Findra Caddon Merino Jersey

Tell us what the product is for

Findra says, "The women's Caddon merino jersey is made from New Zealand Merino resulting in both high-performance layering and stylish good looks. As with all of FINDRA's tops, the Caddon is designed in Scotland and made to exacting standards in the UK.

"The Caddon features a cowl neck and thumbholes to keep you warm when the wind blows while the superfine merino helps wick away sweat and keep you feeling fresh and comfortable when the pace and the heat pick up. Perfect for cycling, this jersey features a dropped back to ensure coverage when you lean over the handlebars and the thumbhole sleeves are long to make sure no gaps appear. Equally at home when cycling off-road, running, hiking or skiing, the style and good looks will also mean you don't feel out of place when you stop off for coffee or drinks mid or post ride.

"The range of colours means you'll be able to find one that pairs with just about anything."

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

From Findra:

Top quality New Zealand merino allows temperature regulation as sweat is wicked away from your skin

Seamless design means no irritation or rubbing and a fabulous aesthetic

Women's specific design with style and performance built in.

Drawstring cowl neck allows adjustability to suit the weather

Thumbholes and longer sleeves allow for hand and wrist coverage, perfect for wearing with your favourite gloves.

Dropped back hem increasing coverage and decreasing the chance of exposed skin

Stylish looks that will take you from mountain top to cafe or bar

Machine washable so you don't need to worry about getting muddy

Merino wool won't smell like synthetic layers allowing you to keep wearing it day after day on expeditions without it smelling

Lightweight, fast drying and extremely packable, this top gives you maximum warmth to weight making it the perfect option for multi day trips.

Perfect for cycling, running, skiing, canoeing, hiking, horse riding and any other sport you can throw at it.

The seamless construction achieves a very comfortable fit. The drawstring at the neck worked its way loose during a wash.

The wicking qualities of the merino worked as promised, and it was remarkably warm considering its light weight.

The merino wool is prone to nicks and pulls, and the drawstring came loose and fell out during a wash, so keep an eye on it.

The close fit means other garments can be worn to bulk up where necessary. The sleeves are a good length and the cuffs fit tight enough to help retain warmth. The drawstring on the cowl neck allows for this to be pulled closed in chilly conditions.

The XS fitted our tall (5' 9") size 8 tester. There are no size options for cyclists over a UK 14.

Barely-there feel to it.

The merino chosen for this top is very soft.

It's not cheap, but is designed and made in the UK with high-quality Italian-spun New Zealand merino wool, so I'd say it's worth the money.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

It needs to be washed at 30 degrees on a short cycle, and reshaped while damp, which is usual for wool and sportswear. Following those instructions, it washed well with only occasional bobbling over two months of regular wear.

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

The Caddon worked well as a light to mid-weight winter layer, and worked well for both upright and more stretched out riding positions.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The super-soft merino and drawstring neck to keep out the chills.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd like to see it available in a wider range of sizes.

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Caddon is a beautifully made, UK designed and manufactured top which is very well suited as a winter baselayer or spring/autumn mid-layer top. It washed well despite the fineness of the merino, with minimal bobbling. It is pretty pricey, but is a flattering shape and fit.