T-shirts and Vests

MTB T-Shirt Buying Guide

Graphic Tees vs Logo Tees

MTB brands produce two main styles. Logo tees feature the brand mark — Fox Head, TLD skull, Fasthouse wordmark — in a clean, wearable design. Graphic tees go bigger with full artwork, seasonal designs, and collaborations. Loose Riders and Dharco specialise in loud, all-over prints. Chromag and Sendy do limited runs that become collector pieces. Logo tees are the safer used buy since graphics can crack and fade; embroidered or woven logos last indefinitely.

Fabric and Fit

Expect 180-200gsm cotton or cotton-poly blends. Heavier shirts (200gsm+) feel more premium and drape better but are warmer in summer. Combed ring-spun cotton is softer than open-end cotton — check fabric descriptions if you care about feel. Fox tees tend to fit slim, TLD fits relaxed, Fasthouse is boxy. Pre-shrunk fabrics won't change size, but non-preshrunk cotton can lose half a size in a hot wash — worth noting when buying used.

Vests and Tank Tops

Summer trail days and bike parks call for vests. Fox, 100%, and Fasthouse make MTB-specific vests with wider shoulder straps than running-style tanks. These work under hydration packs without chafing and keep you cool on hot climbs. Cut-off tees are an alternative if you can't find the right vest — the MTB scene has never been precious about a clean edge.

Buying Used

Tees are the easiest used clothing buy. Hold screen-printed designs up to light — if you can see cracks across the print, they'll get worse. Check the collar hasn't been stretched from being pulled over helmets. Pit staining on white or light-coloured shirts is hard to remove. Dark tees hide wear better and are the safer bet on the second-hand market.