Cycling jerseys vs tank tops?

[kiwibug]

This is a pretty silly question, but I'm trying to figure out if there's an advantage to using a jersey vs a fitness tank top when riding.. Other than the pockets I really can't think of much! I know that if I wear a cycling jersey I'll look that much more hardcore and serious, but I worry about tan lines etc. Plus I already have a lot of fitness tank tops.

What do you use and why?

[wildeny]

As long as your tank tops dry quickly, why not?

For cycling jerseys, the back is usually longer than the front.

[Grog]

I really need the pockets.

And I am protecting my precious shoulder skin from sunburn. Sunscreen doesn't cover as well as fabric.

[channlluv]

I just saw my dermatologist last week and she chastised me for wearing tank tops while riding because of the sun damage I'm inflicting on myself. I have a history of basal cell carcenoma, and she basically told me I'm just inviting a future of skin cancer surgeries if I don't start wearing long-sleeve shirts to ride.

I told her I wear 30 sunblock, but she said it's just not as effective as fabric, as she's pointing out the freckling starting to come out on my arms. "First you get all freckly and then you get leathery and you really can't come back from that," she said.

Naturally, TE isn't selling any long-sleeve jerseys right now, it being summer any second now. Luckily, I've got a couple of long-sleeve fitness shirts.

If you choose to wear regular clothes to ride in, you might look for something with an SPF rating.

Good luck.

Roxy

[Cataboo]

I told her I wear 30 sunblock, but she said it's just not as effective as fabric, as she's pointing out the freckling starting to come out on my arms. "First you get all freckly and then you get leathery and you really can't come back from that," she said.


Roxy

Now you're having me look at my freckly arms with suspicion.

[OakLeaf]

I really need the pockets.

And I am protecting my precious shoulder skin

+1, except that I'm protecting my precious shoulder skin from road rash should I crash. (Lycra's not motorcycle leather obviously, but it slides and provides a lot more protection than you'd think.) Years ago I used to race, and racing rules require you to cover your shoulders, and it's just an old habit from those days that I don't buy sleeveless jerseys.

But technical T's are available with sleeves too obviously. I just really need the pockets, and although I'm not tall, once you add the pockets, the extra length in back is pretty much a necessity too.

(Chanlluv, TE has lots of long-sleeve summerweight jerseys right here right now - more than I've ever seen anywhere else. To the OP, who didn't want sleeves, here are 78 sleeveless cycling jerseys with pockets.)

[papaver]

That's also the reason why many pro cyclists wear two layers, even when it's hot!

[alpinerabbit]

Except in the hottest of conditions, it's good wearing a mesh underlayer too that wicks clammy sweat off you.

[Blueberry]

I adore this: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html

Works great with tank tops (and yes, it really is just about as cool - I really don't like HOT sun on the skin directly). I wore one on the MS Ride last year - 105 degree heat index. I got some strange looks, but I DID NOT get burned (except for a small stripe between the sleeves and the gloves)

I need to order a 2nd one, so I have one to wear while the other is in the wash.

[Andrea]

I've worn a tank top before, but honestly, I love my solid short-sleeve tan lines so much that I don't want to fade them

[Reesha]

I adore this: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html

Works great with tank tops (and yes, it really is just about as cool - I really don't like HOT sun on the skin directly). I wore one on the MS Ride last year - 105 degree heat index. I got some strange looks, but I DID NOT get burned (except for a small stripe between the sleeves and the gloves)

I need to order a 2nd one, so I have one to wear while the other is in the wash.

I gotta get me some of those! My poor, pale, freckled arms are always at risk during the summer!

[ridebikeme]

Many of the newer cycling tops actually have SPF built into the jersey itself. Like many of you, I ride in tank tops quite often, and should probably rethink that situation. If you're not able to find long sleeve jerseys this time of year, they are available, you may have to ask your shop to order. The other option is to wear arm warmers with your short sleeve jersey; there are several options in terms of weight with arm warmers and this should give you another choice.

[KathiCville]

I adore this: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html

Works great with tank tops (and yes, it really is just about as cool - I really don't like HOT sun on the skin directly). I wore one on the MS Ride last year - 105 degree heat index. I got some strange looks, but I DID NOT get burned (except for a small stripe between the sleeves and the gloves)

I need to order a 2nd one, so I have one to wear while the other is in the wash.

The Cool Wings...Any tips for picking the right size? Based on the one you have, is it better to go snug? Or a bit loose? I'm doing the MS ride here in a little over two weeks and I probably should have something like this handy. Thanks!

[Biciclista]

I might just get some of these. I've had freckles all my life, so i don't see my freckles as imminent danger. On the other hand, i like to keep my skin covered up but it's hard to do when you're in danger of overheating.

[bmccasland]

I might just get some of these. I've had freckles all my life, so i don't see my freckles as imminent danger. On the other hand, i like to keep my skin covered up but it's hard to do when you're in danger of overheating.

That's what I was wondering. It gets gawd awful hot here in the summer. 95 degrees (35C) and 95% humidity. Would the Cool Wings really keep me cooler? Or would I strip them off and be sorry I spent the money? Or just wear it as an arm warmer in the spring and fall? What is the fabric difference between an bolero arm warmer and the cool wings anyway?