Field Notes: TEAM SS Jersey
Every design team has that one piece that defines the philosophy of their craft. For us, it’s the TEAM SS Jersey. When we first launched it in 2016, it wasn’t designed to be a staple. It was built for the riders who clocked the most hours—the ones who needed comfort at kilometre 200 just as much as at kilometre two. Over the years, the TEAM SS Jersey has become the cornerstone of Black Sheep’s 360 Collection: refined, proven, and relentlessly tested by those who ride every day.
We’ve reimagined it multiple times—not because it was broken, but because performance evolves. What began as a single-fabric workhorse has transformed into a multi-panel, multi-fabric system that breathes, moves, and performs like a second skin.
The 2026 TEAM Jersey uses FeatherSoft 160, an Italian knitted 160gsm blend of polyester and spandex that’s so light it almost disappears when worn, yet maintains its structure even when saturated with sweat. FullMoon micro-mesh underarms and BreezeMesh back panels regulate body heat through enhanced air-exchange zones. The MARC Soft Elastic hem system ensures stability under high torsional load—no hem creep and no ride-up.
The 2026 Update
For 2026, we’ve approached refinement, not reinvention. The silhouette remains the same—that’s sacred—but the details have evolved:
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Body-Mapped Fabric Distribution: The use of BreezeMesh (side panels and underarm) and FullMoon (through the back) in regions of high temperature and perspiration improves riding in hot conditions.
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Improved Neckline: A low-profile collar improves aerodynamics and enhances the neckline aesthetic.
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Recalibrated Fit: Small alterations through the upper torso improve panel alignment in the riding position, eliminating micro-bunching at the chest.
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Enhanced Elastic: The 40 mm MARC Soft Elastic hem has been re-engineered with dual knit density for a firmer yet softer hold against bibs.
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Sustainability in Mind: All fabrics are now bluesign® approved and solution-dyed, reducing water and chemical use by up to 60%.
These refinements don’t change the jersey—they simply make a favourite even better.
Testing Procedures
Design doesn’t end on the pattern table. It keeps evolving on the road. Our testing process for the TEAM Jersey spans months and multiple disciplines of stress testing, led by our senior designer, Graeme Renard.
1. Wash Testing
We simulate the equivalent of 200 hours of riding (≈ 50 washes) using standard and synthetic detergent cycles.
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Dimensional stability (within ±2% after 50 washes)
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Colourfastness to perspiration and light
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Pilling resistance (target: Grade 4.5+ under ISO 12945-2)
2. Fabric Durability Testing
Panels are subject to tensile and abrasion tests using Martindale and Burst Strength protocols.
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Martindale Abrasion: 50,000 rubs before visible fibre distortion
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Tensile Strength: 210 N (warp) / 170 N (weft)
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Elastic Retention: MARC Soft Elastic maintains 97% recovery after 1000 stretch cycles
3. Performance Testing
We run extended wear trials across our sponsored team and ambassadors. Senior designer Graeme Renard also completes a controlled protocol:
10 MIN WARMUP
8 MINS TEMPO
6 × 4:30 MINS AT L2
4 × SPRINT SEGMENTS AT LS
10 MINS COOL DOWN
Purpose: stress seams, validate fit changes, and assess gripper migration. This is the final seal of approval after months of testing.