Rapha Women's Flyweight Jersey

The Rapha Women's Flyweight Jersey is a lightweight top that looks good and keeps you cool and dry on hot summer days.

With four colour options, each featuring Rapha's trademark stylish contrast armband on the left sleeve, there is likely to be something for everyone, whether you want to stand out or blend in.

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The polyester fabric of the jersey is lightweight and stretchy. It appears almost perforated, making it extremely breathable and very quick drying. Being very thin and light, it is slightly see-through but I didn't mind this at all. Rapha also claims that this fabric has built-in sun protection (SPF 50); being fair skinned and particularly prone to sunburn, I can safely say I had no problems while wearing this jersey.

When paying Rapha prices, you expect close attention to detail, and that is what you get with this jersey. The three rear pockets have been specially designed to sit away from the body when full, with a mesh lining to increase ventilation. As all good jerseys should, the Flyweight also features a zip pocket large enough for most smartphones along with money, keys or other valuables. Other pleasing details are reflective Rapha logos on the rear and armband.

The collar is cut high at the back, protecting the back of your neck from the sun, yet lower around the front than most jerseys. I found it particularly comfortable and much less restrictive than having a zip up to my chin.

Having tested two other jerseys and a gilet from Rapha at the same time as this one, I expected the same fit in every item. However, while the small was perfect in all the other items, I found the Flyweight jersey a little baggy. It's designed to be a more relaxed fit as opposed to a full race cut, but even so I would probably have fitted into an XS and would consider sizing down.

Despite it being a little baggy on me, I found the jersey comfortable to ride in, with no annoying seams or chafing. The sleeves sat well around my arms and stayed in place without being tight or restrictive, and despite the minimal gripper I didn't have any problems with the jersey riding up at the bottom either.

At £95, though certainly not cheap, it is one of the more affordable jerseys in Rapha's range, encompassing the simple, elegant style and careful attention to detail you would expect from the company. Of course it's still towards the top end of the market and you could easily spend less, but you may not find the same combination of protection, breathability and style that this offers.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

Although the jersey didn't have that extra special wow factor for me, it did do everything it was meant to very well. If you're less keen on tight, race-fit tops but still want a lightweight and breathable jersey for long, hot rides then this could be just what you're looking for.

Verdict

Lovely and light summer jersey offering style, detail and a price you might expect from Rapha