Ana Nichoola Curve Jacket

This jacket from Ana Nichoola has caused much excitement around the office, from the minute we saw the Curve prototypes at Cycle 09 back in October. It’s a jacket designed to appeal to the female cyclist who doesn’t want her riding gear to be just ‘functional’, but to have some style too.

To see the Curve is to love its looks. With quirky decorative flaps that fasten over the front zip, stylishly wavy reflective details down the arms and across the back, and a nicely dropped tail, this is a jacket that is all about the ‘curves’. The contoured cut of the jacket also goes along with this, hugging the shape of the body and delivering a flattering look that would work as well with jeans as with lycra tights.

That said, the cut won’t suit everyone. The size medium reviewed was pretty much spot on for a standard 12, but the length wouldn’t suit taller women or those particularly long in the body. Also, whilst the length of the sleeves is good, allowing for prolonged riding comfort, the shoulders and upper arms are on the neat side, and were decidedly snug across my shoulders and upper arms. Now admittedly I’ve got quite ‘beefy’ upper arms but this is not an issue I’ve encountered before in a cycling jacket. Slim built women probably won’t find this a problem, but it’s certainly best to try the jacket in a pseudo-riding position before committing to buy.

Fully waterproof and breathable, the fabric has a pleasant soft handle, unlike the crispiness of many waterproof jackets. There’s a choice of two linings when ordering (jackets are made to order- taking approximately 28 days), including the ‘winter’ one which I tried, a brushed thermal mesh. This lining is soft next to skin, and wicks well, but does mean the jacket runs on the warm side in energetic use, especially taking into account the fact that the only ventilation options are an integral vent across the shoulders and a zipped vent in the tail, although the way the flaps fasten at the front, you could also open the front zip for extra ventilation if necessary. The fabric does breathe well, even when working hard, and it is comfortable to wear. The other lining option is a standard mesh lining which may well be more versatile for those who tend to overheat.

The only other additional features are two small zipped pockets- one at the back and one at the side, and knitted stretch cuffs at the wrists which are a nice touch.

Verdict

A good jacket, stylish and well made, but the cut might not suit everybody, especially if you've good solid biceps.