Solo St Neith Jersey

New Zealand brand Solo has been around for a few years now but it has recently got improved distribution in the UK so you're likely to see more of their products, such as this St Neith jersey, than previously.

There are several screen-printed Solo Classique jerseys to choose from and, living up to their name, each has a classic look. Call it retro if you like, there's a kind of 1950s or 60s vibe here with enough going on to make the jersey look interesting but not so much that it's cluttered. It's going to come down to personal taste, of course, but I reckon the Classique tops look stylish across the board.

Their St Neith jersey is made from Nuovotech polyester which is a mid-weight summer fabric. It's not as light and airy as a mesh but it does a good job of wicking sweat away from your body to keep you feeling comfortable, doesn't get waterlogged easily, and dries pretty fast while you're riding. You might want something lighter for mega-hot rides, but for typical UK summer temperatures it's a good choice.

The collar and cuffs are polycotton/Lycra although they feel soft and natural. They're ribbed and stretchy so you get a snug but not too tight fit. The other details are top quality too. You get a silicone gripper around the inside of the waistband that helps prevent any riding up and the neck zipper is a high-end option. 18cm long, it has a sturdy feel and it locks at whatever height you position it rather than creeping down.

The usual three pockets in the lower back come with elasticated tops to help keep your stuff from jumping out, and there's a little zipped compartment on the outside of the right-hand one that's ideal for stashing your phone and a bit of cash safely.

Sizing is about average but go to the size chart on Solo's website http://www.solocc.com/product.cfm?cid=14&pid=1 to be on the safe side. The cut is traditionally slim and there's enough give in the fabric that a close fit doesn't feel at all restrictive.

You can buy a jersey for much less money than this... but you can pay a lot more too. This top doesn't break any new ground in terms of technical innovation, but it's an attractive design and it does its job well.

Verdict

Stylish summer jersey with high-quality features