The Lusso Giro Rain Jacket is actually one of the many shower-resistant, windproof jackets out there that have made themselves indispensable for UK road riders. But if you’re after a bona fide rain jacket for sodden days on Lakeland passes, you’re probably looking on the wrong display rail.

What the Giro is good at is being a lightweight, packable, wind resistant, breathable shower jacket, and it achieves all that at half the price (or less) of swankier brands. If you don’t want black, it’s also available in yellow.

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Performance

Lusso, being based in Manchester, should know what rain is. It’s a puzzle then, as to why it has chosen to describe the Giro as a “rain jacket” because I’m pretty sure it isn’t. Ten minutes out on a sodden October day was enough to convince me of this. The fabric on the shoulders of my jersey was damp already. Whether this is because the water was seeping in through the untaped seams or getting down the neck, which can’t be adjusted for tightness, is hard to say but the result is the same.

Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – back
Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – back (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

This is not to say that the Giro is a bad garment. It’s actually really good. The ticket doesn’t claim it to be waterproof but “highly water resistant”. Water beads up nicely on the fabric, but that’s only going to get you so far if it finds its way in somewhere else.

Weight

This is the most gossamer-like jacket I’ve ever had and you barely notice it, on or off. The low weight is achieved by a combination of using very thin polyester and keeping features to a minimum. It’s essentially the zip, the fabric and some elastic at the cuffs and hem.

Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – collar
Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – collar (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

There are a few small concessions to luxury: the zipped rear pocket is useful when you are wearing the jacket and you stuff it into the pocket when you’re not. The front zip has a baffle behind it which keeps the wind at bay and prevents the feel of a zip against your neck, which I hate. There are some reflective strips and patches (some of which may be obscured if you use a backpack for your commute). That’s it.

Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – back pocket
Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – back pocket (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Windproofing and breathability

“Several thin layers are better than one thick layer” the hiker’s mantra goes, and this is true on the bike too, where the change from too hot to too cold can occur in an instant. On high-exertion efforts you can overheat, but – hey! Take the jacket off. Pull it on for the downhill and the Giro shrugs off the wind-chill. I kept the jacket on during a high-exertion ride in mildish conditions and found the dampness from condensation was tolerable.

>> Check out our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets here 

Fit

I tested a medium jacket which fitted me well, with plenty of length even for my 6ft 2in form. The arms are long, too, which matters to me. On the bike, once reaching for the bar, it rucked up a little at the shoulders, pulling the long tail up with it to leave my backside a little exposed. I find this happens with other jackets too, some much worse than this. The cut isn’t too baggy, which reduces flapping at the arms, and it was only on the fastest downhills that I was able to generate a bit of turbulence. The fabric is pleasantly quiet in use too.

Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – riding
Lusso Giro Rain Jacket Lusso Giro Rain Jacket – riding (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Over a fleecy winter jersey, on dry to damp winter days, the Giro will make a good windproof outer shell, and in summer, as an emergency shower jacket or to keep the cold out on those early sportive starts, it’s just the job. For all but biblical conditions, and for three-quarters of the year, it should be all you need. UK made too.

Verdict

Windproof, light and good value for money. Unless you want a winter waterproof or a prestige brand, why pay more?

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Lusso Giro Rain Jacket

Size tested: Medium, Black

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?

Lusso describes the Giro as “a highly water-resistant shell jacket. Superlight and foldable until needed”.

Lusso doesn’t recommend it for any particular discipline but the cut and the thin fabric make it most suitable for road riding and commuting. “Highly water resistant” applies to the fabric but since the seams are not taped it may let water through in heavy rain. Otherwise a very useful and well-designed product.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Other listed features include: windproof; breathable; reflective features; long tail; rear pocket. You can also stuff the jacket into its own pocket, which has a carry loop stitched inside.

Fabric is 100 Polyester, with elasticated wrists and hem.

The front zip is protected with an interior baffle.

Handmade in Manchester.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

Good quality stitching throughout.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Good as a windproof and shower layer, but heavy rain may penetrate the seams or creep in at the neck.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

The good quality construction should last, but the thin fabric can snag so best reserved for road use.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Basic features and thin fabric combine to make this a minimal-weight jacket which packs snugly into its own pocket.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

A good fit with long sleeves. Some bunching at the shoulders when reaching for the bar, but better than some. The zip baffle is a good addition.

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

Unless you want a prestige name there’s little to complain about at £30.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

This jacket kept the wind out, was not unduly sweaty inside even during high-exertion rides, and beaded off showers. Heavy rain soon got into the neck or possibly penetrated the shoulder seams.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good length in the sleeves, a baffle behind the zip to the neck, packable and did not rustle. UK made.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Some flapping at high speed (not as bad as some!) and the name “Rain jacket” is not really accurate.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

There are plenty of jackets performing a similar job, and this compared well to more expensive names. It is very lightweight, a simple design and straightforward cut which fits well. Breathability seems good, but the lack of taped seams means water resistance is compromised.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 50  Height: 6’2  Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: Cannondale CAAD10 Dura-Ace  My best bike is:

I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking