Vanelli Proline 2.0 jersey

The Vanelli Proline 2.0 jersey may not be THE yellow jersey, but it’s A yellow jersey, and given that it’s as close as I’ll ever get to leading the Tour – or even A tour, down to and including a coach tour – I’ll take it. Especially as it’s as good as it is yellow, which is very.

> Buy now: Vanelli Proline 2.0 jersey for £60 from Vanelli

This is going to be awkward as I’ve got almost nothing negative to say about this jersey, so it’s mostly going to be me telling you the specs and saying they’re good. Nevertheless, if the site’s asking you for 50p to carry on reading, rest assured there’s a BIG SURPRISE YOU NEED TO SEE RIGHT AT THE END.

To get the negative out of the way early, for me the printed logo on the rear pockets lacks crispness and looks cheap – certainly cheaper than the rest of the jersey (even the printed wordmark on the chest). And the rest looks great. Made in Europe from Italian fabrics, the build is not outstanding but certainly solidly good, with neatly stitched panels creating an excellent shape. There’s no pulling or bunching, and it fitted me snugly everywhere.

There’s a silicone gripper around the waist and raw-cut elastic grippers on the sleeves, and all do a great job of keeping everything in place.

The plastic YKK zips are similarly competent.

The zipped fourth pocket is a useful new addition to this MkII Proline jersey, and it’s made with water-resistant fabric. The zip isn’t waterproof however so it leaks in rain, but as the pocket isn’t large enough for any typical phone that’s probably a moot point. This is more for stashing keys, cards and cash (for those of you who remember cash. Or cards).

This zipped stash sits on the right-hand pocket of the usual three, and an elastic strip across the tops keeps those pockets secure. I found the central one a little narrow for easy hand-stuffing, but as such it’s better shaped for keeping pumps, phones or other such tall things in check.

The seams are neatly overlocked and I had zero issues with comfort, which was always good. Breathability is also good, and with its medium/light fabric thickness it wicks away sweat easily too. It’s light and perforated enough for black bib straps to show through, if that helps you gauge it.

Basically this is a top you put on, ride off and forget all about until somebody in fancy dress starts running alongside you and cheering (in your daydreams). If the yellow is just too Tadej Pogačar for you, there’s a mint green option instead, though that’s your lot.

I tested a size Large, which was a perfect stretch for my 100cm chest and 71kg weight. If anything I would say this sizes up slightly small as the fit is a sleek as many Medium jerseys, but its easy stretch means there’s no restriction whatsoever.

In all honesty Vanelli’s size charts mostly confuse me. Presumably because they do a lot of custom garments, the charts involve various specific section lengths and a ‘half chest size’ number that implies I need a 2XL, unless I don’t understand how half chest sizes are measured, which clearly I don’t.

Luckily you’re either cleverer than me and can decode such charts correctly, or can just order either your usual size or the larger or your usual two. The third option is that you just Googled it and discovered that a ‘half chest size’ is the width across the armpits when the jersey is laid flat, and nothing to do with your own measurements. Option 3(b) is that you understand how to apply this measurement (allowing for fabric stretch) to your own body, given that half chest sizes mostly seem used for sizing kids clothes without having to get within smelling range of them.

So was THAT the promised big surprise at the end? No. There actually isn’t one, and anyway this isn’t the end. SURPRISE!

Value

The Vanelli’s £60 price is at the cheaper end of the jerseys we typically review – of the 25 newest at the time of writing, more (16) were over £100 than were under it. That alone marks the Vanelli out as good value, and to that you can add a great fit, solid quality, good performance and smart looks that (mostly) belie the price.

If you want something a little more relaxed and low-key in the colour department, the Sportful Classic Jersey is also £60 and is another solid choice. It lacks a zipped pocket, however.

The Boardman Mens 9 Series Short Sleeve Jersey is yet another solid option and cheaper at £50, though it’s a tad heavier at 145g and the sleeves don’t necessarily stay put.

Check out our best summer cycling jerseys buyer’s guide for more options.

Overall

This is a nicely made jersey that’s perfectly shaped and very comfy. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do and is stylish as it does so, and the price is attractive. Assuming you’re okay with either bright yellow or mint green, what’s not to like?

> Buy now: Vanelli Proline 2.0 jersey for £60 from Vanelli

Verdict

Great fit, shaping and comfort plus attractive pricing – only two colour options, though

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