REVIEW: Cafe du Cycliste clothing
Cafe du Cycliste are a cycling clothing brand that push French style and fashion into their broad range of clothing
With a range from city casuals to dedicated winter and summer ranges for men and women, we took a closer look at some staples for cooler months – a long-sleeve jersey and a vest. The company offer fast shipping to Australia, and designs our smaller market may not otherwise receive.
Long-sleeve jerseys are often the missing item in a cyclist’s wardrobe. Not as bulky and better fitting than a jacket, and with better all over comfort than a summer jersey and armwarmers, it takes owning one to really understand how useful they are.
Cafe du Cycliste’s Huguette is highly fitted, using a material that has a light pile on the inside and a smoother finish on the outside. With 20% Elastane, it is a form fitting item, something that is often lost with a bulky jacket. The body has a snakeskin texture, although the arms are plain black, giving subtle design cues for otherwise simple elegance.
The fit is beyond reproach, as the performance cut favours an on-the-bike wear with a short front, longer back, slim cut sleeves and great grippers for the cuffs and legs.
Against the skin, or an undershirt, the jersey has a soft feel and even as the temperature rises from a cool start, the material remains comfortable against your body. As a full-service jersey it has a full zip (with guard for your chin and neck), three pockets and a zippered security pocket so you’ll always arrive back home with your door key.
This has been a go-to item so far in the cooler months, as it works so well with a base layer, a vest like the Jacqueline or with a full jacket. Best of all, the timeless style will look good for years to come.
Pros:
– Super-comfortable next to skin
– Considered fit and features
Cons:
– Short at the front for walking into the cafe
RRP: $184
From: cafeducycliste.com
Jacqueline Audax Gilet
Part of the longer distance collection, the Jacqueline has a heavier weight material than the lightest options from Cafe du Cycliste, and the back has the lower portion covered, with only mesh near the shoulders. The gilet does have pockets, which is helpful for long days on the road, and it is still compact enough to pack into your jersey pocket, or roll into its own.
The windproof material keeps a chill off your chest, while the high collar gives you somwhere to nestle a cold chin. As you would expect, it has reflective elements, and the lycra trim helps keep it snug on the body. While the item has a slim fit we found it a slightly larger fit than the equivalent Huguette. Which is ideal if you’re likely to size it over a thicker jersey – but something to be aware of if you’re in a temperate climate. In which case, we would have sized down.
Pros:
– Unique design and appearance
– Great features and materials
Cons:
– Check sizing for your use
RRP: $144
From: cafeducycliste.com
