Review: Terry Actif Bike Jersey

Not a fan of super tight “athletic” fit jerseys? You might want to take a look at the Terry Actif jersey.

Unlike more fitted jerseys, the Actif has a relaxed fit, no elastic at the waist, and doesn’t cling to that roll at the belly. I didn’t even have to suck in for this photo shoot! 😂

The jersey also pairs perfectly with the Actif bike short for a budget-friendly kit that’s as kind to the wallet as it is to the body.

Review In A Nutshell

Pros:

• Loose, longer fit is forgiving and comfortable, no squeezing into this one
• Available in plus sizes
• No elastic at the waist
• Perforated fabric plus looser cut = excellent airflow
• Three roomy rear pockets (phone, snacks, and a bottle all fit)
• SPF 45 sun protection
• Affordable, pairs perfectly with the Actif bike short for a budget-friendly kit

Cons:

• Quarter zip isn’t ideal for bibs
• Bold prints only, no solid color options
• Looser, longer fit may be overwhelming on petite frames
• Shorter sleeves mean less coverage (though SPF 45 fabric helps!)

Price: $89.95

A Jersey Built For Comfort

The Actif jersey carries the same philosophy as the Actif bike short: make cycling approachable, comfortable, and affordable for a wide range of women. And it delivers on that promise.

The fit is noticeably looser and longer than most cycling jerseys, which I appreciated, especially on those post-lunch rides. There’s no elastic cinching at the waist, no sausage-casing feeling, and no stressing about whether your mid-ride snack is going to affect how the jersey fits.

The looser cut also does double duty on warm days and hard workouts by allowing some airflow through. That, combined with the small perforations in the fabric, meant that I didn’t struggle to peel a sweaty jersey off of myself at the end of a ride.

It Pairs Well With Bike Shorts, But Not Bibs

The Actif jersey’s longer hem and relaxed cut make it a natural match for traditional (non-bib) bike shorts–including, of course, the Actif short. The extra length gives you great coverage and eliminates that annoying lower back skin gap that can happen when a shorter jersey rides up. The two pieces were clearly designed with each other in mind, and together they make a comfortable, cohesive kit.

While the Actif jersey works perfectly with shorts, if you’re a bib-short wearer, you may prefer a full zip for easier potty breaks (although drop bibs will work ok).

Three Roomy Pockets

The three rear pockets on the Actif jersey have plenty of space for whatever you may want to stash there. I had no trouble fitting a couple of snacks, a bottle, and my phone. A lot of pricier jerseys can’t say the same.

That said, although I could fit my phone, I didn’t really feel comfortable leaving it in there. The looser fit of the jersey and lack of elastic at the waist meant any significant weight made the pocket sag. That, combined with a lack of really secure elastic at the pocket openings, did make me a little more cautious when putting any valuables in them. I’d think twice before using them for my phone, credit card, or keys, but for plenty of snacks, they’re great.

Shorter Sleeves

The Actif has shorter and wider sleeves, which once again gives it a less restrictive feel, and is also a nice feature for staying cool and maintaining your tan line on sunny days. And while less sleeve coverage means more sunscreen on your arms, the fabric itself offers SPF 45 protection so everything that IS covered is well taken care of.

Fun, Eye-Catching Prints

The Actif jersey comes in bold, bright prints that are fun and make you stand out and are noticeable on the road. If you love a colorful kit, you’re going to have a great time picking one out. The prints are cheerful and energetic, very much in keeping with the accessible, approachable vibe of the whole Actif line.

If you strongly prefer solids, this jersey isn’t the match for you, but for women who like a little personality in their kit, the prints are a definite plus.

Sizing

The relaxed, longer cut is fantastic for a lot of body types, but if you’re on the petite side, it may feel a little long and voluminous. It has more of a casual, relaxed silhouette than a tailored athletic fit. (Don’t worry, if that you–there are plenty of other options out there).

On the other of the spectrum, the Actif is a great choice for larger ladies. The fact that the Actif line extends into plus sizes is something I really appreciate. So many brands don’t offer larger sizing and cut their jerseys to be tiny, so it’s always great to see Terry making their clothing accessible for more women of all sizes and shapes.

Bottom-Line: A Comfortable, Affordable Jersey That Delivers

The Terry Actif jersey is a win for anyone who wants a relaxed, breathable kit and for those who don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s comfortable, non-restrictive, and pairs well with a variety of Terry shorts. If you’re building out a budget-friendly kit or just want a laid-back jersey you can grab and go, I’d absolutely recommend giving the Actif a try.

More Cycling Clothing & Accessories We Love

• Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys
• Best Women’s Padded Bike Shorts (Tested)
• Best Women’s Cycling Glasses & Mountain Bike Glasses

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