Club Ride DSG Womens Skirt

The Club Ride DSG skirt (the acronym is a mystery) isn't something I'd usually wear, but having tested it I'm won over – it's going to be a commuting staple this summer.

Primarily, it's all about the look – I like the cute, netball skirt styling with the pleats, and the seam on the bias at the front. It's stylish enough to get away with keeping it on at work for the day as a 'normal' skirt. This one is in a subtle check called Cosmic Raven, but it's also available in plain grey and a stone colour. The skirt goes well with Club Ride's strappy Phoenix top for warm summer rides – with the outfit on you look like you could be off to a disco rather than on a bike ride!

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Aside from appearance, it's super-comfy – the material is so lightweight you can't really feel you're wearing it. The waistband sits low on the hips (with an internal drawcord to adjust it) and the polyester fabric has 7% Spandex added to make it super stretchy widthways. It's quick drying too, so if you get caught in a shower it's no drama. The skirt does up with a simple zip at the back, with a material baffle to prevent accidental snagging. There are no buttons or hooks to fiddle with.

As with most of Club Ride's range, the fit is relaxed so I opted for a size down from the medium one photographed, which was a bit too low slung to be practical. To preserve your modesty on the bike, you need to wear Lycra shorts underneath, although if you have perfect pins you could show them off and team it up with some padded shorts-style underwear (Club Ride do a selection). Just bear in mind if you do any out-of-the-saddle climbing, you'll be flashing your derrière at the riders behind!

The DSG sports a diagonally zipped pocket on the front hip, which is spacious enough for keys and an iPhone, and very handy for a train ticket. There's a reflective logo below it as well as a tag on the left-hand side – being an American company their clothing is designed to be seen by right-hand lane motorists.

This skirt has converted me – I wouldn't feel comfortable commuting in Lycra shorts on their own as I travel part way by train and on foot (walking through the city centre in Lycra is not a good look!), so being able to wear them underneath a skirt is an ideal solution. I think it's well worth the price tag, especially as it can double up as casual clothing.

Verdict

A cute and useful skirt that injects some femininity into your cycling wardrobe