Cycling jerseys are meant to wisk moisture away from the skin to keep you cool.
To do this, the outside needs to be exposed to the air to dry.
Other layers that cyclists place overtop are normally also moisture wicking, except for windbreakers, which have aeration sections.
They are comfortable, though. As are the lycra shorts. (No, I'm not gay. I'm a cyclist.)
I would be surprised if they were much more cost effective or convenient than Underarmor. I've also found that my off-brand underarmor style shirt works about as well, but is a tiny bit less comfortable.
I picked up a micro fiber sweating wicking shirt last year specifically for fencing. I have tried it several times, but keep going back to a cotton tee-shirt underneath. Cotton just feels better on the skin in my opinion.
I would think that cycling jerseys would work well for wicking, but they are typically expensive, a bit long in back (since cut to fit someone in a biking posture) and often have those pockets on the back that would add a bulky extra layer.
I've used old running shirts made from wicking material. There are also cheap underarmor-like imitations available for about $15.
I've been using undershirts made for hockey. they are similar to the underarmour type, long-sleeved, moisture-wicking. I hated the feel of soaking wet cotton, and since I fence sabre I'm going to be sweating alot. Price is generally under $25 CND. I even picked one up with a Kevlar neck bib on the off chance. They feel great and they keep my arms dry so that slashes on the forearms don't sting quite as much.
I haven't tried any cycling shirts, but I can attest to underarmour being underclothing sent by the gods. Fits like skin (or maybe I'm just bulky?), and I actually feel cooler with it on than without. I know, we women aren't supposed to sweat, we *glow* - but I seem to glow radioactively. So I was hesitant to have anything under my jacket except my bra, plastron and chest protector (and the latter 2 I only use in competition, because I really hate the heat). I forked over the big bucks for the underarmour short-sleeve t-shirt, liked the wicking ability, but didn't like the high neck. Then I bought one of the long-sleeve women's cut ones, and fell in love. Even though my jacket still gets a bit soaked, I don't feel it, and I don't have heavy cotton clinging to me and chafing. And I also don't have a body cord sticking to my arm with perspiration. It's been a great purchase despite the money! Also like their socks, though they're a little thin in the bottoms.
I haven't tried any cycling shirts, but I can attest to underarmour being underclothing sent by the gods. Fits like skin (or maybe I'm just bulky?), and I actually feel cooler with it on than without. I know, we women aren't supposed to sweat, we *glow* - but I seem to glow radioactively. So I was hesitant to have anything under my jacket except my bra, plastron and chest protector (and the latter 2 I only use in competition, because I really hate the heat). I forked over the big bucks for the underarmour short-sleeve t-shirt, liked the wicking ability, but didn't like the high neck. Then I bought one of the long-sleeve women's cut ones, and fell in love. Even though my jacket still gets a bit soaked, I don't feel it, and I don't have heavy cotton clinging to me and chafing. And I also don't have a body cord sticking to my arm with perspiration. It's been a great purchase despite the money! Also like their socks, though they're a little thin in the bottoms.
Wait a sec, you only wear the chest protector during tournaments?
We're no threat, people, we're not dirty, we're not mean
We love everybody but we do as we please
When the weather's fine,
We go fishin' or go swimmin' in the sea
We're always happy
Life's for livin', yeah, that's our philosophy
The brand is Jock-Plus. One is a t-shirt style, one is long sleeved, with a mock turtleneck, and one is a long sleeve mock turtle with a Kevlar neck bib and zipper at the back of the neck. All are a mix of polyester and spandex.
Wait a sec, you only wear the chest protector during tournaments?
Sad to say, yes, though I do wear the plastron (a very heavy-duty one... hot hot hot) when I do epee, or when I fence someplace that isn't a thousand degrees. I've got to get a chest protector that fits better. I don't know if you've ever worn one of those women's ones, but they don't seem to protect me where I usually get hit. And when I do get hit where it would cover, I have enough natural padding to keep the squishy bits from bruising. Am I being utterly foolish?
Oh. I know this is off the topic of the initial posting, but I need to know. Is the general horror at my stupidity because of safety, or results, or a combination? I know tips are more likely to bounce/not land dead-on against the rigid protector - God knows I've seen enough of it - so it's desirable from a performance perspective. But how much harm am I really exposing myself to without one on at all times? I'd really like to know, since I've been fencing with a lot of people that don't use any protection, nor do they care to use any. (You must understand, I've only recently started fencing at a *real* place... until recently, I was doing only foil, in a very casual, low-key environment with very few serious fencers.)
And why is it that women are required to wear them in competition, but men are not (yet)?
okay so a little story. Had a friend who fenced all through university (always used the frisbee protectors), stopped fencing. Several years later has the lump freak out - on her first visit the oncologist asks if she ever fenced. Repeated hits to the breast are a very bad thing, get a chest proptector, and wear it.
Originally Posted by DangerMouse 
So I was hesitant to have anything under my jacket except my bra, plastron and chest protector (and the latter 2 I only use in competition, because I really hate the heat). I forked over the big bucks for the underarmour short-sleeve t-shirt, liked the wicking ability, but didn't like the high neck. Then I bought one of the long-sleeve women's cut ones, and fell in love. Even though my jacket still gets a bit soaked, I don't feel it, and I don't have heavy cotton clinging to me and chafing. And I also don't have a body cord sticking to my arm with perspiration. It's been a great purchase despite the money! Also like their socks, though they're a little thin in the bottoms. 
I know this is off the topic of the initial posting, but I need to know. Is the general horror at my stupidity because of safety, or results, or a combination? I know tips are more likely to bounce/not land dead-on against the rigid protector - God knows I've seen enough of it - so it's desirable from a performance perspective. But how much harm am I really exposing myself to without one on at all times? I'd really like to know, since I've been fencing with a lot of people that don't use any protection, nor do they care to use any. (You must understand, I've only recently started fencing at a *real* place... until recently, I was doing only foil, in a very casual, low-key environment with very few serious fencers.) 