Many of the cycling jerseys on the market today are made for small to average-sized riders. If you like to ride, but you have a larger waste girth than the average rider, you may feel like you have no choice but to ride in a T-shirt or a shirt that fits like a midriff shirt. If you are going out on a long ride, or you will be around other riders, you will feel more comfortable in a cycling jersey that actually fits and is designed with cycling in mind. Rather than settle for a shirt that will make you feel uncomfortable while you ride, you should look for high performance jerseys made for larger than average riders.

Moisture-Wicking

Features such as moisture wicking material were once reserved for the jerseys warn by professional riders. This approach to jersey design assumes that large riders cannot possibly be serious riders. Fortunately, the companies that make cycling jerseys have realized that anyone can be a serious rider, so you should never settle for a jersey that does not have all the best features. 

One of the banes of a cycler's existence is sweat. Whether you are bundled up for a ride in the winter or gearing up for a summer ride, you don't want sweat accumulating against your skin. A cotton jersey or shirt will absorb moisture, which can leave you feeling cold in the winter and muggy in the summer. A jersey with moisture-wicking abilities will lift the water away from your skin to the surface of your shirt where it can easily evaporate. This will leave you feeling dry for the duration of your ride. 

Reflective Inserts

If you have to share the road with drivers, you will want to do everything that you can to make yourself visible especially in low-light conditions. A jersey that has been fitted with reflective inserts will help those you share the road with to recognize your position.

Full Zipper

Even if you have a moisture-wicking jersey, you may still feel like your jersey is trapping heat next to your skin and causing you to overheat. A full-zip jersey allows you to open your zipper as needed to let in a cool breeze. 

Back Pockets

Wearing pants with pockets can mess up your pedal cadence and/or cause items to bounce out of your pockets. A jersey with back pockets allows you to store needed items like a power bar, a flat-tire kit, or wrenches that you might need as you are riding, without worrying about losing things. 

The right jersey can make riding much more enjoyable than it otherwise would be. If you have a large, slim frame, you should be able to find athletic-cut, plus-size jerseys. On the other hand, if you have a gut, but you still like to ride, you should be able to find a looser fitting jersey. No matter what your body type, you should be able to find high-performance jerseys to fit your needs. Use providers that have your body type and needs in mind, such as Perzist.