Why less fabric sometimes feels like more freedom
There’s a moment every rider knows. It’s when the road tilts up, your legs start to burn, the sun sits just a bit too still above you—and you feel the fabric sticking to your back. It’s not dramatic, just a quiet discomfort that grows with every kilometre. That’s when kit matters. And that’s why we made lightweight jerseys a core part of our collection at Label Collective.
Lightweight gear isn't about numbers or marketing. It’s about how a jersey feels while you ride, not just when you put it on in front of the mirror.
We’ve tested, adjusted, and re-tested to get the balance right. Our Essentials Jersey is one of the results. At just 35g, it’s the lightest we offer for most riders. That said, our Acid Jersey takes it even further at just 29g in size small. But they serve slightly different purposes. More on that later.
Let’s dig in.
What does lightweight actually mean?
It’s easy to get distracted by weight alone. But there’s more to a lightweight cycling jersey than just a number on a scale.
You want it to:
-
Feel barely there when you're riding
-
Breathe in the heat and dry quickly when soaked
-
Stretch without sagging
-
Handle pockets without turning into a parachute
-
Stay in place even when you’re shifting your position constantly
If you lose any of those things, you end up with something that’s technically light but practically unwearable. We’ve worn those jerseys. They feel fine on short rides. But try stuffing gels into a pocket or getting caught in a headwind, and you’ll feel every compromise.
That’s what we set out to fix.
Essentials Jersey: Lightweight without shortcuts
Let’s start with the piece that’s fast become our go-to for warmer rides: the Essentials Jersey.
It weighs just 35g. That alone would make it stand out. But weight isn’t the only story here. It’s the way this jersey performs when you’re three hours in, dripping sweat, riding with no shade in sight.
We designed it with ultra-light mesh panels, a modern close-to-body fit, and sleeves that stay in place without cutting circulation. No grippers, no heavy hems. The zip is lightweight but reliable. The collar is low and soft. The back pockets? Minimal but usable—three standard ones, plus a zipped one for keys or a card.
Two colours for now: White and Peach. Both understated. Both match nearly anything. White has a clean look but doesn’t show dirt as much as you'd think. Peach surprised us. It looks warm and soft, but rides like a neutral. Some of us didn’t expect to wear it much. We were wrong.
When we wear it
We’ve worn the Essentials Jersey on everything from steady recovery spins to 200 km rides. It’s ideal on hot, dry days where you want every part of your gear to breathe. It also works well with a light gilet if you’re starting early and expect temperatures to climb.
Here’s where it shines most:
-
Long climbs where ventilation matters
-
Fast group rides where you’re chasing wheels and can’t afford distractions
-
Hot commutes where you want to avoid showing up drenched
-
Coffee rides where you just want to feel fresh (and maybe look sharp)
Julian wore the Peach version on a mid-July loop through the Alicante hills. 100km, 33 degrees at the peak. No base layer. No regrets. “You don’t notice it,” he said. “Which is the best compliment I can give.”
We did a guide for clothing to wear for climbing that you can read here.
The Acid Jersey: Even lighter, even racier
Now, if you're chasing grams, there's one more jersey to talk about.
Our Acid Jersey comes in at just 29g in size small. It’s the lightest jersey we’ve made so far. Built with racing in mind, this one strips away everything not essential for performance.
It fits tighter than the Essentials, with a more compressive feel. The fabric is slightly more delicate, and the cut is even more aerodynamic. If you want a barely-there jersey for racing, climbing, or heat training, this is the one. But it’s not for everyone. If you prefer a bit more structure or you're carrying a full day's worth of snacks, the Essentials is more forgiving.
So why doesn’t everyone ride in the Acid? Well, some do. But you give up just a little bit of versatility. We see the Acid Jersey as a specialist’s piece. The Essentials is more of an everyday workhorse.
Durability: Lightweight doesn’t mean fragile
One thing we didn’t want was a jersey that feels amazing the first few times but falls apart by month two.
So we tested these over time. Washes, heat, wear, pocket loads, crashes (sadly, yes). The Essentials Jersey holds up. We didn’t over-engineer it, but we also didn’t cut corners on stitching or material strength. If you treat it well—wash cold, line dry—it’ll ride with you for seasons.
Is it the jersey we’d wear for mountain biking or touring with bags? Probably not. But for most road riding, even the hard days, it’s solid.
Fit and feel: Who is it for?
We made the Essentials Jersey with the goal that almost any rider could wear it. It's race-fit, yes, but forgiving. It hugs where it should and lets you move where you need to.
We recommend your regular size. If you prefer a bit more space, go one size up. But don’t size down thinking you’ll “look faster.” You’ll just end up uncomfortable.
That said, if you prefer a second-skin feel and you’re okay with something tighter, the Acid Jersey will suit you better.
We didn’t create these for any one type of rider. Just those who want kit that disappears once they’re pedalling.
What we like most
-
The weight is the headline, but the breathability is what keeps us reaching for it.
-
No unnecessary panels. Just smart placement of mesh and stretch in the right zones.
-
The colours feel timeless. You don’t have to overthink your combo.
-
The price point matches the quality. You’re paying for performance, not hype.
Also worth noting: no branding overload. Just a small label. Clean finish. That’s deliberate.
Is it perfect?
No jersey is. And we’re not pretending this is a universal solution.
If you like jerseys with thick fabrics or lots of structure, this won’t be your style. If you want a full set of reflective strips or extra storage space, same deal.
But if you ride in heat, climb a lot, sweat a lot, or just want something that feels fresh every time you put it on, this is going to feel right.
We didn’t design it to win awards. We made it to wear ourselves. And we kept going back to it—ride after ride, summer after summer. That’s usually a good sign.
Final thought
Lightweight jerseys aren’t just about weight. They’re about the ride. The feel. The moments where you forget what you’re wearing, because everything just works. The Essentials Jersey, and to an even greater extent the Acid Jersey, are about that experience. You don’t need them for every ride. But when you do, nothing else will quite match it.
