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Huez* Dri-Wink T

8
£40.00

VERDICT:

8
10
A stylish, good quality tee that performs just as well on the bike as it does off it
Weight: 
194g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Britain's massive (two-day) heatwave might have been and gone for another year, but with warmer weather lingering on (fingers crossed) for the next couple of months, staying cool and comfortable on the bike is still an issue. There are plenty of lightweight jerseys out there that make a fine job of this, but when it comes to riding around town there's a call for something a little more 'everyday' to meet the mark. Huez* has the answer in its Dri-Wink T.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Huez* is a London-based outfit specialising in stylish urban apparel that, in the company's own words, ''make the city commute a more friendly experience''. Huez* is a name that's becoming pretty familiar to us here at road.cc Towers. We've reviewed a handful of its products over the last year (find them here), and the kit certainly meets the mark in blending fashion and performance.

Buy this online here 

The Dri-Wink T is simple, stylish T-shirt aimed at the the 'stylish commuter' market, allowing a seamless transition from bike to desk without the hassle of getting changed, but with the benefit of technical fabric. The tee has the Huez* signature typographic 'wink' design screen printed on the front and the 'Make Your Escape*' slogan across the back. It's branding of sorts but in a subtle way, not like having the company name emblazoned across the chest. The left sleeve has a small contrasting tab featuring the Huez* asterisk, and the brand name is subtly screen printed at the bottom corner of the back.

The sleeves, hem and neck are all finished with the Huez* zig-zag stitching, which it uses across a number of its garments. Not really something that's particularly noticeable to the passer-by, but a nice attention to detail nonetheless.

The tee has a relaxed fit, cut so there's plenty of room to move on the bike but not so loose that it's flapping about as you ride. The hem comes down just low enough that it doesn't ride up as you reach forward, and the sleeves and neck are relaxed enough that you're not restricted at all.

Off the bike it's just a T-shirt. None of the technical aspects are visible so you can slip off the bike and into the office, or the pub, without looking like you've arrived in your cycling kit.

The Dri-Wink T is mainly constructed of polyester (85%) and cotton (15%), with a bit of elastane (5%) thrown in for that useful bit of stretch. The main technical aspect of the material is the dri-release technology. The dri-release fabric does a great job of wicking away moisture from the body, particularly useful on some of the stickier summer rides to the office.

It also dries quickly, handy for sweat patches caused by a rucksack on your back, or if you're caught in a sudden rain shower, and also helping to keep the fabric staying fresh for longer than an ordinary cotton tee. Another benefit of dri-release is that it's permanent; it's woven into the yarn so won't degrade with washing, unlike some chemical treatments.

It really did do a great job of wicking away sweat during the hottest of days. It's also really comfortable against the skin and has a real quality look and feel to it. The tee hasn't visibly degraded whatsoever after seven or eight washes.

The Dri-Wink T comes in two colours: Lazulite (blue), which I've been testing, or Ecru (white). It's available in sizes that range from Small to XXL – that's chest sizes of 36 to 44 inches.

Many people will baulk at the suggestion of paying £40 for a T-shirt, but it's pretty decent value for a good looking, high quality item with technical performance. Those same people probably wouldn't think twice about paying more than that for a high-street brand without the performance or quality this tee offers.

Verdict

A stylish, good quality tee that performs just as well on the bike as it does off it

road.cc test report

Make and model: Huez Dri-Wink T

Size tested: Medium, blue

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Huez* Dri-Wink T is a simple T-shirt with added technical performance, aimed at commuters.

Huez* says: "The Huez* Dri-Wink T-Shirt is the easy wear garment for the stylish commuter."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

A simple tee with a relaxed cut for wearing on the bike, made from a mixture of cotton, polyester and elastane. The fabric features dri-release technology, which helps wick away moisture, is fast drying and comfortable to ride in.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

A well made tee with nice attention to detail.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

After seven or eight washes the tee hasn't visibly degraded at all.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

A really comfortable tee to ride in.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Really well. To look at it's just a normal tee but the dri-release fabric really helps in warmer weather.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The style and the dri-release material.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

A really nice tee. Stylish, comfortable to wear on and off the bike, and the dri-release fabric really does make a difference.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 5'10"  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: KHS Flite 100 Singlespeed/Fixed, Genesis Equilibrium 20  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed

 

Oli has been a road.cc staffer since day one. He's the creative and photography force behind the site, and has got a keen eye for good quality, well designed cycling kit. You'll find him on his bike most days whether it's commuting, riding with his kids, or tackling a climb on Zwift. He's got a penchant for a steel frame and has had 'fit mudguards' on his To Do list for nearly 8 years now. Likes: France, gin, cat memes. Dislikes: fitting mudguards. 

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Curly | 9 years ago
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Are they having a laugh!  1

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