PEARL iZUMi’s PRO line of cycling apparel is their top-of-the-line offering that uses the latest technology to optimize performance and comfort. For this review, we’ll be looking at two pieces in the PRO lineup: the Expedition PRO Bib Shorts and the PRO Jersey. The Expedition PRO bib shorts are the latest bib shorts in PEARL iZUMi’s lineup and also their most expensive with a retail price of $295. They feature the PRO Levitate 3D Chamois along with a durable Armourtec Cordura material. To finish the kit we also have the $180 PRO Jersey which has new color options for 2025. The jersey has a streamlined fit with the brand’s Iconic Speed Sleeve and UPF 30 protection. Together, the two items make up a versatile and high performance kit for short or long cycling.
The PEARL iZUMi PRO Expedition bib shorts and PRO short sleeve jersey offer high performance materials with a next-to-skin fit.
| Expedition PRO Bib Shorts | PRO Jersey | |
| Rating | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A |
| Retail Price | $295 | $180 |
| Likes | + Plenty of storage with built-in pockets + Comfortable fit for short or long rides + Attractive design with laser perforations | + Attractive stripe color scheme options + Form fitting design with elastic material + Reflective detailing for additional visibility |
| Dislikes | – Premium price point | – N/A |
| Where to Buy (US) | PEARL iZUMi | PEARL iZUMi |
PRO EXPEDITION BIB SHORTS
PEARL iZUMi has developed the Expedition PRO bib shorts for long gravel or road rides and riders who demand excellence. As such, the bib shorts are one of the most expensive bib shorts PEARL iZUMi currently sells. These combine the high-end materials of the PRO Bib shorts but add additional features and storage for endurance rides. PEARL iZUMi offers the men’s version of the shorts in three different colors: dark sea, black and dark navy. We have the dark navy version for this review which has a subtle dark blue color with black bib straps. Some panels such as the hem and sides have a slightly shinier finish while the main portion is a matte finish. There are nice reflective details integrated into the shorts with the PEARL iZUMi branding on the leg and rear, as well as a reflective border around the zipper. This is part of the BioViz feature which adds reflective details where there is motion to enhance the effect and ensure you are visible in low light conditions.
As far as construction, the Expedition PRO bib shorts are primarily made of Cordura nylon which provides compression while being highly durable against abrasion. It feels soft to the touch with a multi-panel design that is designed to contour around your body without constraining movement. One of the key features of these bib shorts is the integration of storage. As with many cargo shorts, the Expedition bib shorts have pockets on the legs for quick storage. The left pocket has a zipper closure for secure storage of smaller items while the right side is an open mesh pocket. There are an additional two pockets on the rear of the bib shorts which are less accessible but well suited for keys or cash.
As far as the straps, PEARL iZUMi has used a laser perforated design with raw edged premium elastic material. The straps form an X on the backside and have a thin and wide design to optimize comfort. With the laser perforations you can see there is no extra material or seams, instead it’s nice and flat. One of the most critical parts of any bib shorts are the chamois which provides padding between you and the saddle. These shorts have the triple-density PRO Levitate 3D chamois and are PEARL iZUMi’s top chamois. It’s the same chamois found in the PRO bib shorts and has a multi-density design that is optimized for comfort. There is a center dynamic relief channel along with specially tuned foam to help distribute body weight.
PRO SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY
The PEARL iZUMi PRO jersey is a high performance road cycling jersey with race fit and Italian fabric. For 2025 PEARL iZUMi has updated the jersey with new tri-color graphics in either surf spray or stellar which have three horizontal stripes. There are also four other solid color schemes: black, red, blue and navy. For this review, we have the Stellar Tri Color option which has an ombre effect with a light blue on top, a darker blue in the middle and a navy on the bottom stripe. It’s an interesting design that helps give the jersey a unique look and lets you have a brighter jersey that still blends into dark bib shorts. The only contrast is the black zipper and the black under arm panel.
As you would expect at this price, the jersey has raw edges and a race fit that is designed to act like a second skin. Branding the jersey is limited to reflective PEARL iZUMi logos on the front and rear. While the jersey has a UPF 30 protection to protect against the sun, this jersey isn’t as lightweight as the PRO Mesh jersey variation. Most of the jersey is constructed from recycled polyester with a small amount of elastane for additional stretch. The front of the jersey has a simple contoured design with standard shoulder seams. There is a full length front zipper with zipper garages and a YKK semi-locking zipper to adjust ventilation.
The sleeves are longer than traditional short sleeve jerseys and extend to the elbow with raw edges for more comfort and a premium appearance. This is what PEARL iZUMi calls their Iconic Speed Sleeve construction which has a two piece design with an elastic construction. Even the hem here uses a bonded design instead of stitching which results in a very thin and flat edge. On the rear, the stripe pattern continues with tight seams between the panels and a traditional four pocket design. You have three open vertical pockets that are reinforced at the edges to prevent sagging. There is an additional fourth zippered pocket which is convenient for storing keys or cash.
ON THE ROAD
Having ridding with other PRO apparel and Attack cycling kit before, we had high expeditions for the PRO Expedition bib shorts and the PRO jersey. The medium sized jersey and bib shorts fit our 6’1″ 165lb rider very well with a form-fitting race-like fit. It’s a skin-tight fit that doesn’t leave much up to the imagination but is still comfortable thanks to the elasticity of the material. Premium details like the raw hems and Iconic Speed sleeve help give the kit a lightweight field and eliminate any traditional bulk. We were impressed with the overall quality of the kit and liked the updated three-stripe jersey design. It’s a nice ombre effect that also gives the jersey a retro appearance. The pockets on the expedition bib shorts are convenient, but the zippered side pocket seemed like an odd choice compared to standard open mesh pockets on both. As far as fit in quality, PEARL iZUMi has done a great job matching other boutique brands like Velocio.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the PEARL iZUMi PRO Expedition and PRO jersey to be high quality and comfortable cycling kit. PEARL iZUMi has taken their best technology and features and incorporated them into the PRO lineup pieces. The PRO Expedition bib shorts have four pockets and body-contouring design that acts like a second skin. We found the short’s chamois to be comfortable for short and all-day rides with no pressure points. Similarly, the PRO jersey is form fitting with updated stripe designs. Together the kit offers high performance and breathability for warmer weather riding. The only downsides to the kit are the high price points, particularly the expedition bib shorts. That said, the PEARL iZUMi PRO Expedition and PRO Jersey make a pro-level cycling kit.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by PEARL iZUMi. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.