Everyone is going to have their own preferences for the looks and style of a jersey. Lusso's Layla SS plays it relatively safe, with a slightly retro feel combined with some nice, subtly girly polka dots. Pink haters can happily go with the black and lilac combo, while those who want to indulge their love of the maglia rosa can really go to town with the pink variant.
Features include three rear pouch pockets with a small zipped pocket for keys and the like, silicone gripper tape at the hem, a full length zip and a reflective tag at the back. The fabric is Lusso's MT1 Moisture Transfer fabric with sun protection of 50+.
My main issue with the jersey was the sizing. Despite the measurements stated in the sizing table being easily the correct size for me, the actual jersey was at least one size, maybe two, smaller. I tested a size large, but it resembled a small medium in most other brands. I've experienced the same with the company's shorts. Though it's made in the UK, Lusso's sizing would seem to be more Continental - Italian even - where the size on the label is at least one size bigger than reality.
On the bike, the Layla performed well enough, with the fabric feeling pleasant next to the skin. It also wicked moisture effectively and dried quickly. The non-YKK zip is very light and plasticky feeling, and I was concerned about its longevity, but it's still doing its job without complaint so far. The finish at the rear of the zip could be better too, and this and the raised seams made the whole jersey feel just a little dated, though they didn't significantly affect the comfort or performance of the top.
If you get the right size and you like the styling, the £50 Layla is a very safe buy. It does share the same features and performance of many jerseys available for lower prices, though, so there is better value elsewhere, albeit perhaps not made in Great Britain as the Lusso is.
Performs well, looks good and is pleasant to wear, but you'll probably want to go up a size
road.cc test report
Make and model: Lusso Layla short sleeved jersey
Size tested: Womens, Large, Black, Layla short sleeved Jersey
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Summer riding jersey aimed for hot weather use.
Does the job.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
MT1 Moisture Transfer Fabric
* Full Front Zip for easy access
* Lusso SC9 Gripper around the hem
* 3 Rear pockets, plus 1 Zipped (4 in total)
* 50+ UV Ray protection
* Anatomically shaped
* Reflective element at rear
* Machine Washable (no label to say how hot!)
Rate the product for quality of construction:
5/10
Feels old fashioned in terms of raised seams and unfinished zip backing.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Wicks moisture well and is comfortable to wear.
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
All fine, despite my concerns about the longevity of the front zip.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Very comfortable both in terms of feel and performance of fabric.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Nice quality fabric but nothing particularly out of the ordinary in the way of features, apart from being made in the UK, which bumps up the value slightly.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performed very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Style, zipped side pocket, fabric, made in Britain.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Sizing very much on the small side.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Probably not
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
An attractive and well performing summer jersey, made in Britain, but sizing needs work and finish could be better in places
Age: 42 Height: 1.65m Weight: 73kg
I usually ride: Boardman Hybrid Fi My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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