The Mystery of Non-Full Zip cycling jerseys
I think that, quite honestly, one of the greatest mysteries in life is why exactly cycling jerseys frequently feature the 21/22nd length zipper. I realize that back in the day when chamois were leather and bikes were steel with 5 speed freewheels, the wool jersey reigned supreme and a scant 1/4 neck zipper was all that was required. But times have changed and we now have synthetic antibacterial chamois, space age material 11 speed bikes, and full zip jerseys.
Except, full zip jerseys are somewhat of an anomaly if you ride for a non Pro tour team.
Seriously, of all of my 11 years of racing bikes, I have only had full zip short sleeve jerseys for my UNH kit. Now, that kit is a men’s sized jersey. Full zip for men is becoming more common, although finding generic off the rack full zip styles is not that easy and most teams still default to the dreaded 3/4 or more non full zip jerseys in their custom orders.
I don’t get this. Why would I want a jersey that unzips all the way to my belly button? Why not just make the damn thing full zip?
It’s a mystery that no one can answer. I understand that most women’s shorts are not offered in bib styles, and thus there is less of a need for full zip (ever try to go to the bathroom minutes before your race starts when you’re wearing bib shorts, a helmet, and a non full zip jersey with the pockets packed full of gels and a radio that is carefully wired through a hole in the back and taped to your ear? Hilarity ensues, I guarantee it). So women’s shorts being non-bib make it easier to get undressed without taking the entire jersey off. But as I stated, most of my guy friends still have a closet full of non full zip short sleeve race jerseys. (Never mind that full zip long sleeve jerseys are completely normal and common place).
So, I decided that I should do something about this. Armed with a seam ripper, sewing machine, and one 19″ black separating plastic molded zipper, I embarked on Operation FullZip.
Jersey with annoying 21/22nd length front zipper.
remove old zipper
Cut Here
Baste along old stitching line from where the first zipper was attached
press seam open
sew new zipper in place, align zipper tape with seam allowance, center teeth over seam
random cardinal who caught my attention while sewing
TaDa! Full Zip Cycling Jersey
I thought it was so you could zip it back up one-handed…
Too bad you don’t take orders…I’d love to have a few of my tri tops made full zip. I hate swimming in tops, but it’s impossible to pull a jersey on when you are wet.
Nice work on your jersey!
Philip
I don’t know why I never thought of doing this before! After a long, hot ride, the last thing I want to do is wrestle that damn thing over my head…full-zip sounds like the solutions.
I too prefer full-zip. However, I think the reason why many teams don’t order them is that it disrupts the front-of-the-jersey design. Most vendors (Pactimo being an exception) don’t offer invisible full-length zippers. But yeah, I’m with you.
The “reason” is that it’s a little cheaper to use the same length zippers on different sized jerseys. Zippers that go most of the way.
PS – Champion System (champ-sys.com) makes full-zip in women’s and men’s sizes at reasonable prices. And no, I don’t work for them.
Kerry – you have awesome talent and I am envious how tiny you are! I awarded you the Attitude of Gratitude on my blog!
I had a non-full zipper jersey and was looking for some instructions on how to “convert” it to a full-zipper. Thanks to you for publishing this project.