2XU Women's Sub Cycle Jersey

2XU's Women's Sub Cycle Jersey is bright, breathable and very comfy – it's perfect for summer riding. If you are not a fan of race-fit kit it might well be for you, provided the single colour choice and rather high price tag don't turn you off.

• Pros: Construction quality, bright design, casual cut, breathable Aero Mesh X fabric
• Cons: Lack of underarm ventilation, no gripper on rear hem, pricey

The jersey is designed for use in warm weather, and the recent stint of sunshine we've been having in the UK was great for testing, plus I also took it overseas.

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2XU really brags about the breathability of the top, the rear mesh panel being made of 2XU's Aero Mesh X fabric, which is supposed to help transfer moisture away from the skin. I have to say it's really good – even when it got to the mid-20s, despite me sweating, this panel never felt damp.

The remaining panels are made of High Fil Sub (high filament) fabric, which has similar properties with a slightly thicker feel and less transparency.

The collar design seems slightly at odds, though: doubled over material and one level all round, it's almost promoting a build-up of the heat and moisture that the jersey is designed to alleviate. I found myself riding with the zip open much of the time.

The jersey also lacks underarm ventilation. The Aero Mesh X doesn't reach round under the pits, instead the thicker High Fil Sub material is used here. I really noticed this when doing very long rides, with dampness building up over time.

I tested a medium and I wouldn't have wanted any other size (it's not me in the pics). It's not a race-fit cut but it is far from baggy. I noticed that there was much more length to the jersey than with many others I've tested; sometimes a race-fit is too short in the body, so this was a refreshing change. It's spot on for someone with a longer torso, or those who like to have decent protection over their lower back.

The construction is top quality too, and the fabrics are stretchy – movement never feels restricted.

While the sleeves incorporate a wide, dimpled silicone band to help hold them in place, the base hem is just an elasticated band. This seems a bit of an oversight, and was an issue when I put something heavy in a side pocket and didn't balance the weight evenly – the jersey swings excessively to one side.

The three rear pockets are generous – deeper than many summer jerseys thanks to the extra length in the main torso panels. The inclusion of some reflective trim here is great too, something often overlooked on summer kit.

The design itself, bright and bold, makes a refreshing change from having black as a base colour, although there is only one colour combination. The design is sure to appeal to many, though.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best summer cycling jerseys

I did have an issue with the washing instructions: cold wash only. I followed these initially but the top didn't really smell fresh after a wash, and the white inside collar wasn't coming up clean. I upped it to 30 degrees and this sorted both issues. Have I shortened the life of the jersey? Possibly, but who wants to ride round in a musty, grubby jersey?

> Read more road.cc reviews of women's cycling clothing here

And so to value. With an RRP of £80 this is not a cheap option. That said, it's in line with the big manufacturers, for example Santini's Volo Short Sleeve Jersey at £80 or Sportful's Women's Diva Jersey at £75. However, anyone looking to economise might want to consider the Boardman Women's Jersey that was reviewed last year by Ashia; it looks a very close match with regards to design, and is only £30.

Verdict

Well made and sure to appeal to those who like length in a jersey, but slightly overpriced given it has some niggles