Why London's new breed of cycling jerseys have gone super-luxe

Lycra has gone luxe with hip brands peddling sleek and high-tech cyclewear, says Rachael Sigee

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Rachael Sigee4 July 2016

The era of popping into Evans Cycles to pick up the latest Crédit Agricole team jersey is long gone, which is a relief to someone who, aged 12, watched in horror as her dad opened the front door to her friends in full Chris Boardman get-up.

Thankfully Lycra has gone luxe, and you no longer need to subscribe to a team’s brand-splashed look only to see it go out of date by September.

Now there are as many hip niche brands in town as there are craft breweries.

Sleek-looking basics are actually über-high-tech sports garments, such as Castelli’s Anima jersey with moisture-wicking fabric at the front and ventilation at the back. Women’s brand Queen of the Mountains has geometric print jerseys inspired by Mont Ventoux, one of the Tour de France’s favourite climbs.

There are the super-high-end options such as merino-and-silk blend jerseys by Café du Cycliste or POC’s Fondo jersey with a gummed hem to prevent it riding up.

Or keep things super-sleek with Pas Normal Studios, which brings Scandi simplicity to cycling with its unisex Solitude jerseys for awesome aerodynamics.

Click through our gallery above to discover the jerseys that get our top marks.