Hackney GT Women's Trackster Jersey

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Hackney GT Women's Trackster short sleeve cycling jersey is an aesthetically unique garment with a cut that claims to fit 'a true body size.' Hackney pride themselves on kit that is built to last with designs that 'are influenced by many aspects both inside and outside of cycling, creating a vibrant alternative to traditional cycling clothing.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

~ Lycra side and arm panels for extra comfort and good fit

~ Golf ball weave polyester wicking performance fabric for the main body

~ Full length heavy duty zip

~ Three large and angled back pockets

~ Rubber gripper to rear

~ Reflective rear tab

~ Hidden zipped 4th back pocket large enough for iPhone 6

The garment is well constructed, the best part is that this has been done in England!

The lightweight fabric promoted excellent ventilation. The loose fit meant that there was no feelings of movement being inhibited but if you unevenly loaded the pockets the jersey was prone to swinging to one side due to it's loose fit. The pockets are generous so lend themselves to being loaded up which is great. The jersey was best suited to warmer weather, a couple of thin base layers were required as the temperatures dropped.

I wore the jersey on and off-road, and for touring; it stood up well throughout. It has certainly not faded or lost shape through washing and wear.

The jersey is really not cut for a feminine figure. I found it loose, particularly around the midriff, much more of a jersey that would suit an off-roader, tourer, or a fuller female figure. That said, it felt comfortable with no restriction, pulling or gathering. If you like to know that kit flatters your shape then this probably isn't for you.

These are generous sizes. Make sure that you check the sizing chart on the website. They are certainly not like the majority of other manufacturers.

Lightweight and a weightless feel when on the torso.

If the tight fitting, figure hugging road kit that many manufacturers produce is not your cup of tea then you will love this looser design. If you like to feel rather more 'secure' in your kit or know that it flatters your shape then this probably isn't for you.

A price that is certainly competitive. With potential economic change around the corner this company is worth supporting and will hopefully thrive in post-Brexit U.K.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

The limited amount of lycra means that the jersey doesn't lose it's shape through washing and wear like some jerseys can. You'll love that the instructions are printed on the interior of the collar: no labels!

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The jersey does perform well on the bike if the pockets are evenly loaded, maybe not a necessity if your figure is generous enough to fill the midriff area of the garment.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

I personally liked the jersey for off-roading and touring. I like to have a snug fitting jersey on the road. It was nice that the jersey held it's shape with washing and wear. The pockets were a great size and easily accessible.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It really wasn't a flattering cut for me.

Use this box to explain your score

The garment is super value and performs well but is not really tapered for a feminine figure. The statement by Hackney does clearly defend this 'fuller figure' cut. Their sizing chart needs to be checked carefully too. A great jersey but not one that I would personally be selecting to use on the road in a rush.