Jerseys
Used MTB jerseys from UK sellers, built differently from road kit — looser fit, tougher fabrics and designed for abuse. Long-sleeve is standard for protection against undergrowth and crashes, with materials ranging from basic polyester to merino blends that manage odour on multi-day rides.
DH, trail or XC jersey?
Downhill jerseys are the loosest, designed to fit over body armour with mesh panels for airflow — Troy Lee Designs Sprint and Fox Flexair use lightweight mesh for ventilation under armour, and they're typically long-sleeve with minimal features beyond a basic crew neck. Trail jerseys sit in the middle: semi-fitted, balancing durability with moisture wicking, often with a dropped rear hem and zip neck for ventilation on climbs. XC jerseys are tighter and more technical, similar to road jerseys but with slightly more relaxed cuts and pockets positioned differently for pack-wearing riders.
What fabric should I look for?
Most MTB jerseys use polyester mesh or blends for moisture wicking, and weight matters: sub-150g/m² fabrics breathe well for summer, while 200g/m²+ fabrics offer warmth for autumn riding. Merino wool blends (Mons Royale, Rapha) regulate temperature naturally and resist odour but cost more and dry slower. Flat-lock seams prevent chafing under pack straps, and reinforced elbows on trail jerseys add crash durability.
How should an MTB jersey fit?
MTB jersey sizing is less standardised than road. Fox and Troy Lee run large — most riders size down one from their t-shirt size, while Endura and 100% run more true. The jersey needs to be long enough in the torso that it doesn't ride up when you're in an attack position, but not so long it bunches at the waist. If you wear a hydration pack, check the jersey doesn't bunch under the straps — mesh-back jerseys specifically address this.
Long sleeve or short sleeve?
Long sleeve is the default for UK trail riding: it protects against brambles, nettles and UV, and adds a layer of crash protection. Short sleeve works for peak summer when temperatures and pace are high, and some riders run long-sleeve year-round and adjust layering underneath. Convertible zip-off sleeves exist but add bulk and rarely fit well.
Which features are worth having?
A zip neck lets you dump heat on climbs — half-zip or quarter-zip both work. Goggle wipe panels on the hem or sleeve are genuinely useful for wiping goggle lenses mid-ride. Some trail jerseys include a small rear pocket for a phone or gel, though most MTB riders carry a pack, and reflective elements help if you ride on roads to reach trails.
What should I check buying used?
Jerseys are one of the safest used kit purchases — they're essentially just shirts. Check for pulls or holes from crashes, and inspect the collar and cuffs for stretched-out elastic. Polyester jerseys wash well and last years if they haven't been tumble-dried excessively, and fading from UV is cosmetic only. Merino jerseys may have developed thin spots or small holes — hold them up to light to check.