycling jerseys. Not only will you control your sweat, and look good even if you’ve been riding for hours, but also have that aerodynamic push. So, wear your well-fitting cool jersey, ride your bike, and don’t forget to live life big!