Lusso Zigzag Multifunctional Neck Warmer

The Lusso Zigzag Multifunctional Neck Warmer is, as the name suggests, a multi-functional tube designed to be used in a variety of ways, not just protect against chills. Though hardly a new concept, it fits well and dries faster than more traditional types following a sharp shower.

OK, so let's talk tech. Well, it's our old friends polyester/Lycra (85 and 15% respectively). The fabric essentially feels like a very thin trade jersey and is peppered with tiny holes, presumably to retain warmth on the one hand, while trafficking wearer-generated stuff out.

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There's not much in it, but the fabric's slightly thinner than the equivalent Buff, though loses little in terms of warmth during break-of-dawn blasts or starry, midnight meanders. Between 3 and 7 degrees, I've tended to wear it bandit fashion, drawn up above my nose.

Traditionally, the combination of a decent tempo and breathing results in a soggy mouth and cheeks; that's before a sharp spring shower's thrown into the mix, and anything heavier can feel like you're being water-boarded.

Here, there's some clamminess for around 10 minutes or so, and under concerted efforts my glasses have steamed up briefly. It doesn't keep pace with those made from merino wool, though the fibres seem to dry faster than a standard Buff following sharp showers and more persistent, moderate rain.

The white on black zig-zag pattern quickly grew on me, and is a serious social chameleon, complementing my entire cycling wardrobe, and doesn't look out of place worn with jeans and a T-shirt and other casual civvies. Good news if you're fond of other outdoor activities, such as walking/hiking. It could also come in handy for summer motorcycling.

Though not retro-reflective, the white comes alive under car and street lighting for a little extra presence.

Given my generous shock of hair, I'm not particularly fond of hats or similar headwear beneath my helmet, at least not until Arctic winds start coursing through the vents and the mercury's struggling to hit zero degrees. Those with a thinner covering will be pleased to note that it makes a decent head-scarf too.

Chest infections are my Achilles heel. I'll recover from flu-type colds in a matter of days, but the phlegmy chain-smoker's rattle lingers for weeks. Bunched up around the neck, the remainder slid between baselayer and jersey to provide a much-appreciated chill-cheating overlap, without feeling remotely intrusive. At the other extreme, this technique also protects the nape area from strong, early season sun.

Like most of this genre, it's easily removed and folded into a jersey pocket without any drama.

Worn religiously, every ride, for 36 hours between late March and mid-April, it turned a bit whiffy, as all synthetics do. It machine washes beautifully at 30 degrees and dries in around 20 minutes, less if line drying on a breezy day. Subsequent testing suggests a quick bucket rinse after five hours of riding is sufficient to keep it socially acceptable, which is handy for touring and endurance riding.

Overall, I'd say merino models have the edge, but with a subsequent price hike; at the other extreme, those with some basic sewing skills could whip one up on a sewing machine in around 20 minutes from a scrap jersey. That aside, the Zigzag Multifunctional Neck Warmer does exactly what it says in the blurb and for a fair price.

Verdict

Useful multi-function tube that's comfortable to wear and reasonably priced