Lusso Ladies Aqua Repel Jacket V2

Based in Manchester where they design and manufacture their kit, the people at Lusso clearly have plenty of experience of the often miserable and very changeable British weather and they have drawn upon on all of this to create the versatile Ladies Aqua Repel jacket, which performs well in a wide range of conditions.

• Pros: Extremely versatile, windproof and water-resistant
• Cons: Comes up a bit short at the front

As yet Lusso doesn't do a women's version of the Aqua Repel Extreme V2 that so impressed Stu when he reviewed it, so this jacket sits at the top of Lusso's women's waterproof jacket range. And while it it may not have quite the all-out protection levels of the Extreme V2, it is 15 quid cheaper.

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The Ladies Aqua Repel is made from Windtex fabric which Lusso describes as 'lightweight thermal, windproof, water-resistant and waterproof'. It has a four-way stretch to fit and adapt perfectly to the body.

In light rain and showers, water simply beaded and pooled on the fabric before running off, with no signs of anything getting in. Heavier and more persistent downpours proved more of a challenge and I got more than a little damp on occasion. However, it still did a great job at keeping the majority of water out in anything but the most unpleasant of riding conditions.

On windy days, I was impressed at how well the fabric kept the chill out, with the addition of a storm flap on the full length zip ensuring full protection. The fabric also proved incredibly breathable on warmer days. The general temperature regulation and versatility of the jacket is definitely a big plus point.

One thing worth bearing in mind is that the jacket does come up small and you'll almost certainly want to size up. I usually wear a UK size 8 (an XS on the size guide), but the small I tested was definitely the right size. (It's not me in the photos – it's definitely a bit too tight on Tass.)

The four-way stretch fabric offers a close and comfortable fit that isn't at all restrictive. There was a little extra material around the top of my back and shoulders, but I didn't notice this at all while riding. The sleeves are a good length and the cuffs are a comfortable fit, if loose, with room to tuck a pair of gloves underneath should you need them.

Around the front, the jacket is shorter than many, often leaving my jersey sticking out underneath. At the back, though, the long dropped tail keeps you well covered on the bike and offers a great bit of extra protection from spray off the roads.

The high collar offers extra protection and warmth, which is great in principle, but with the jacket fully zipped I found the collar uncomfortably high and preferred to ride with it slightly open.

The three rear pockets are very deep and easy to reach, offering plenty of storage, along with a fourth really well-sized zipped pocket for valuables. Reflective trimming all around the pockets and rear hem ensures plenty of visibility too.

As for value, £135 is about what I would expect to pay for this jacket; it's significantly cheaper than the similar and very popular Castelli Perfetto. That said, the £105 dhb Aeron Rain Defence Long Sleeved Jersey is worth a look. It's not quite as warm or waterproof, but still versatile and good value, especially as it is currently almost half price online.

Verdict

Very versatile and comfortable jacket for cooler showery days