What a week here at Cento! We received this incredible maillot jaune, signed by none other than the 2023 Tour de France champion, Jonas Vingegaard. After the Tour ended this year's champ signed some jerseys for Santini and its partners, which is where this came from. None are for sale, this one included. Sorry, we're just too attached.) But besides being a super cool way to remember the Tour, it also lets us see the differences in the sizing on the Sleek Cut Team Issue jersey versus the Classic Cut Fan Line jerseys we stock for the majority of cyclists we serve.
How they Compare
In the image below are two size Medium jerseys, side by side to show off the details. Let's get into it. Sleek cut jerseys that racers use are definitely cut for the bodies of a very dedicated cyclist. The tape tells the story alone:
- Team Issue chest measures 17" and the Fan Line comes in at 19" (43.5cm vs. 48.5cm), front length from the top of the zipper to the bottom hem 19" vs 23", and rear length 25" vs 27.5".
- The material is slightly more elastic on the Team Issue, and is slightly more breathable.
- The sleeves are the same length, though the Team Issue is slightly tighter with a very cool Arc de Triomphe motif gripper on the inside.
- The collar on the Fan line jersey is a half inch wider and made of a softer material. Also the Fan Line has the full-zip while the Team Issue only has a 3/4 zip.
What that Means for Fit
It is fairly easy to see the difference in the above photo, that the two medium jerseys are very different cuts. This emphasizes that jerseys designed for pros like Jonas are *really* slim cut differently using lighter, more elastic fabrics. While you cannot see in the photos the fabrics used on the front and back of the Sleek jersey are a little lighter and more elastic they will breathe better.
All of the classic jerseys from Santini have raw cut, elastic sleeves designed to contour one’s arms without restricting movement. These sleeves will and should feel snug when first trying on or using, but after a few rides, they give a bit while continuing to contour one’s arms without losing their shape and elasticity for quite some time.
Expert Fit Service from Cento
At Cento, we’re not just selling clothing, but providing sizing help and accurate product information. One thing we will never do is OVERSELL anyone. We help people find the jerseys and cycling apparel that are right for their bodies and riding style. We want to see people riding in the best kits that make sense for them.
For example, if you're honest about your normal ride length with the occasional longer effort, we can help consult you for the right bib shorts and chamois to select. This is also true for cold/dry and cold/wet rides apparel recommendations. Fabric innovations have evolved so that cyclists need not wear too many layers, yet choosing the right combination is important.