Why are jerseys so damnably UGLY? And what jerseys AREN'T?

[Michael Maddox]

I've lost weight, so I've been jersey shopping. I'm particularly stricken by the number of horribly-graphic jerseys on the market that are simply COVERED with stripes and sections and blocks of color, generally surrounding multiple instances of the manufacturer's logo. And the logos aren't just on the jersey, they're splashed diagonally across the chest, they're wrapped around both arms, splattered across the pockets...everywhere...striped up like a Fast and Furious street racer. Even if a jersey is well-designed from ONE side, how often have I clicked to see a back to find blocks of color and weird sections that would make more sense if I was covering up hidden robot parts? Just like a pinstripe can make a nice car look cheap, the designer wrecks a great design and makes it...well...common.

Don't get me wrong; a striking design is great! Strange color choices, odd patterns...that's all good, but generally I find my happiest place with a strong yet simple graphic statement. Rapha does it right with a single pink stripe. (But who wants to spring for Rapha!? Jeez!) Twin Six gets it, when they aren't writing goofy stuff all over the jersey. (Another of my pet peeves with jerseys and t-shirts...I SEE the picture, you don't have to CAPTION IT.) The classic Descente pattern is a favorite. Oh, and House Industries' Richard Sachs cyclocross kit this year was simply magnificent.

Got a beef with kits? Found something beautiful? Let me know! I want something nice to wear!

Photos: 1. Assos thinks I have rock-hard robot abs. 2. Hey, what kind of bike are you riding? Is that Italian?

[summilux]

Rapha or vintagevelos. Feel the price pain once and the rest is happiness.

[FlashUNC]

Assos also makes some plain color jerseys -- and probably some of the most understated jerseys around actually -- if the abs of the Mangusta aren't your cup of tea. Their Uno and discontinued ss.13 jerseys both had/have that approach.

Tenspeed Hero continues to churn out fun and whimsical stuff that actually looks good.

[MattTuck]

In terms of choice, I think there is a lot of stuff out there. Probably more than ever before in terms of design and material choices.

Are you looking for modern materials with classic styling? Single color?

[Russian bear]

The assos uno jersey (available still on the outlet) is nice and understated. My prime choice.

[fiamme red]

Here you go: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_535068_-1.

[Dead Man]

···· Rapha.

I like some Danny Shane's stuff. They also have some super obnoxious designs, but the classy ···· is classy. http://dannyshane.com/collections/classics

[guido]

I really like the Boure jerseys.

This one has a nice simple design: http://www.boure.com/8605BL.html

[Mayhem]

I've gone to sub-$100 understated black jerseys.

I have this



And just ordered this

[bcroslin]

Rapha is the best looking stuff out there IMO

[SlackMan]

Originally Posted by The B

···· Rapha.

I like some Danny Shane's stuff. They also have some super obnoxious designs, but the classy ···· is classy. http://dannyshane.com/collections/classics

I like Danny Shane's stuff too. Not sure why, but new ones often pop up on eBay for sale at good prices. They ship from Texas, so I am betting they are just closeouts sold by DS.

[nooneline]

Search and State

[fiamme red]

Prendas has nice retro jerseys, some of modern materials, some wool: http://www.prendas.co.uk/cycle-cloth...e-jerseys.html.

[veggieburger]

...we salute you.

[sandyrs]

Cafe du Cycliste.