Ultimate Guide to Kids Bike Shorts and Jerseys

Another mom recently told me how much trouble she was having finding children’s cycling apparel for her kids. She was looking for kids bike shorts that were both affordable and “cool” and coming up short (no pun intended).

While I can’t promise that all of the options listed here are affordable (how much are you willing to spend on a kit that will last one season?), I can assure you that I’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of kids bike clothes on the market.

But why even bother?

You might be asking yourself why kids need bike clothes at all. The short answer is that they don’t NEED them. Little kids, in particular, might be perfectly happy biking in their street clothes. My son tends to prefer his pajamas. Whatever—it works.

As kids start riding more seriously, however, cycling-specific clothes become more important. Padded bike shorts can make long rides much more comfortable. Bike jerseys provide pocket storage and wick sweat.

But the biggest reason to buy your child bike-specific clothes is that they are COOL. Of course, non-cyclists might not think they’re cool, but we don’t care about them. For kids to feel like they fit in on the bike path or at the bike park, a bike jersey can go a long way. Putting on bike clothes can also put a child in the “let’s go biking” frame of mind and help motivate them to ride.

Consider joining a club

Does your child love to ride? Consider having them join a junior cycling club. These groups often offer cycling kits at more affordable prices—in addition to offering group rides, skill clinics, and more. Check out our list of youth cycling programs to find an organization local to you.

Girls Cycling Clothes

I will admit the list I’ve compiled is pretty pathetic when it comes to girl’s clothes—there’s just not that much out there. A lot of the stuff listed below are marketed as “Boys Clothes”—but I would just ignore that. Baggy black shorts are going to work just as well on a girl as a boy.

That said, we’ve recently seen a few new options come on the market for girls. Shredly, for instance, is making adorable girls mountain bike shorts, jerseys, and even a chamois! Hopefully, we’ll see even more in the future.

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Kids Cycling Jerseys and Jackets

I’ve listed all of the top cycling apparel manufacturers that offer kids cycling jerseys and jackets. These are in alphabetical order, not necessarily in order of reccomendation.

Jersey Pricing Guide:

• $: $20-$30
• $$: $30-$40
• $$$: $40+

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Aero Tech Designs

Who doesn’t want a dino jersey?!? Aero Tech Designs offers kids jerseys with fun designs.

Price Range: $$

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Castelli

The Castelli kids cycling jerseys are bright and look good on the road. We’ve had good experience with the zippers and elastic holding up well.

Price Range: $$$

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Craft

I’ve had several parents tell me that they buy Craft exclusively for their kids. These jerseys are the same high quality as adult Craft cycling gear and last through multiple kids.

Price Range: $$$

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Dakine

Dakine makes gorgeous short and long-sleeved mountain bike jerseys sized for kids.

Price Range: $$

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Endura

Endura makes high-quality kid-sized jerseys and jackets. Of course, high-quality equals high price tag as well.

Price Range: $$$

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Fox

The kids’ Fox jerseys are t-shirt style mountain bike jerseys that look pro. The Ranger jersey happens to be my son’s jersey of choice, mainly because he can match dad. They come in a ton of colors/designs, so you’re sure to find something that fits your child’s style.

Read Review: Fox Ranger kids jersey

Price Range: $$$

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Little Rider Co

These very cool looking long sleeve jerseys are designed for young riders. They are perfect at the bike park or BMX track.

Price Range: $$

Read Review: Little Rider Co Jersey

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Pearl Izumi

Do your kids like to stand out? Pearl Izumi has some seriously flashy, fun designs. They offer both loose-fit tee designs as well as a fitted jersey.

Price: $$$

POC

We love POC helmets for kids and their clothing is really high quality as well, which you would expect with this brand name. Both the short and long sleeve Essential jerseys are super breathable and fast drying.

Price: $$$

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Rocky Mountain Rags

These short-sleeve cycling jerseys come in a wide variety of colorful and fun designs sure to please little riders. The smallest sizes even fit toddlers.

Price Range: $$$

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Scott

Scott makes some fantastic kids bikes and they make jerseys to match. Choose from the mtb-style progressive jersey or tighter fitting RC team jersey.

Price Range: $$

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Shower’s Pass

There aren’t many options for a true cycling rain jacket for kids, but the Shower’s Pass Little Crossover jacket is a good one. It keeps kids dry and helps them get out and stay out even in wet weather.

Read Our Review: Shower’s Pass Little Crossover

Price Range: $$$

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Shredly

Shredly is making our favorite bike clothing for girls, and their jerseys are no exception. They have mulitple colors and designs, both short sleeve and 3/4 length.

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Specialized

Specialized has just recently released a new collection of kids bike apparel including a short-sleeve trail jersey and a long sleeve trail jersey. The material is super soft and stretchy and even kids with sensitive skin will enjoy these tops.

Read Our Review: Specialized Trail Jersey

Price: $$$

Spindaroos

No matter how little your kiddo is, Spindaroos has a jersey for them. These cute tops are even made in infant sizes. 

Read Review: Spindaroos Jersey

Price Range: $$

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Troy Lee Designs

This brand makes surprisingly affordable—and super bright—kids mountain bike jerseys.

Price Range: $$

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Woom

Woom makes our favorite kids bikes and they make some pretty great clothing to match. We’ve had several Woom jackets and jerseys over the years (they’re always rotating and offering new options)–but we’ve loved them all.

Read Our Review: Woom Kids Bike Jersey and Jacket Review

Price Range: $$-$$$

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Zoic

Zoic makes attractive short-sleeve mountain bike jerseys for both boys and girls.

Price Range: $$$

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Kids Bike Shorts

Here’s a list of all the kids bike short options on the market. These are in alphabetical order by brand.

Short Pricing Guide:

• $: $20-$30
• $$: $30-$40
• $$$: $40+

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Aero Tech Designs

If you are looking for affordable lycra-style bike shorts, these are your best option. They come in a wide variety of fun colors.

Price Range: $

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Dakine

The Dakine Prodigy shorts are a baggy short that comes with OR without a chamois liner. They come in black or brown.

Price Range: $$$

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Fox

The Ranger short is a favorite amongst mountain bikers everywhere, and Fox makes them in kids sizes as well. They’re also relatively affordable compared to other brand name kids baggies.

Price Range: $$$

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Louis Garneau

These are a simple, yet practical, black bike short. Comes in both boys and girls versions.

Price Range: $$

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Shredly

If you have a girl, these shorts are THE choice. They are comfortable and come in all sorts of cute colors and designs. Bonus points if you want to match mom.

Price: $$$

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Specialized

The new Specialized trail shorts (and trail pants) are high quality. The material is lightweight, comfortable, and durable. Both the shorts and pants have plenty of space for wearing pads and the waist is highly adjustable.

Read Our Review: Specialized Trail Shorts & Pants

Price: $$$

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Spindaroos

Just like their jerseys, Spindaroos shorts fit all sizes of kids ages infant to 12 years.

Price Range: $$

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Troy Lee Designs

If your little ripper likes to spend their days at the bike park, they’ll fit right in with some Troy Lee baggies.

Price Range: $$$

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Wild Rye

The Wild Rye Kawaeh is their most popular women’s short and it now comes in a girls version as well! These are super high quality shorts and they are beautiful too.

Price: $$$

Zoic

I have a couple pairs of Zoic shorts and LOVE them. These are the same high quality, just sized down for smaller riders.  They even have awesome baggy shorts for girls.

Read review: Zoic Ether shorts

Price Range: $$$

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Kids Cycling Kits

You can often find a good deal by buying a full kit (i.e. jersey and shorts) together.

Weimostar

Looking for a great deal? Weimostar offers a TON of cute designs in their full kits. The quality is decent for the price, but not high-quality.

Price Range: $

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FREE Fischer

Here’s another economical bike kit. As with the Weimostar kit, the price is good and the quality is fair for what you pay. Comes in a wide variety of fun designs.

Price: $