'A brilliantly practical endurance jersey' - Rapha Women's Brevet Merino Jersey III review
A quality garment that combines premium fabric, thoughtful storage, all-day comfort, and night-time reflective detailing
The Rapha Women's Brevet Merino Jersey III, introduced in 2013, is a revamped endurance jersey designed to meet the needs of ultra racing. It was created based on feedback from TCR champions Victor Bosoni and Jana Kesenheimer, aiming to provide a performance edge for self-supported adventures. This jersey, made from Rapha Performance Merino (RPM), a blend of 64% recycled cationic polyester and 36% merino wool, boasts natural temperature regulation, quick drying, and odor resistance.
The design features updated Brevet stripes with a new perforated pattern, reducing weight, while rear pockets have been relocated to a separate panel, improving airflow and reducing heat and moisture buildup. The jersey is available in sizes XXS to XL, offering two colourways: Black/Black and Dark Forest/Silver. During testing, the jersey fit well around the torso but was found to be too short in the body for one tester, suggesting a sizing up might be beneficial.
The sleeve seams are not stretchy, potentially causing a muffin-top effect, and the shorter body length places the pockets higher on the back. Despite these minor issues, the jersey performs well in temperatures between 14-24°C (57-75°F), offering insulation without overheating. Its merino blend efficiently resists odors, making it suitable for multi-day rides and reducing the need for frequent laundry.
The reflective Brevet stripes enhance visibility in low-light conditions, making the jersey a practical choice for endurance cycling.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
