15 highlights from La Passione's new 2020/21 winter cycling clothing range

La Passione have combined technical weatherproof fabrics with a classic race fit and signature block colours to create a stylish range of autumn and winter clothing that’s designed to perform in all conditions.

The Italian clothing company design all their clothing in house, on the southwest side of Lake Garda, and the brand’s manufacturing partners are also located in Italy’s ‘sportswear valley’.

La Passione say that their direct-to-consumer business model allows them to price their Italian-made premium clothing lower than their competitors, even though they might use the same high-end fabrics, because La Passione sell exclusively though their website with no intermediaries, distributors, agents or retailers – it's a business model that has been used with some notable successes for many different cycling products over the last few years. 

His quality at lower than expected prices is just part of the story for La Passione though. Sustainability is also an integral part of La Passione’s ethos. Suppliers, laundries and factories are screened to ensure all La Passione products are made under fair, sweatshop-free conditions using the best possible fabrics with the least environmental impact.

That's who they are, now let’s take a look at the new 2020/21 autumn/winter collection.

Prestige Thermal Jersey and Prestige Winter Tights

For early winter or slightly milder days, the new Prestige Thermal Jersey (£110) is the result of improvements to La Passione’s previous winter collection, which has been updated following customers’ suggestions, in particular the ergonomics and fit.

The Prestige Thermal Jersey is made from a cosy thermofleece fabric that performs optimally in temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. Complementing La Passione’s usual classy, minimalist style, there are three rear pockets, one of which is doubled and features a zipped waterproof inner pocket. The front of the waistline has bonded seams, a race-fit neck with a zip garage to avoid pinching, an internal wind catcher and a bottom bonded hem to keep the jersey in place effectively.

It also features La Passione’s reflective logo and ‘hold the line’ motto, and is available in six signature colours.

Meanwhile, the La Passione Prestige Winter Tights (above, £152), which are designed for temperatures between 4° and 10°C, are made from premium ThermoRoubaix Endurance fabric, which is hard-wearing but soft and fleecy on the inside. Like the Prestige Deep Winter Tights, they feature an Elastic Interface pad for extra-long distance rides.

Available in blue or black, the blue version features a silver reflective logo on the calf while the black one has a dark silver logo. Both have reflective piping stripes and logos for increased visibility during dark or overcast rides. 

Also new from La Passione this season are the Club Winter Tights (£124), which are full-length, warmer versions of the Club Bib Shorts. For riding in temperatures from 5°C to 12°C, these are La Passione’s lightest tights.

Prestige Deep Winter Collection

The Prestige Deep Winter collection comprises a jersey and tights made from a new low-volume, three-layer fabric that’s designed to regulate body temperature while remaining wind and water resistant. The outer layer is completely weatherproof with a DWR treatment, while the fleecy inner layer retains warmth. The sandwiched membrane allows built-up heat to escape.

These two garments are for riding in temperatures from -2°C to 8°C.

With a new fit that features crease-free sleeves, ergonomic cuffs, and a longer back, La Passione say the Prestige Winter Jacket (£160) is the essential winter garment. It has two oversized rear pockets with a third waterproof zipped storage pocket and comes in a choice of six colours.

Both jacket and tights feature large reflective elements for increased visibility in low light conditions.

The Prestige Deep Winter Tights (£170) are built around an Elastic Interface pad for extra-long distance rides, they have a comfortable and warm bib section for increased insulation, a super-clean zipless elastic ankle cuff and are available in black.

Palmares women’s tights

The Palmares Winter Tights (£115) are women-specific and were developed for winter rides in the coldest conditions. Made from premium quality Italian fleece-backed Blizzard fabric and equipped with a women-specific pad manufactured by leading brand EIT, the Palmares tights are designed to be comfortable for six hours-plus in the saddle.

Double front panels on the knees supply extra protection from the cold, while a hydrophilic treatment makes them shower resistant. The lack of bib straps supplies extra versatility.

The Palmares tights are available in black or blue.

Duo Winter Jacket

A new addition to La Passione’s double-colours collection is the Duo Winter Jacket (£126).

A softshell-style garment that can be layered with a waterproof/windproof outer, the Duo is made with a soft, protective fleece-backed fabric that supplies a high level of warmth. A close-cut collar and double cuffs help trap body heat when the temperature dips. The full-length zip has an inner storm flap and a cam-lock puller that allows you to operate it one-handed. The Duo Winter Jacket has three generous-sized pockets, reflective details and comes in three different colour combinations.

PSN Windproof Jacket

The lightweight, packable PSN Windproof Jacket (£110) is ideal for stuffing in the pocket of the Duo Winter Jacket as an outer shell layer to deploy if the weather changes or for a long, chilly descent. Made from a windproof but breathable fabric that's 10K DWR treated, the PSN Windproof Jacket has a two-way zip that allows easy access to jersey pockets or extra ventilation. The double-layered membrane fabric incorporates a degree of stretch for additional comfort.

The PSN Windproof Jacket is available in four colours to match La Passione’s PSN jersey collection and features reflective details for optimum winter visibility.

Windproof Gilet

With even greater packability than the PSN Windproof Jacket, La Passione’s Windproof Gilet (£76) combines a windproof front to protect the torso, with a mesh back that stops you from overheating. Its snug, aero fit means you’re not losing speed despite layering up against the weather.

Like the PSN Windproof Jacket, this gilet has a two-way zip, reflective detailing and comes in six colours to match the PSN jerseys.

Merino Base Layers

Also new for this season are the La Passione Merino Base Layers, available long sleeved (£55) or short sleeved (£48). Soft against the skin, boasting great thermoregulatory properties and odour resistance, these are ideal winter undervests.

New Zealand merino wool is combined with 22 per cent polyamide and 11 per cent elastane to increase its durability and stretch.

These base layers can of course be worn not just in winter but all year round, and come in four colours.

Add the La Passione Merino Neck Warmer (£22) for extra protection and while you're at it you might as well treat your toes to some toasty merino goodness with the Merino Socks (£15). Both are available in the same four matching colours.

Gloves and overshoes

If the extremities start to chill off, the rest of the body is likely to follow suit, so La Passione have your hands and feet well covered.

The new La Passione Deep Winter Gloves (£55, above) are the company’s warmest gloves from a range of three that also includes Winter and Mid Season. Made from a three-layer softshell fabric, these are waterproof and windproof and will keep out the cold from 6°C down to -4°C. The palm and fingers are coated with a silicone grip pattern for a safe hold on the handlebar, while the backs have La Passione’s reflective logo printed onto them.

La Passione’s warmest overshoes, the Winter Overshoes (£52), are completely waterproof with taped seams and a coated rear cam-lock zip.

The sole has two openings and is highly abrasion resistant, while the heel section is extra-reinforced.

Silicone ankle grippers ensure a close fit, while reflective detailing keeps you visible as your feet move around the pedal stroke. Like the gloves, the Winter Overshoes are available in black or blue.

See the whole range at uk.lapassione.cc.