Zoca Active Women's Long Sleeve Tech Top

Long sleeved jerseys for non-winter use are often pretty thin on the ground and rather hard to get right, and yet they're actually very useful, since a bottle of Pimms usually lasts longer than the classic British summertime.

The Long Sleeve Active Top from Zoca isn't a dedicated out and out cycling specific top, but rather a long sleeved top made from technical wicking fabric, designed with all sorts of active pastimes in mind. As such, it still has some very nice features, which show how much thought has been put into the design and that the people responsible have actually considered a variety of sports, rather than limiting themselves to just gymwear or running, as is often the case with multi-activity clothing.

Features-wise, the Long Sleeve Tech Top has a nice selection. There's a decent front zip, long cuffs with optional integral thumb loops to turn them into hand warmers, two slanted side pockets, a huge central rear zipped pocket and a generous stripe of reflectivity down the middle of the back. The AQUAMOVE fabric is a super soft and silky polyamide/elastane mix with plenty of stretch and, as the name suggests, is designed to transport moisture away from the skin quickly and effectively.

The fit and cut of this top were excellent, with a sleek but not over tight shape, and good length in both the body and sleeves, that will appeal to a variety of shapes and sizes. Sizes go up to Extra Large too, to reinforce that accessibility. The slightly curved tail made for good lower back coverage and no gaps between legwear and top, even when down on the drops, and despite the lack of gripper. The fabric density makes this top best suited to turn of the season type rides, where it's neither hot nor cold. Together with a gilet, it was capable of seeing off all but the worst chill, quickly moving enough moisture away from the skin to maintain good levels of comfort.

You'd not be likely to use the hand warmers when riding, but if you're going to be using this as a multi-activity top, they really rather handy (sorry). In addition to being comfortable next to skin, and wicking moisture well, the fabric was also surprisingly resistant to Velcro attack- unusual for such a silky fabric. It would probably still be best to keep the two as far apart as possible though. Whilst the front pockets are a bit tricky when riding in a more sporty position, they are a nice touch for more multi-activity use or for upright leisure riding. The rear zipped pocket is cavernous and easily big enough for a lightweight compact jacket, armwarmers or a gilet etc.

£55 isn't a bad price for a really versatile and effective long sleeved top, that, let's be honest, you'll probably be wearing a good chunk of the summer.

Verdict

Incredibly versatile long sleeved top, ideal for turn of the season use. Good value for money too, with soft supple fabric and a good fit.