Le Col Sport Short Sleeve Jersey

Le Col's Sport Short Sleeve Jersey is a high-performing option for the summer with some neat little features.

Le Col was set up by long time pro rider Yanto Barker, currently on Team Raleigh. The Sport collection is the most affordable clothing from Le Col, although it's not what you'd call budget. Le Col is aimed at experienced cyclists who are 'prepared to invest in themselves' (according to the PR), and this jersey is made in Italy using good fabrics, so they're aiming at high quality here rather than going for cheap 'n' cheerful

I've used this jersey a lot lately, first for a few days in Lanzarote, then on many more rides back in the UK, and it has performed very well throughout.

It's entirely polyester, the main panels being almost (but not quite) mesh – a bit like a teabag. Although not all that much like a teabag, to be honest. Whatever, it lets loads of air through to keep you cool in warm/hot conditions. Of course, you're going to get a bit sweaty on a hot climb in the sun, the same as you would in any jersey, but this fabric is lightweight and very breathable so it dries quickly on the descents.

The fabric used for the arms, collar and side panels is a uniform thickness, rather than being textured, and it's as stretchy as the main fabric so you get a close, non-flappy fit even if you're skinny. That's not to say that you won't get away with it if you're a bit more bulky because of the elasticity, but don't expect acres of space because the cut is pretty slim here for people of a classic roadie build – you know, slim and chiselled. And handsome.

Le Col always do the details well. I went for a ride with Yanto a few years ago (oooh, get me!) and that was one of the key brand features that he was keen to emphasise. They're not big on cutting corners to keep the cost down. So, for example, you get a full-length zip with a zip guard at the top to stop it irritating your neck, a couple of high visibility tabs around the back, and there's a silicone gripper inside the hem. The seams on the body are flatlock stitched and look like they're made to last. You get the usual three rear pockets along with a fourth zipped one back there for your keys, phone, money for a mid-ride coffee, or such like.

Unlike some of the Le Col clothing I've used in the past, the Sport jersey has the logos heat-pressed on rather than embroidered, but after quite a few trips through the washing machine these don't look in danger of peeling off any time soon.

All in all, this is a well-made, highly breathable jersey with a few little details that add to the overall performance.

Verdict

Highly breathable summer jersey with neat details