Cycling jerseys and running shirts are both athletic apparel designed for high-intensity activities, but they are designed for different types of sports and have significant differences. Please read this article to distinguish between them and avoid confusion and losses when purchasing.
What Is A Cycling Jersey
A cycling jersey is a kind of cycling gear designed for cyclists to improve their cycling efficiency and maximize their comfort. Its cut and fabric are designed to fit the human body while cycling, and can reduce wind resistance to improve cycling efficiency. It also solves the problem of carrying items while cycling to allow cyclists to focus more on the ride.
What Is A Running Shirt
A running shirt is a kind of top specially designed for running activities. It is designed to accommodate the large arm swings during running to ensure the runner’s freedom of movement and keep runners dry and comfortable during exercise. A good running shirt allows runners to focus on their stride and breathing.
Differences between A Cycling Jersey and A Running Shirt
Primary Use
Cycling jerseys are specifically designed for cycling and bike training. They aim to address specific problems encountered by cyclists while cycling, such as wind resistance and storage problems.
Running tops are primarily for running, but can also be used for casual fitness. Their core design principle is to meet runners’ needs for breathability, sweat-wicking properties, and freedom of movement while running.
Fabric
Cycling shirts are typically made from a blend of polyester and elastic spandex, whose elasticity is very good and can support the cyclists’ muscles to reduce fatigue caused by muscle vibration. The high elastic fabrics are also better suited for aerodynamic designs. Besides, cycling shirts attach more importance to durability compared with running shirts, so they typically use thicker and denser fabrics than running shirts.
Running shirts are typically made of lightweight polyester or mesh fabric. They need a certain degree of elasticity to allow runners to move freely during running. What’s more important is breathability, sweat-wicking, and lightweight design. To reduce the weight of running shirts and the friction against the skin during running, the fabrics used in running shirts are usually softer and lighter than those used in cycling shirts.
Moisture Management
Moisture Management of Cycling Jersey
Like other sportswear, the fabric of cycling jerseys has a capillary wicking effect, which evenly guides sweat from the skin to the outer layer of the cycling shirt. It can effectively wick away sweat even when compressed against the skin. Cycling is a sustained endurance sport, and the cyclists will sweat for a long time, but the continuous airflow over the body during cycling can evaporate the sweat quickly.
The design of cycling jerseys prevents sweat from pooling on the lower back. The fabric doesn’t become soaked and cling to the cyclist’s body to affect warmth, and the cyclist’s body can remain relatively dry during hours of cycling.
Moisture Management of Running Shirt
Running is a high-intensity activity that produces a lot of sweat in a short time. However, its speed is lower than cycling, so there isn’t a continuous and strong airflow to accelerate sweat evaporation. Therefore, running shirts rely more on the fabric’s sweat-wicking and breathability to manage moisture.
They typically use ultra-fine fibers with superior siphoning power to quickly draw sweat to the surface and evaporate it before it drips. Mesh is also used in key areas to promote airflow. Running shirts prevent sweat from dripping, obscuring the runner’s vision, or causing intense friction against the skin when wet.
Durability
The difference in durability is caused by the different external environments of cycling and running.
Durability of Cycling Jersey
The external environment the cycling jersey faces during cycling is complex and harsh, including the constant wash of wind and sand, the scraping from roadside vegetation, and friction with the road surface when the cyclist falls.
Besides, cycling jerseys also have to be subjected to repeated friction from road vibrations, long-time sun exposure, and strain caused by back pockets full of items. Cycling shirts are stronger and more resistant to pilling, and thus have greater durability.
Durability of Running Shirt
Running shirts are designed to minimize weight rather than withstand severe wear and tear or additional load. They are primarily used in relatively gentle environments, such as runways or walkways. To provide runners with an extremely lightweight experience, the fabric is relatively thin and sacrifices some durability. The running shirts only need to withstand normal wear and tear, such as washing.
The most obvious feature of a cycling jersey is the three pockets located on its lower back. They can be used for storing important and small items, such as a cell phone, keys, energy bars, and some tools. They exist because cycling usually takes much longer than running, so cyclists have to prepare and carry more supplies for energizing the body and bicycle tools.
The pockets are deep enough, and there is usually an elastic band on the top to prevent items from falling out. Besides, the pockets are usually angled, so cyclists can easily reach into the pockets to get items inside at all times, even while cycling.
Running shirts are designed to be lightweight and usually don’t have pockets. Runners who want to store items tend to use tools like storage belts.
Zipper
Cycling Shirt
Cycling jerseys typically have zippers used to adjust ventilation and temperature. The speed of cycling can vary greatly, especially when going uphill or downhill. The speeds can range from a few miles per hour to tens of miles per hour. When the speed is high or the weather is cool, the zipper can be zipped up to prevent wind chill. When the speed is low or it is warm, the cyclist can pull the zip down for ventilation.
The zip is extended to the middle or bottom of the front of the jersey, and there is a small piece of cloth called a zip garage used to cover the zip pull when the zipper is zipped up. The zip garage can prevent the zip from irritating or getting stuck on your skin.
Running Shirt
Running shirts rarely feature front zippers. Most running shirts focus on simplicity and lightness, and don’t have zippers to reduce weight and minimize discomfort. Only a few high-performance or warm running shirts are equipped with zippers to adjust ventilation.
Fit
Fit of Cycling Jersey
All cycling jerseys are fitted, and they cling tightly to the rider’s body to reduce wind resistance. The cut of cycling jerseys is aerodynamic and ergonomic. Cycling jerseys typically have a longer back placket to ensure it sits just above the hips when the cyclist bends forward. The front placket is shorter to prevent it from rolling up to the abdomen.
The collar is high, and the sleeves are shaped to fit the arms gripping the handlebars. The cut is perfectly tailored to the forward-leaning posture of cycling. There are also silicone anti-slip strips to prevent the cycling jersey from riding up.
Fit of Running Shirt
Running shirts come in a wider variety of fits. Some of them are tight, and some of them are loose. Tight-fitting styles can support the runner’s muscles, while looser styles are good for better air circulation. All kinds of running shirts ensure the shoulders and arms of runners are able to move freely and unrestricted during arm swings.
A well-fitting running shirt offers 1 to 2 centimeters of room at the chest and back. The sleeves are also articulated to prevent them from bunching up during arm swings.
Seam Construction
Focus of Cycling Jerseys
For cycling jerseys, seams are used to join pieces together to shape and reinforce the structure. They assemble the pieces into a three-dimensional structure that conforms to the cycling posture and enhances structural stability in key bearing areas, such as the back area that bears the weight of the pockets. High-end cycling jerseys generally use flat seams, which are strong and durable.
Focus of Running Shirts
The seam construction of running shirts focuses on reducing friction and improving comfort, and has low requirements for structural load. Plain seams or low-friction structures are commonly used in seam construction to reduce skin irritation during prolonged exercise and ensure that seams stretch freely with the body.
Some high-end running shirts use seamless or bonded processes to completely eliminate the friction. 3D knitting technology can also weave a seamless running shirt directly to avoid seam irritation to the skin.
What Are The Advantages of The Cycling Jersey And The Running Shirt?
Cycling Jersey
Aerodynamic Fit
Cycling speeds often reach tens of kilometers per hour, where wind resistance has a significant impact. Cycling jerseys can effectively reduce air resistance during cycling with their tight-fitting design and high-tech fabrics. Wearing aerodynamic cycling clothing allows cyclists to conserve more energy in the same road conditions and speeds.
Storage Function
The three deep pockets on the back of the cycling jersey are convenient for cyclists to carry essentials such as food, communication devices, and repair tools. The weight distribution of items inside the pockets is reasonable, which prevents them from shifting during rides. The location of the pockets allows cyclists to reach easily with one hand over their shoulder. With these pockets, cyclists don’t need additional storage tools like backpacks.
Compression Support
Cycling jerseys are made of high-performance compression fabric and conform to the cyclist’s body. The compression top minimizes clothing movement and wind resistance. Some premium styles can compress the cyclist’s muscles to accelerate blood flow and improve the oxygenation supply efficiency of the muscles. Wearing these special models after a ride can also remove metabolic waste such as lactic acid and relieve muscle soreness more quickly.
Temperature Control
Cycling jerseys can flexibly adjust temperature to satisfy the cyclist’s comfort. The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric are an efficient physical cooling process, as the evaporation of sweat carries away excess heat from the body.
Airflow enters through the collar or cuffs and exits through ventilation holes or mesh at the back during cycling to carry away the constant heat produced by the cyclist. The front zipper directly controls the airflow and moisture evaporation rate inside the cycling jersey to control temperature.
Security
The colors of cycling tops are typically eye-catching, such as fluorescent yellow and neon, to make cyclists more visible during the day. There are also reflective cycling wear with reflective strips or reflective prints on the back and sides of the cycling jersey to reflect light from light sources such as car headlights into the driver’s eyes, to enhance the cyclist’s visibility at night. These designs help drivers spot cyclists earlier and react more quickly to improve cyclists’ security.
Running Shirt
Lightweight
The most obvious advantage of running shirts is their extreme lightweight. They are typically made of ultra-light and ultra-thin fabrics, and their design has few additional structures to minimize the extra burden and drag on the runner’s body. Some running shirts weigh less than 50 grams, almost the weight of an egg. The runner can barely feel a high-quality running shirt while running.
Breathability
Running demands extremely high levels of breathability. High breathability makes running shirts more suitable for running in hot weather than regular cotton shirts. Running shirt fabrics are typically woven with a special texture that creates countless microchannels between the skin and the outside air. Some styles also have mesh panels in areas prone to sweating to act as bigger airflow channels.
During running, the heat and moisture generated by the body can be quickly discharged through these channels, while cool outside air is brought in, forming a continuous airflow circulation to reduce stuffiness. The high breathability of the running shirt allows the wearer to stay relatively cool and maintain good performance even when running in extremely hot weather.
Freedom of Movement
The cut of the running top is loose and reserves enough space for a wide range of arm movements. For example, the raglan sleeves and dropped-shoulder cut have sufficient space in the shoulder and underarm areas to ensure the arm swings back and forth without any constraints, and the shoulder blades stretch freely.
The freedom of movement provided by running shirts avoids restricting movements and allows runners to maintain a natural and smooth running posture to improve running efficiency.
Universality
Running tops have a wide range of applications. They are simple and stylish, suitable for not only running scenarios from sprints to marathons, but also gym training, hiking, some light exercise, or even everyday casual wear. Both professional athletes and beginner runners can find a suitable running shirt.
Comfortable
Running shirts reduce skin friction through seamless knitting or flat stitching, preventing chafing caused by long periods of exercise. Their fabric is soft and skin-friendly, and doesn’t get rough and stiff even when soaked in sweat. They also dry quickly. Running shirts make every moment of running a pleasure.
FAQ
Can A Running Shirt Be Worn as A Cycling Jersey?
It is not recommended. Running shirts are typically looser and don’t fit the cycling posture well. They also don’t have functions specially designed for cycling, such as back pockets and sweat-wicking areas designed for cycling. There will be more wind resistance, and cyclists may experience discomfort during long-distance cycling.
Can A Cycling Jersey Be Worn for Running?
The cycling jerseys are tight and made of heavier materials, and their cuts, especially the sleeves, are designed to accommodate the cycling posture, like the posture of holding bicycle handlebars. The runner will feel uncomfortable while performing upper-body exercises, such as swinging arms repeatedly. Besides, the pockets of the cycling jersey will move constantly, and the zipper will cause friction against the runner’s skin during running.
Can Running Shirts Be Made of Natural Fibers?
Although most running shirts are made of synthetic fibers, there are also styles made with natural fibers. The merino wool shirts are soft and can resist odor. They can also regulate temperature naturally. However, they have a higher price, have complex washing requirements, and dry more slowly than synthetic fibers.
Cotton can also be used as a material for running shirts if blended with synthetic fibers. It makes the running shirt soft and has a low cost, but it’s not good at wicking moisture and dries slowly.
How to Choose Running Shirts According to The Season?
When the weather is hot, like in summer, choose short-sleeved shirts with ultra-thin fabric to maximize breathability. When it is spring or autumn, choose running shirts with long sleeves and slightly thicker fabrics or with thin fleece linings. When the weather is very cold, choose running shirts with a fleece lining and have a running jacket for cold weather to protect against the wind over the running shirt if necessary.
Which Is More Durable between Cycling Jersey And Running Shirt?
Cycling jerseys are usually more durable because they have to withstand complex environments, wear and tear, and the pulling force of items in the back pockets. Their fabrics are more tightly woven, and the seams are stronger. In contrast, running shirts use thinner fabrics for lightness and have lower durability.
Which Is Better for The Cycling Jersey, A Full Zipper or A Half Zipper?
A full zipper can be fully opened from top to bottom, making it easier to put on and take off. The airflow range can be adjusted to be very large for faster cooling. It is suitable for cycling in hot weather or for long distances. A half-zipper is simpler in structure and lighter in weight. It looks better and is usually more affordable
What’s The Difference between A Tight-Fitting Running Shirt And A Cycling Jersey?
Although both are form-fitting, the tight-fitting running shirt and the cycling jersey have different purposes. The primary function of a tight-fitting running shirt is to provide muscle support, reduce muscle sway, and promote blood circulation. Some cycling jerseys also have these functions, but their primary purpose is to reduce wind resistance and prevent fabric bunching.
Can A Water Bottle Be Putted into The Back Pocket of A Cycling Jersey?
A water bottle filled with water is usually too heavy for a cycling jersey. It can make the pocket sag and stretch the hem of the jersey. The fit of the jersey will be affected, and it will be easier for water bottles to fall out during cycling. The pockets of the cycling jersey are best suited for soft or lightweight items. It’s recommended to use a bottle cage or hydration pack to store the water bottle.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is best to purchase cycling jerseys for cyclists and running shirts for runners. GOAL SPORTSWEAR is very familiar with the differences and focuses of these two types of sportswear and has extensive production experience. We can also customize fabrics and processes to meet your needs. Please contact us today for more information.
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