Big and Tall Cycling Jerseys: How to Find One That Fits

Most cycling brands design for a whippet-thin climber and stop their size runs at XL. If you have broad shoulders, a bigger chest, a bit of a belly or a long torso, you've probably squeezed into a jersey that rides up at the back, pulls at the zip or flaps like a flag. It doesn't have to be that way. Here's how to find a jersey that fits a bigger body, and what to look for.

Why fit matters more for bigger riders

A cycling jersey is cut for the riding position: longer at the back, shorter at the front, with sleeves angled forward. On a bigger rider, a jersey that's too small shows every problem at once: the hem rides up and exposes your lower back, the zip strains, the sleeves dig in and the pockets end up between your shoulder blades. A jersey that's far too big flaps in the wind and the pockets sag when they're loaded. You want the in-between: close to the body, but not tight anywhere.

Measure, don't guess

• Chest: measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms, with the tape level and your arms relaxed. This is the number that matters most.
• Waist: measure where a jersey's hem will sit when you're on the bike, usually around the belly button or just below.
• Compare with the chart, not your T-shirt size. Cycling sizes run smaller than casual clothes. Use the Corbah size guide, and if your chest and waist land in different sizes, go with the larger one.

When to size up

Corbah jerseys have a pro race cut, which is close to the body. Size up if:

• you're between two sizes on the chart,
• your waist measurement is in a bigger size than your chest,
• you prefer a relaxed club fit to a race fit, or
• you carry a lot in your pockets on long rides.

For more on the fit checks that apply to everyone, read how a cycling jersey should fit.

What to look for in a jersey for bigger riders

• Length at the back. On the bike, the hem should cover your lower back with no gap above your bib shorts.
• A gripper that holds without squeezing. A silicone waist gripper keeps the hem down without the tight elastic band that rolls up.
• A full-length zip. It lets you vent on climbs and makes the jersey easier to get on and off.
• Pockets you can reach. If the pockets sit too high, the jersey is too short or too small.
• Sleeves that don't pinch. The sleeve hem should sit flat on your arm, without a groove.

Wear what you want

There's an old idea that bigger riders should stick to black. Ignore it. A great design looks good on any body that's comfortable in its kit, and a jersey that fits properly matters far more than its color. Wear the flag, the tuxedo or the tartan if that's what you like.

Don't forget the bib shorts

Bigger riders often have more trouble with bib straps than with the jersey. If the straps dig into your shoulders when you're sitting up, the bibs are too short in the body. Size up. Our bib shorts fit guide covers the rest, and some of our bibs, like the Prime LM3 bib shorts, go up to 3XL.

Corbah jerseys up to 4XL

Our newer men's jerseys come in sizes up to 4XL, including Wormhole, TOUGH, The Lumberjack, Mont Ventoux and the custom Your Ride jersey. See them all in Big & Tall Cycling Jerseys. Every one is made to order, with your name or text added free.

Not sure about your size? Every Corbah piece is made to order, so there are no returns or exchanges, but if the size is wrong you can keep it and, within 15 days of delivery, order the same jersey in another size at about 20–60% off that new order.