Best cycling clothing brands 2024: Our pick of the top companies making a positive impact (2024)

Best cycling clothing brands 2024: Our pick of the top companies making a positive impact (1)

Jump to:

  • Rapha
  • Castelli
  • Sportful
  • Pearl Izumi
  • Endura
  • MAAP
  • Velocio
  • POC

As cyclists, we spend a lot of time focusing on gear. Everyone wants to talk about the fastest bikes, the best wheels, and all the accessories that help us get the most out of every ride. There’s nothing wrong with that. The bottom line is that gear is fun and there’s no reason you can’t obsess about it from time to time. Just remember that one of the best returns on investment is the clothing you wear. So, if you are in full gear obsession mode, you might want to start with the best cycling jerseys, the best road bike helmets or the best cycling shorts.

Like all of our buyer's guides, the point of those articles is to point out some of the best products in particular categories. What is the best product though? The point of this article, the best cycling clothing brands, is to look beyond the experience of using a specific product. This is a list of the best cycling clothing brands with an eye for brands that do more than just make great clothes. The brands here are not only innovators making some of the best technical clothing but they also take a positive stance on ideas of sustainability, representation, and growing the sport. If that sounds good to you, keep reading to see what we've found.

1. Rapha

Rapha is a relatively modern voice in the world of cycling brands. Not quite twenty years ago founders Simon Mottram and Luke Scheybeler picked a name from a cycling team in the 1960s and started making fashion focused road cycling clothes. Then, in 2013, the sponsorship of Team Sky signalled a bigger entry to the world stage and more focus on performance. That's not what lands them on this list now though.

In many ways, the winding down of the Team Sky sponsorship in 2015 is when Rapha started down a new path. Instead of jumping to another men's team, the next sponsorship choice that Rapha made was for UCI Women's WorldTour team Canyon-SRAM. The wild design was unlike anything else out there and there's no doubt it was a statement. The brand was signalling loud and clear that it was raising up women's racing.

Then, in 2018, Rapha made another statement with the introduction of the Explore line. The Explore line is a signal that Rapha is about more than traditional European racing. Arguably, these two signals have come together to define what makes Rapha the brand it is. The brand continues to sponsor both men and women in the WorldTour but the name Rapha is also synonymous with off the grid riding of all kinds.

Rapha has an impact and sustainability report and they keep a close eye on how the products they make impact the world.

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1. Rapha Cargo bib shorts

Genre defining bib shorts

+Quick drying and water resistant
+Lots of storage
+Reflective details
-Narrow leg gripper

There's some debate about who invented cargo bib shorts but it's irrelevant. No one was wearing cargo bibs until Rapha brought them to market and seemingly overnight turned them into a must have for riders of all kinds. Even for a road cyclist, they are particularly handy for quick access items such as snacks or a camera. If you are more of a technical tee kind of rider, then you'll want to also take advantage of the pockets on the low back. Either way, the chamois is a dual-density pad that "offers long distance comfort and rapid overnight drying" and free repair service helps with sustainability. The only downside worth noting is that the leg grippers are a bit aggressive given how narrow they are.

Read more details in our Rapha Cargo bib shorts review.

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2. Rapha Classic Jersey

An updated version of the road cycling jersey that made Rapha the icon it is today

+Sustainable Merino
+Recycled Polyester
+Zippered pocket
-Heavy construction isn’t the best on the hottest days

Updating the product that arguably built the foundation of a brand is no small task but after 12 years, Rapha has kept the look and updated the technology. The new version features an improved fit, longer sleeves, shorter overall length, and bonded seams to save weight.

Rapha has also updated the fabric to a new Merino blend called RPM150 — (Rapha Performance Merino, 150g per square metre). Although it still doesn’t compete with the lightest jerseys out there the update is a step in that direction. According to Rapha, the fabric is lighter, softer and more breathable than generic merino blends and it amplifies merino's "cool when it's hot, warm when it's cold" characteristics. The incorporation of recycled materials makes sure that it's a sustainable choice as well.

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3. Rapha Pro Team Sleeveless base layer

Surprisingly affordable for one of the best base layers on the market

+Printed with phrases from road racing’s history
+Tight fit
+Comfortable
-Short life

This Rapha Pro Team option stands above the rest. There is some expected Rapha styling with the "phrases from road racing’s history" that you'll find printed on the fabric but that's just a bit of fun. The important part is the construction is lightweight but smooth. A merino base layer might be softer but the synthetic construction of the Pro Team base layer lets it balance the race fit with a complete lack of chafing. The only problem I've found is that I tend to wear them so often that they do wear out. Choosing black helps a bit with that so you might want to take that into consideration.

2. Castelli

It's not a requirement to have a rich history if you want to make some of the best cycling clothing, but some brands have it. Castelli has a history spanning back to a small tailor shop in Milan in 1876. Since then, Castelli has earned quite a few industry firsts as a brand.

It was the first brand to manufacture Lycra race shorts, the first to use the sublimated printing process for jerseys and shorts, the first with thermal winter clothing, the first to make aero skinsuits; the list goes on and on. Today it is the clothing sponsor for the QuickStep-AlphaVinyl team, as well as the official kit sponsor to the Giro d'Italia and it makes some of the best of what's available across a range of price points.

Important for this article though, Castelli went through a change of ownership in the late 90's. Today Castelli is under the same corporate brand umbrella as Sportful. The parent company still hails from Northern Italy and MVC group has dedicated a significant portion of the website to sustainability efforts. Part of that is details about an initiative launched in 2021 to rethink the products from the ground up. The idea is to make the end product "more durable, reusable, easily repairable, and recyclable" and it's worth highlighting. That kind of thinking benefits a company, the customers, and the environment and that is the best kind of sustainability initiative.

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4. Castelli Gabba RoS Jersey

The latest incarnation of the original rain jersey

+Ratio of waterproofing to breathability
+Pocket specifically designed for a pump
+Pockets that drain
-Tight fit won’t work for everyone

In 2010, the original Gabba jersey changed how road riders approached wet weather. The real innovation was an idea that maybe, in certain conditions, perfect was the enemy. The Gabba ROS 2 jacket isn't the kind of thing that will keep you dry and warm no matter the weather. Instead, Gore-Tex Infinium is a material that's not considered waterproof but will protect in surprisingly bad weather. The long sleeve Perfetto Ros 2 is probably all you ever need for short, hard rides, and the Gabba Ros 2 ups the adaptability even further by giving the option of using arm warmers. If you want to further explore Castelli jacket options, take a look at our article covering which Castelli jacket is right for you?

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5. Castelli Free Aero RC bib short

A one of a kind bib short unlike anything else

+High-compression fabric instead of leg grippers
+Progetto X2 Air chamois is the best on the market
+Aero optimisation
-There are still some seams without flat-locking

The Castelli Free Aero Race 4 bib short had been one of the best pairs of bib shorts on the market for years and when Castelli redesigned it, it quietly changed the market. The Progetto X2 Air chamois didn't change but it was already the perfect balance of thin and good for 12hours plus. The real innovation came from the new fabrics. It's heavy and compressive and it stays put without leg grippers. It's so different that when I initially reviewed the Castelli Free Aero RC bib shorts I didn't fully grasp how revolutionary they were. Since then, I've started to use them as the standard to judge against.

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6. Castelli Aero Race 6.0 Jersey

Perfect for those who are tall and thin

+Large plastic zipper won't corrode
+Aero optimised design
+Plenty of room in the pockets
+Long enough for tall riders
-Shorter riders will notice some zipper bulging

Back in summer 2021 when the Castelli Aero Race 6.0 jersey got a review, it was one of the flashiest options on the market. Since then, the design team has updated the graphic look a bit but the bones of the design remain unchanged. Castelli uses a unique and rather genius design for the pockets that puts them way down at the end of the drop for aero performance and stability. The long torso of this Castelli jersey is also something that's going to appeal to a lot of riders who are tall and have a hard time getting a jersey to fit without being short.

Read more details in our Castelli Aero Race 6.0 Jersey review.

3. Sportful

The history of Sportful is like many other technical clothing companies. An innovator and athlete created clothing they wanted to wear and it never stopped growing. In this particular case, in 1972 Giordano Cremonese, became intrigued by the challenge of a new 70km cross-country ski race taking place near his home. He felt that the clothes available at the time were inadequate for such a long race in a cold valley.

His solution was to create his own using state of the art, for the time, acrylic fabrics. In 1985, after establishing itself as a successful ski wear brand, Sportful began to develop cycling clothing. As mentioned above, the Sportful parent brand acquired fellow Italian clothing brand Castelli in the late 90s.

Today, both brands are subject to the same corporate sustainability initiatives. Instead of secrets and competition the parent company uses the added purchasing power to drive sustainability of both brand names. In particular, MVC calls out the march towards a switch away from long-chain PFAS to shorter C6 chain solutions as it continue to move towards PFC-free waterproofing such as those used in the Sportful Fiandre fabrics.

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7. Sportful SuperGiara bib short

Road fit but with extra pockets

+Pro fit
+Colours available
+Low back pockets
-Only one thigh has a pocket

Although Rapha might be responsible for bringing the idea of cargo bib shorts to modern cycling, there are a lot of choices now. Sportful put down a flag and claimed the race gravel market segment with its Supergiara line and these bib shorts are fantastic. They do lack a second thigh pocket but they come in fun colours and they have an innovative design at the low abdomen. The height and structure helps make sure you look your best even when bending at the waist in a very race fit pair of bib shorts. If you prefer a tight fit, even on a gravel bike, Sportful is an excellent choice.

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8. Sportful Fiandre Norain Team Bibtight

For the times when moisture is more of an issue than temperature

+Lightweight warmth with water resistance
+Minimal seams to enhance water protection
-Needs better weather resistance in the low back

Depending on when in the winter, or where you are in the world, the weather you deal with can be drastically different. The best cycling kit companies have a range of clothes to handle all that variance but there's one piece that is frequently missing. If you'd rather stay away from shorts and leg warmers when it's warmer but still chilly, it's hard to find a solution. The Fiandre NoRain bib tight handles just that weather and even works if it rains. They aren't an extreme weather solution but they are comfortable and breathable. Perfect for when it's chilly and damp.

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9. Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket

The best emergency jacket available

+Integrated stuff pocket
+Waterproof and the seams are taped
+No flapping in the wind
+Comfortable against the skin
-Zipper isn't great

Emergency jackets pack down so small that you can bring them with you on every ride. They are ideal when an unexpected shower breaks out but they also keep you warm on long descents after you've worked up a sweat climbing for a few hours. Lots of brands have options too but the Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket is one of the best. It's not the cheapest, or the most expensive, but it feels decent against your skin and the shoulders don't flap in the wind. Not everyone needs a jacket like this but if you do, the Sportful option hit's the sweetspot.

Read more details in our Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket review.

4. Pearl Izumi

Pearl Izumi is a brand of dualities. It's unassuming with a wide distribution network. Walk into many small bike shops or outdoor stores with bike sections and Pearl Izumi tends to be there. The prices are relatively affordable and the gear is well made. Look a bit further though and Pearl Izumi has another side. There is incredibly innovative and tech focused gear in the Pearl Izumi portfolio. It was the first with mountain bike specific apparel, the first to use the BOA closure system for their shoes, and the first to make a lobster cycling glove.

That's just the product specific side of the brand though. When it comes to sustainability and representation, the brand puts others to shame. In a way that is almost completely unmatched, Pearl Izumi has embraced the idea of making the world a better place through the footprint the brand leaves. The goal for materials is ever-shifting and always getting harder based on progress made. Right now, the brand is currently on track to reach a goal of 98% of products from sustainable materials by 2024.

It's also worth looking at the roster of athletes Pearl Izumi sponsors. They are people who look different than traditional cycling. People like Brook Gowdy, who proudly states “I surely can go forward and be the representation for the young girls like me, the young girls of colour, to know that these trails belong to them, that this community of mountain biking, that that belongs to us too.”

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10. Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer

Outstanding insulation turned into a long sleeve jersey

+Perfect pocket design
+Just right length
+Polartec alpha keeps your body dry while being highly insulative
-Unusable without a shell

In some ways it's almost unfair to give the credit for this piece to Pearl Izumi but that is actually what makes it amazing. Polartec Alpha insulation might be the best insulation available on the market right now. It's lightweight, doesn't absorb water, and it packs down very small. You can find it in a wide range of jackets from lots of companies and they are almost always some of the best. Sometimes though it's better to pick the shell you prefer and add your own insulation. The genius of this piece from Pearl Izumi is that the brand built a midlayer which is essentially the insulation layer of a jacket. Now you can add whatever shell you like.

You can read more details in our Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer review.

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11. Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel gloves

Ultra warm and iconic gloves

+AX grain palm feels like leather but it's vegan
+Warmth vs price
+35% recycled content
-Wet weather performance isn’t great

Keeping your hands warm on the bike is a huge challenge. They sit out in the wind and don't move much. Solving that challenge is something that can be very costly and there's not always much return on investment. Anyone who spends much time trying to tackle this challenge will have come to recognize the Pearl Izumi AmFIB lobster gloves. Even if you don't have a pair, you know them. They have been around for a long time and they are an iconic piece of winter gear that Pearl Izumi can completely claim. The gloves offer just enough dexterity to shift and brake, don't cost a fortune, and keep your finger tips the right colour.

Read more details in our full Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel gloves review.

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12. Pearl Izumi Pro bib short

Ultrasoft and incredibly comfortable

+Excellent Levitate Pro chamois
+Comfortable shoulder straps
+Super soft fabric
-Front panel needs better patterning

While some brands have chosen to focus on traditional racing, Pearl Izumi is holding strong to the brand's connection with cool people, doing cool things on a bike. A great expression of that in the product offering is the Pearl Izumi Pro bib short. The Pro Bib short was one of the first to get the latest Levitate bib chamois and it only added further to what was already an amazing all day in the saddle kind of bib short. The chamois and the fabric feels incredible and you can often find good deals.

Read more details in our full Pearl Izumi Pro bib shorts review.

5. Endura

Endura cycling clothing is a brand founded in Scotland in 1993 by Jim MacFarlane. Jim was dissatisfied with the cycling clothing available at the time so he made his own. Despite his interest in time trials, the brand found its feet producing mountain bike clothing. The weather in Scotland being what it is, it will come as no surprise that it makes performance clothing that excels in all conditions. Today, the company produces technical clothing for both road and off-road disciplines.

Until recently Endura was the clothing sponsor for team Movistar who developed and raced in Endura’s Pro SL and D2Z Aero kits. Endura left the WorldTour in October 2019 stating that the UCI’s restrictions were a "developmental dead end." With fewer restrictions, Endura hopes to further develop cutting edge clothing.

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13. Endura Pro SL Shell Jacket II

High quality shell jacket that is perfect for layering

+Rear pocket access
+High collar
+Great drop tail length
-Prone to sweat buildup

For truly wet weather there's nothing more capable than a hard-shell. For Endura that means the Pro SL jacket. It's made from Endura’s ExoShell40 which uses a membrane sandwiched between a liner and a denier tricot laminate protective outer. This material boasts a claimed breathability rating of 40,000g/m²/24hr and a waterproof rating of 20,000mm to let the sweat out and stop the rain getting in. There is a small outside pocket for easy to reach food and zippered access to jersey pockets underneath. The fit is generous and comfortable with no flapping in the wind. It’s just right as an outer layer paired with the right insulation.

Read more details in our full Endura Pro SL Shell Jacket II review.

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14. Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket

Mid-layer insulation that is wearable on its own

+PFC free DWR coating with no membrane
+Two-way zipper
+Fourth, zippered, valuables pocket
+Comfortable tailoring
-Narrow centre pocket

The Endura Pro SL Primaloft II is all about flexibility. It's exceptionally warm, windproof, and it will hold warmth even when wet. The front of the jacket uses the heaviest Primaloft insulation while the arms and rear are less insulated. If it's cold but dry the pockets mean you only need a base layer under it. If it gets hot use the underarm perforations and two-way zip on the front. When the weather is at its coldest, and wettest, pair it with the Pro SL Shell Jacket II and you can still be comfortable.

Read more details in our full Endura Pro SL Primaloft II jacket review.

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14. Endura FS260 Pro Bib short

Excellent value and some real colour variety

+Lots of colour option
+Excellent price
+Gel insert chamois
-Branding on the legs can come off

Yes, Endura has a reputation for making mountain bike and winter clothes but the brand also makes excellent summer road riding products. According to Endura, the most popular bib short in the catalogue is the Endura FS-260 Pro. It makes sense because the pricing is almost unheard of when you start to look for a quality pair of bib shorts. There is more to it than just a bargain though. The chamois keeps bulk to an absolute minimum while gel inserts make sure that you won't ever develop bruises over your sit bones. It's also nice to have real colour options in a pair of bib shorts.

6. MAAP

MAAP cycling has only been around since 2014 and is a relative newcomer in riding apparel. There's a definite fashion element to the brand founded by Oliver Cousins and Jarrad Smith. The pair bring decades of design and fashion experience to the table and have previously worked with the likes of Stussy, Mambo and Globe.

There is no doubt that MAAP gear is stylish. It's not to the detriment of performance though. MAAP’s fabrics come from Swiss and Italian mills with production in Milan. The brand has even worked with sports scientist and founder of Adaptive Human Performance Ken Ballhause to design their own chamois. That's only one aspect of what performance means though.

An equally important performance metric is longevity. Cycling clothes are expensive and we want them to last but clothes that last are also better for the environment. If you check the MAAP sustainability statement, there is a lot of information about the brands use of Bluesign or Oeko-Tex certified fabrics. That's positive, of course, but sometimes that feels like a conceptual idea. When it comes to the clothes we buy the statement "we can ensure that every current product on offer is designed to last as long as possible" is an easy win for both the environment and the pocket book.

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15. MAAP Alt_Road Jersey

Race fit, unforgettable colours, and unique fabric

+Bluesign Certification
+Vibrant colour options
+Big tooth zipper that’s easy to use
-Pockets are high

Like everything about MAAP, the Alt_Road collection hasn't been around all that long. The brand has only existed for nine years and it was initially an option only for road cycling. Clothing for adventures has been in the portfolio for less than two years but out of the gate it's unique on the market and very good. The material is a mix of natural and synthetic fibres that really stand up to abuse on the dirt. Perhaps even more core to MAAP though is that it's both Bluesign approved and offered in colours that are vibrant and unforgettable.

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16. MAAP Emerge Ultralight Pro Jersey

Bright, graphic, and bold

+Bluesign Certification
+Big, bold, typography and colours
+Perfect fit
-Pockets are high

MAAP makes a whole range of clothes that covers every single piece you could want on a bike. Despite that, I've included two jerseys. They are just so unique that it's worth highlighting them. As mentioned when talking about the company, MAAP is a company that brings fashion design to cycling. It's more than that though and you can really tell when looking at the Emerge Ultralight Pro Jersey. The style isn't your everyday fashion, it's a particular style of vibrant and graphic that is unlike anything else. This jersey features the name but it's almost unrecognisable. The letters have become forms and shapes that stand out while also being clean and crisp. It's typographic art and love it or hate it, it's unique.

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17. MAAP Pro Bib 2.0

Smart design eliminates chafing

+No inner leg seam
+Raw cut front seam
+OEKO-TEX Certified materials
-Expensive

The first generation MAAP Pro bib short was a product almost two years ahead of its time. MAAP used a fabric unlike anything on the market at the time but it started to pop up on other options from brands like Assos and Eliel. For the MAAP Pro bib short 2.0, the fabric is more conventional but the patterning is where the biggest innovations are. Seams along the inside of the thigh is a common chafing issue from even the best manufacturers and MAAP removed them completely. Of course things like a perfect fit, great colours, and the high quality chamois are along for the ride. The only downside is a very high price.

7. Velocio

Hailing from New England, Velocio was co-founded by Aussie former pro, Kristy Scrymgeour. It is a brand with foundations built on providing cycling kit to women and women alone, flying in the face of male-oriented marketing prominence. Today, the brand caters to all genders but continues to champion diversity and inclusivity with its broad range of sizes and willingness to showcase a variety of body types and ethnicities in the marketing of its products.

Beyond the concepts of inclusion, there's a strong culture of sustainability built into everything that Velocio does. One thing that means is lots of recycled materials. To that end, in April 2018, Velocio transitioned the Signature Bib Short to 100% recycled lycra. The brand didn't stop right there though. Starting with the 2019 collection, "Velocio incorporated recycled fabrics into more than half of the collection."

On a technical level, the brand's clothing has impressed each time we've tested it, from winter gloves to summer shorts and everything in between. It is also committed to reducing its environmental impact, using BlueSign and/or Oeko-tex certified materials, renewable energy and biodegradable packaging for everything it makes and sells.

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18. Velocio Luxe bib shorts

High compression bib shorts with a luxurious finish

+Leg grips are easy to get into place
+Comfortable all-day chamois
+Gorgeous colour options
+Excellent front height
-Low structure at front of chamois isn’t a good look

The Luxe bib shorts are one of the staple products in the Velocio range. It's available to both men and women, in a range of sizes from XS to XXXL, in seven different colours.

The bib shorts' ultra-soft fabric, high-quality chamois, comfortable bib straps and the overall fit make the Luxe bibs every bit as good as what's on offer from the brand's better-known competitors, and live up to the 'Luxe' name.

The women's version of the shorts also feature the brand's FlyFree technology, which makes them easy to pull down for a quick nature break, doing away with the need to completely disrobe.

Read more details in our Velocio Luxe cycling bib shorts review.

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19. Velocio Micromodal Jersey

Clever material choice in a versatile on- and off-bike top

+Antimicrobial materials
+Relaxed fit makes for a versatile garment
+Extraordinarily soft
+Eco-friendly fabric
-No zipper for hot days

As we highlight the best products from a group of innovative brands, there is bound to be a lot of things that are unique. The Velocio Micro Modal jersey is yet another one. The name is a reference to the material which uses 86% Modal, a natural fibre made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees, mixed with a bit of spandex and some carbon threads. The end result is a jersey that is sustainably produced, antimicrobial, and incredibly comfortable. The uniqueness continues with the no zipper design that adds a lot of versatility.

You can read more details in our Velocio Micro Modal jersey review.

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20. Velocio Concept Merino jersey

Modern and compressive merino wool jersey

+Merino wool fabric that doesn’t sag
+Zippered valuables pocket
+Long lasting
-Narrow pockets

There are a lot of people who have a deep love affair with merino wool cycling clothes. Then there's everyone else who really don't get it and aren't interested in a casual, loose, fit jersey. Both Velocio and MAAP have a take on a modern performance jersey built from Merino and they are each totally different. The Velocio Concept Merino jersey is ultra-light and thin while still managing plenty of structure and compression. It does offer a bit more warmth than the lightest synthetic jersey but that also helps extend the window of wearability. As with other Velocio products, there is a range of vibrant colours available.

Read more in our Velocio Concept bib shorts and Merino jersey review.

8. POC

When you think about the best cycling clothing brands it's unlikely you think about POC. The brand is best known for their helmets and we've got two of them in our best road bike helmets buyers guide. There is more to the brand though and you can find some of the best clothes made with a POC tag on them.

As we've explored those clothes on this site with reviews like the one covering the POC Supreme jacket, something else has come up. POC is moving aggressively towards better business practices as it relates to sustainability. It means items like the POC Myelin helmet that uses recycled materials, glueless construction and a design with disposal in mind and it also means clothes with a similar focus on sustainability.

As with most of the companies listed here, POC has a part of the website dedicated to this info. Instead of just calling it an impact report though, the brand calls the initiative Project Blueprint. On that site, there is one piece of text that sums it all up beautifully. POC states "This is in no way a process with a finish line to cross, we will have to keep learning and questioning old truths going forward as new materials and innovations become available."

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21. POC Essential Road Jersey

Good price, good features, and very sustainable

+Constructed mainly from certified recycled fibres
+Zippered pocket
+Good price
-Zippered pocket is a bit small for modern phones

One of the things POC is well known for is a concept the brand calls AVIP. It stands for Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and Protection and it covers a huge range of products. The iconic colour for AVIP products is Zink orange which is eye searingly bright but simultaneously more sophisticated than typical high-viz colours. The Essential road jersey offers not only the Orange that will help you stay seen but also a range of more subdued colours if you'd prefer. No matter the colour though, the material is light and airy as well as being almost entirely made from recycled materials. It’s also seen a sharp price decrease compared to previous generation of the product.

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22. POC Aero VPDS Bib Shorts

Aero and comfortable with an amazing chamois design

+Elastic interface chamois design with silicone
+Comfortable fabric
+Highly breathable
-Sizing runs big

When you take a look at aero and race focused bib shorts it's almost a foregone conclusion that they will be uber tight. POC takes a totally different tack with the Aero VPDS Bib Shorts. They are aero optimised but they are also incredibly comfortable. The chamois in particular is the same design as the POC VPDs Thermal bib tights. In both cases, it's from Elastic Interface and simply said, it's incredible. The key is a bit of silicone that will never fully compress and always preserve a bit of a buffer between you and your saddle. These are not inexpensive but they are a great option if you want something for long days in the saddle.

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23. POC Muse Jersey

The luxury of Merino without a sky high price

+Tall neckline
+Quality pockets
+Reasonable price
-Zipper stretches bottom hem in front

Sustainability is complex and almost every interaction with environment has positives and negatives. Merino wool isn't without drawback but it is biodegradable and it reduces the need for petroleum based synthetic fibres so it tends to show up a lot in discussions of sustainability. There are two other merino blend jerseys on this list but the pricing for both of them is quite a bit higher than the POC Muse jersey. The Muse is hardly cheap but it's significantly less than Velocio or MAAP and it has its own personality. There's a nice high collar and long sleeves that are a joy to wear plus quality pockets with plenty of structure.

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Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes.
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 140 lb.
Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx

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