Cycling is a great way to keep fit and make new friends. But if you are new to the sport, the cycling scene may seem a little daunting. Not only do you need to a bicycle and all the related tools and equipment but you also have to dress the part. These days that involves large amounts of extremely tight Lycra in shorts and your cycling jersey as well as helmets, gloves and appropriate footwear.
Yet it hasn’t always been that way, the early cyclists had no such clothing available and had to make do with more robust uniforms. Over the years, the cycling outfit (and especially the jersey) evolved to embrace new technology and make life more comfortable for the professionals. Here is a brief guide to the history of the cycling jersey.
The early years
Believe or not, the early cycling jerseys were made of wool. This may not seem the most practical material for cycling thousands of miles in often hot conditions but that was pretty much all they had to work with. In the early 1900s, these woollen jerseys were heavy with long sleeves and not very comfortable but they were preferable to cotton because they were better at absorbing and expelling liquid including sweat. In the early days of the Grand Tours, wool jerseys became the standard uniform of the top cyclists.
The switch to silk
The first jerseys were very bland but as cycling became more commercially successful, the makers became more inventive and started adding colours and design features. By the 1940s, cycling fashion had taken off and the woollen jerseys had become lighter and more practical. Italian maker Armando Castelli was an early pioneer of the designer cycling jersey. He designed clothes for renowned Italian rider and wartime hero Gino Bartali and was then commissioned by Fausto Coppi to create a new ultra-lightweight jersey. The result was a tight silk jersey that became the standard for the next generation.
This also marked the era of the sponsored jersey as it was easier to print on silk. Riders began appearing in brightly coloured jerseys emblazoned with the name of their sponsors. Many of the most iconic cycling jerseys emerged in the period and the Italian tailors led the way. Today, many of the favourite Grand Tour riders in the cycling betting markets such as Egan Bernal and Chris Froome still wear clothes made by the Castelli brand.
The arrival of Lycra
Prompted by the demands of the cyclists, the jersey makers began experimenting with new materials such as spandex but it was not until Lycra arrived in the 1950s that the next big revolution occurred. This new fabric which combined elastic with polyester was lightweight, breathable and durable and also improved aerodynamics. These jerseys became the standard from the 1960s until the present day and gave birth to the acronym MAMIL (middle-aged men in Lycra) to describe hobby cyclists of a certain age who dress in full cycling gear.
The present-day
Remarkably, Merino wool has also made a comeback with many cyclists opting to wear long-sleeved wool jerseys in the winter months. These are much thinner and lighter than the original wool jerseys and also make a great fashion statement while giving a nod to the past.
Today, jerseys are still evolving with features such as sun protection being incorporated into the fabric. Various type of synthetic materials are used and special coatings are added to prevent odour-causing bacteria from taking hold. Yet the importance of looking good has not been lost with today’s recreational cyclists some of the most fashion-conscious ever.
