De Marchi Pure Classic Merino jersey

De Marchi's aptly named Pure Classic Italian-made Merino wool mix jersey is an absolute beauty – the styling is so cool it’ll freeze your fingers. It might not make you ride like Jacques Anquetil or Fausto Coppi, but at least you’ll look the part.

Made from a blend of lightweight merino wool and acrylic, it’s soft next to your skin – not at all scratchy – and it’s stretchy enough for a classic close fit without any tightness. It feels really good on.

It’s a fairly loose weave compared to some wool jerseys – not mesh-like, but open enough for good ventilation in hot conditions. That means it doesn’t get as heavy as some when you work up a sweat and it dries out reasonably quickly, although no wool jersey can compete with a synthetic option on that front. Unlike many synthetics, though, it still feels comfortable when damp, and it doesn’t take on a perma-stink aroma a few rides in.

The front zip is full length so you can open it right up for the complete air-conditioning effect when you’re gunning up Alpine cols or just your local one 1:5, while the ribbed collar sits nice and snug around your neck when you want to keep the draught out. The rear isn’t extended but we found the cut long enough to keep us fully covered, while the pockets back there are neatly buttoned… and that’s it as far as features go. Classic, see. This is a jersey that doesn’t need to try too hard.

It's easy to look after too. You just bung it in the machine on a cold setting although you need to let it line dry. As for the price, well, you can certainly buy cheaper. Endura’s BaaBaa Merino Tech Jersey, for example, is £44.99. Rapha’s Sportwool (merino and polyester blend) Club Jersey, on the other hand, is £95, so the De Marchi is pricey, but not outlandish.

It's also available in grey with a green stripe and there's a women's version too in a choice of colours.

Verdict

Lightweight merino/acrylic jersey with a decent performance and masses of style