Merino jerseys are much talked about amongst cyclists and for good reason – they are great at keeping you warm and great for keeping you cool, too. They’re also very comfortable, lightweight and versatile.
The Vulpine Merino Button Jersey is a jersey that all of these points certainly apply to.
Vulpine has become a brand that many cyclists are fond of. It’s not got the same ‘marmite’ factor as Rapha has, but the price bracket is roughly the same and by that I mean it’s expensive. However, putting aside the price point for a second, this jersey (which retails at £85) is hard to complain about – and believe me I’ve tried.
While it looks like a very simple top, and there are many ‘merino cycling shirts’ out there that cost a fair bit cheaper, few of them compare with this.
The Good bits
From the moment you first put it on the comfort of this jersey is a joy to behold. The fit is superb, with the elastic keeping the top tight in the right places. There’s nothing special about that, I hear you say, and you’re right – but when you get out on the bike and you realise that even after 20 minutes cycling you still feel relatively cool, despite it being a warm day, then you know you’ve got a good jersey on.
We’ve had some warm weather (even in the rain) in London lately and my fellow commuters will no doubt share my pleasure in this fact. It usually takes me three or four days to adjust to the change in temperature, and my British cynicism teaches me to wrap up warm even in late May.
But the Vulpine Merino Jersey has kept me very cool, and the button neck is incredibly welcome for male cyclists wanting to feel the air on their chests (a woman’s version is available too) It’s a simple addition, but from my experience of other Vulpine products simplicity is what they do excellently, and it’s no doubt part of the reason why they’ve become increasingly popular.
The rear pockets are nothing more than you expect from any cycling jersey, but they are easily accessible (easier than on other jerseys I have, that’s for sure) and hold the usual gear.
The negatives
I am struggling to think of any. Yes, the price is the obvious one, and cyclists could debate all day about whether premium cycling gear is worth the money. At £85 it’s an expensive jersey, but it feels good and looks good too.
All in all, if it fits your budget, then the Vulpine jersey is excellent. But whichever way you look at it, £85 is a lot of money for a t-shirt – even one that is as superb as this one.
How is the fit? I find some jerseys are too unkind to pear shaped men like me, who still have the belly hanging on despite a lot of weight loss since I took up cycling.
Does it have a slim fit feel? They can sometimes grip a little too much around the gut.
I would love to own one, but it’s hard to find a cycling jersey that is flattering.
Hi Dan, I genuinely find it very well fitting – definitely not too tight, and not too baggy. It’s a slim-ish fit – but certainly not as slim as many other cycling tops.
I own a Vulpine Alpine jersey. The fit is really good; slim fit but not too tight. It also looks really good and it’s made of merino wool.
The last comment in Jack’s article I think is misleading. Yes £85 is a lot but given the style, quality and fit I’d say it’s justified.
I have one of these, and it’s great apart from the fact the pockets on mine are useless – they’re too small for a pump or a second layer, and the zip pocket is plain flimsy. Even half fill the wee thing, and the stitching starts to give way.
I love the look and feel of this jersey around town, but it’s no good at all for what I actually bought it for – going on long rides in the country. Thankfully, I have two other jerseys that have deep strong useful pockets – and they’re my choice for long day rides.
Please check this jersey out yourself before you splash £85 on it.