Vulpine launch Epic clothing range for autumn

Vulpine have launched a new and expanded range of Epic cotton clothing, with two jackets, trousers and shorts. They first utilised Epic cotton in their Cotton Rain Jacket in 2012, and it’s clear they’ve fallen for the qualities of the fabric for cycle clothing.

It's easy to see why. Epic cotton boasts good breathability and is water- and wind-resistant. That makes it ideal for autumn cycling, where you need protection from the elements but the temperature is still generally high enough to warrant good heat regulation. Deciding then to create a full outfit from Epic cotton, Vulpine offer the Original Rain and Harrington Rain jackets, Cotton Rain Shorts and Cotton Rain Trousers. Each is available in a range of colours and for men and women, and are available on their updated website now.

The Original Rain Jacket is the updated version of the Cotton Rain Jacket road.cc reviewed last year, which scored four out of five stars. It’s now available in four colours and they’ve made a few changes.

The bum flap, or splash guard to give it its technical name, can now be unzipped and removed completely.

The cuffs are lined with Scotchlite fabric and can be turned up when you need extra visibility. All zips are waterproofed, ventilation is supplied by a open back across the shoulders, and there is a reflective light loop around the back. The price has gone up a little though, it now costs £210.

The Harrington Rain Jacket has a more relaxed style compared to the Original, based of course on the classic jacket first made in the 1930s. “A casual jacket as home keeping a split frozen margarita at bay as it is bombing past hedgerows in the teeming rain,” proclaims the Vulpine website. Not sure about the margarita myself, but each to their own.

It’s of course made from Epic cotton with waterproof zips, fleece-lined cuffs, magnetic neck and pocket closures a rear reflective loop. For women Vulpine have modified the cut, wider at the hips and chest, in at the waist. It costs £195 and is available in several colours.

The Cotton Rain Shorts offer comfort and practicality for anyone looking for a short for touring or commuting. They’re cut just above the knee, with what they hope is just the right amount of bagginess, slimmer than their Tailored shorts. They’ve designed the gusset so there’s no seam to sit on and cause discomfort.

Waist adjusters let you tailor the fit, there’s reflective lined hems and tabs on the sides for visibility, a couple of pockets, including a zipped pocket and key carabiner hidden in the main pocket. They cost £115 with various colours to choose from.

Lastly, the Cotton Rain Trousers. These feature the same details as the shorts, but with tapered legs and articulated knees. There’s button adjusters at the ankles and the waist is lower than their Tailored Trousers. They cost £140.

There are new merinos tops and softshell jackets coming in October, we’ll keep you updated on those. Check out www.vulpine.cc for more details on the new range.