Ok this is a real new rider question...How tight should a jersey fit? One to not look stupid and two, for you more experienced riders, for comfort on longer rides?

I wear a large in t-shirts and the sleeve seems are just off the shoulders, should I also go for large in a cycling jersey or a medium to it fits a little closer to my body?

Thanks for indulging this seemingly trivial question. :confused:

Good question. As a newbie I am curious too. One thing that I do know is that sizes vary greatly between manufacturers. Don't by and unfamiliar brand without trying it on or knowing the chest width.

Good point about the sizing being different with different manufacturers.

I don't like jerseys that are loose- they flap in the wind. The best fit is tight enough to not flap but not so tight that you look like a sausage. But with most manufacturers I'm between medium and small, and smalls are too short. I'll take a looser jersey over one that bares my midriff like a teenage girl.

The brand I am looking at is insport. I am curious about where the sleeve seam should come on these shirts. It appears to be cut like a t-shirt style.

Oh thanks for the replies so far.

T-shirt length sleeves are normal for short sleeve jerseys.

This is one reason why I find it tough to buy clothing online unless I've tried on the exact same brand & style: there is a lot of variance in the fit. FWIW, the mfrs sometimes indicate a fit such as "performance" or "relaxed", but you still never know until you try it. When I finally find one that I really like, I usually buy at least one more of the same and save it for when the first one wears out. :)

The best fit is tight enough to not flap but not so tight that you look like a sausage. But with most manufacturers I'm between medium and small, and smalls are too short. I'll take a looser jersey over one that bares my midriff like a teenage girl.

I agree on the bit about tightness. However, weighing in at about 135 and standing at 5'8", I rarely need to worry about things being too tight. The bit about looking like a teenage girl can generally be solved by wearing bib shorts, which tend to come up a bit higher in the back.