Women's cycling jerseys and knicks are cut for a woman's body shape, while men's kit follows a men's pattern. In our store the fabric, the chamois and the leg grippers are the same in both. The cut and the size chart are what change, so measure yourself against the women's chart and pick the cut that fits your body.
In short
- Women's jerseys and knicks are cut for a woman's body shape. Men's follow a men's pattern.
- Fabric, chamois and leg grippers are the same in our women's and men's ranges.
- Each cut has its own size chart. Our sizes run small, so check the chart before you choose.
- You can ask for a design in the other gender cut in the customisation panel.
What is the difference between women's and men's cycling jerseys?
The pattern. A women's jersey is cut for a woman's body shape, and a men's jersey for a man's. Hang the same design side by side and the difference shows in the shape of the body and the waist, not in the print.
Take the Ride Free Sunset design. The Women's Ride Free Sunset Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey is described on its product page as cut for the women's body shape, and the Men's Ride Free Sunset Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey uses the men's pattern. Both have a full-length hidden zip, three reinforced back pockets and full sublimation printing, so the design will not crack or peel in the wash.
The women's version also lists LEMBO 140 GSM moisture-wicking polyester with 110 GSM mesh side panels, and a silicone waist gripper. If you would rather the hem sat free over your hips, the customisation options on the page let you remove the elastic waist gripper.
Which women's jersey suits a hot Australian summer?
With spring warming up, a sleeveless women's jersey is worth a look. The Women's Ride Free Sunset Sleeveless Tech Cycling Jersey is cut for the women's body shape, with the same 110 GSM mesh side panels and three back pockets as the short sleeve version. The Women's "Nina" Polka Dot Checkered Sleeveless Tech Cycling Jersey is another option for the bunch ride.
Remember the sun on bare shoulders. A sleeveless jersey keeps you cooler, and sunscreen matters more because of it. On a scorcher, a lighter colour also helps.
Are women's knicks different from men's?
They are cut on a women's pattern and sized on their own chart. The parts that do the work are the same. Our Women's Pro-Band Classic Plain Color Gel Padded Cycling Bib lists a 9D contoured silicone gel chamois, wide 45 mm silicone leg grippers and an 80% polyester, 20% Lycra fabric with low profile stitching, the same specs our men's gel padded bibs carry.
| Women's cut | Men's cut | |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey pattern | Cut for the women's body shape | Cut for the men's body shape |
| Waist gripper | Standard, removable through customisation | Standard, removable through customisation |
| Sleeveless jerseys | Several designs | Several designs |
| Bib knicks chamois | 9D contoured silicone gel | 9D contoured silicone gel |
| Leg grippers | 45 mm silicone Pro-Band | 45 mm silicone Pro-Band |
| Sizes | XXS-7XL on most designs | XXS-7XL on most designs |
| Size chart | Women's charts | Men's charts |
Many women prefer waist knicks to bib knicks, mostly for easy café and toilet stops. Our Women's Plain Color Pro-Band Gel Padded Cycling Shorts are cut specifically for the women's body shape, with the same 9D gel pad and 45 mm grippers. Bibs stay put better on long rides. Our guide to bib shorts vs cycling shorts covers that choice in more detail.
How should a women's cycling jersey fit?
Close to the body, with no fabric flapping at the chest or the back. A jersey that sits close moves sweat off your skin faster, which you will notice on a humid morning, and it does not catch the wind. Lean forward as if you were holding the bars: the hem should still cover your lower back, and the pockets should not sag.
People often search for a "womens cycling jersey loose fit", and the honest answer is that a cycling jersey is never meant to be loose. For a little more room, go up one size instead of riding in a T-shirt. Our jerseys have a club fit cut, so if you are between sizes, choose the larger one.
Can a woman wear a men's cycling jersey or knicks?
Yes. Anyone can ride in either cut, and plenty of riders do. Size from the chart of the cut you are buying, though, because a medium on the men's chart and a medium on the women's chart are different garments.
Love a design that only comes in the other cut? Ask for it in the customisation panel on the product page, where "Make as Women's" and "Make as Men's" sit next to "Remove Elastic Gripper" and "Change Bib to Shorts". The Women's Ride Free Sunset 2 Piece Cycling Kit page says you can request it in a different size or gender. Customised orders are final, so measure twice first.
How do you find your size in women's cycling clothing?
Our sizes run small, so check the size chart on this page before you choose. It has separate women's charts for sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve jerseys, kits, bibs and shorts, and bib tights. Use a soft tape over thin clothing and measure your chest, waist and hips.
The chart page adds two rules worth keeping. If your stomach measurement is larger than your chest, use the stomach measurement. If you land between two sizes, choose the larger one.
If the fit is still not right, non-customised items come with 60-day store-credit returns. Our returns policy has the details.
What should a first women's cycling kit include for summer?
A jersey and a pair of padded knicks are the core. A matching set is the simplest start, and our women's cycling kits pair each jersey with knicks in the same design. Browse the full range of women's cycling jerseys, then pick women's bib knicks or women's cycling shorts for the bottom half.
Women's kit for warm rides
Online Cycling Gear
Women's The "Nina" Polka Dot Checkered Sleeveless Tech Cycling Jersey
$69.99$75.99
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Online Cycling Gear
Women's Pro-Band Classic Plain Color Gel Padded Cycling Bib
$79.99$89.99
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Frequently asked questions
Do women's cycling jerseys run smaller than men's?
They are sized on a different chart, so compare your measurements with the women's chart instead of your usual label. Our sizes run small, so size up if you are between sizes.
Can men wear women's cycling knicks?
They can, but the cut is shaped for a woman's body. A bloke is usually better off with the men's cut of the same design, which you can request in the customisation panel.
Are women's cycling shorts the same as bib knicks?
No. Shorts sit at the waist with no straps, and bib knicks have shoulder straps that hold the chamois in place. Our women's shorts and bibs use the same 9D gel pad and 45 mm leg grippers.
Is a sleeveless cycling jersey good for summer?
Yes, on hot days. It has no sleeves to trap heat and mesh side panels for airflow. Wear sunscreen on your shoulders and arms.
Can I get a men's design in a women's cut?
Yes. Choose "Make as Women's" in the customisation panel on the product page. Customised orders are final, so check the women's chart first.