A short history of my AliExpress cycling clothes.
For reference, 174cm tall, 69kg with 88cm chest and 77cm waist. In most European brands, this means an XS jersey and S bibs. For Asian brands, I have bought (Asian sizes) S jerseys and M bibs.
Jerseys:YJZ946 - YKYWBike summer cycling jersey
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005476142982.htmlTight fit but as expected for race clothing. Sleeve length is similar to most modern race kit (near elbows). Decent size pockets with one zipper pocket. Not the cheapest on AliExpress but quality is (in my view) great.
Spexcel 2021 seamless summer jersey
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32855060942.htmlFit is great, but other than that it's pretty meh. Fabric is very thin, so the pockets sag a bit and it just feels a bit... flimsy. The YKYWBike one is significantly better. Hopefully Spexcel have upped their game in the last couple of years.
YLJZ849 - YWYWBike Autumn cycling jersey
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001652429034.htmlSame as the summer jersey but with long sleeves. Tight fit but as expected for race clothing. Sleeve length is perfect for me (a relatively normally proportioned 174cm tall). Pocket sizes are good.
YKYWBike Autumn thermal fleece
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003394640394.htmlNearly great, but the pockets are tiny. My phone (Galaxy S24 Ultra) only fits in the middle pocket. Rear right pocket is basically useless with how small it is. Somewhat annoying when in autumn/winter you need the extra storage space for changeable conditions. Otherwise, fit is the same as the thin long sleeve. Annoying that it's so close to really good!
Shorts:YPBZ821 - YKYWBike basic bib shorts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005937035832.htmlFantastic for the price ($13 USD at time of buying, now around $18 USD). Have had worse bibs at triple the price. Straps are great, lycra compression is good, leg grippers are great, pad is... good enough. Great for an up to five hour ride (which is 99% of my riding).
YSPBZ865 - YKYWBike 3/4 bibs
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005947951120.htmlSame as the basic shorts but with 3/4 length legs. Still has the same basic padding but seems to be a bit more expensive ($30 USD) - but all the good points of the shorts remain.
Pro Level YPB1010 - YKYWBike pro level shorts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005495749706.htmlGreat... except for the leg grippers. I find that they constantly ride up. A real letdown as the shorts seem great otherwise - great compressibility, great padding, great straps, leg length comes down to near the knee.
Kemaloce bib shorts with pockets
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004323174278.htmlTried these for some cheap bib shorts with pockets - threw them in the bin after one ride. Poor stretchiness, terrible bad, very basic straps.
Swiftofo bib shorts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002772409932.htmlOne of the best I've tried from China (but on the pricey end for AliExpress). Availability seems to have always been very limited. Good all-round option but for that price range now I'd try something like Lameda.
Darevie 2021 bib shorts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001622154194.htmlOkay to good. Lycra not very compressing. Pad is okay, but fairly thin. Leg grippers not great - did not always sit flat against leg. Fit was good though - would be interesting to see how their products have changed since.
Spexcel 3/4 thermal cargo bib shorts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003480427106.htmlNot very good. Pad thickness is inconsistent. Leg grippers are bad and ride up. Lycra pilled quite quickly. It's a shame, because the lycra has good stretch and the bibs fit nicely.
Socks:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005628832005.htmlGood basics - hold elasticity well, nice bright colour on the pink, can't ask for much more.