Santini Women’s Coral Thermal Jersey

The Santini Coral Thermal jersey is comfortable and functional and great for dry, cool days in the saddle. It performs well with a baselayer and also fits well under a jacket for when the temperatures really drop.

• Pros: Slim design means it fits easily under jackets
• Cons: Very little lower back coverage, not cheap

The jersey's lining is a soft and warm thermofleece, which Santini claims helps to maintain a constant body temperature and suggests that it is ideal (with a baselayer) in temperatures between 15 and 20°C. I put this to the test (a while ago!) and absolutely cooked. The collar area and upper back absorbed buckets of sweat and didn't dry out in a rush – not pleasant. The jersey got its second outing in somewhat cooler conditions and really shone. It was about 6°C and, with a baselayer, kept me 'just warm enough'.

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Subsequent testing has all been between 8-13°C and the jersey has really performed as it is designed to: it's kept me suitably warm without causing me to experience temperature extremes.

The cuffs are very well designed to prevent any cold air shooting up the sleeves; they are snug, stretchy and slim so will go under any glove, or over a low bulk one.

A biting wind does cut through the jersey itself, though, so don't expect it to keep you warm on its own as the temperatures continue to drop. However, it doesn't have to become redundant as it fits perfectly well under a winter jacket to provide an extra layer without making you resemble Michelin man.

I found the jersey very short in the body; if you like to feel a decent amount of lower back protection this probably won't suit you. I personally made sure I was in winter tights or had an exceptionally long-backed baselayer on. I hate any sense of cold air over the lowest part of my back.

It is a slim fit and the sleeves are particularly snug. The big advantage of this is that there is very little bulk so, as mentioned, the jersey makes for a great mid-layer. The snug fit also helps to hold the jersey in place – a good job as there is no sign of silicone or elastic around the lower hem.

Santini has used a slightly stretchier material for the lower back panel. It reaches round the side and makes for a flattering look. The pockets are made of the same fabric and can consequently handle a decent amount of kit. In addition to the bog standard three at the rear, Santini has added another two, one on each side. These are much easier to access than the rear ones, which sit quite high because of the jersey's short length.

Make sure you use the ample pocket space to stash a water-resistant shell or gilet, too, as the jersey doesn't tolerate rain at all.

I think the design is attractive and is available in three different colours, the 'Aqua Blue' I tested, Purple, and Bordeaux (a kind of dark red wine colour). The rear features a strip of reflective piping over the top of the pockets and the signature Lizzie (Deignan, née Armitstead) logo; the track and road racer endorses this range.

> Buyer's Guide: 13 of the best winter cycling jerseys

Santini has added £10 on to the price of the jersey from last year's model, and at £90 it's at the upper end of the price range when compared to similar tops. Although we haven't tested the new winter range, last year's £65 dhb Aeron Roubaix got a decent review, while Sportful's thermal designs range from £80-£90.

Overall, I'd say the Coral Jersey is a decent investment if you intend to use it as a mid-layer through winter as well as enjoying it on its own during spring and autumn. It functions really well in a specific temperature range, and looks great, too.

Verdict

Performs well, but don't be misled by the temperature guidance