Rapha Women's Brevet Long Sleeve Windblock Jersey

I'm a big fan of wearing a gilet and arm warmers, and was sceptical about how useful the Rapha Women's Brevet Long Sleeve Windblock Jersey would be – a lightweight merino jersey with a kind of 'sewn-on' (and therefore non-removable) gilet – but I'm completely smitten by it. It blocks wind, doesn't overheat, and is perfect for late winter and spring rides. The only problem I have is making sure I can get it washed and dried overnight so I can wear it day after day.

I confess to being predisposed to liking Rapha kit, but I really wasn't sure about this combination. The Classic Gilet has been a constant companion in milder weather for years, and I couldn't really see how not being able to remove that extra layer would improve things...

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At some point, I suppose, I won't want to wear a gilet, but for the temperatures we've been experiencing of late, from low single figures to mid-teens, the Brevet Windblock has been nigh-on perfect. I've worn it mostly with a long-sleeve baselayer, testing it on days when I've thought it would be too cold – it wasn't; and days when I thought it might be too warm – it wasn't.

I did swap to a short-sleeve baselayer the other day when the temperature was forecast to get higher still, and felt fine in the middle of the day but slightly chilly towards evening.

It's very light – much more like wearing a jersey than a jersey and gilet – and what I really like is that there's no 'cold spot' at the top of the arms, which you can get with a gilet and arm warmers. This is because there are polyester panels on the front of the sleeves as well as the body, which really do their job well.

The sleeves are slightly loose-fitting and I was concerned they might be flappy in the wind but they're not, and the slight roominess means enough space underneath for a long-sleeve baselayer. It's like a lighter, looser version of the Souplesse Jacket.

The polyester panels are shower-resistant too; on numerous showery occasions I've not bothered with an extra layer because the jacket has kept light rain out and me warm.

The rest of the jersey is merino (well, 87% merino, 13% nylon), so no rain-repelling there, just plenty of warmth and softness. I've only worn it briefly without a baselayer – it's been too c-c-c-cold – but although only some of the seams are flatlock stitched it's perfectly comfortable, and no issues with the stitching from the horizontal stripes across the back.

As well as the typical three pockets across the back of the jersey – which stretch and swallow lots! – there are two zipped handwarmer pockets at the front, useful for keys, coins, Brevet cards...

Other points... The windproofing at the front extends right up to include the collar, and the full-length zip has a full-length baffle and garage at the top to tuck it away in. The zip is my one and only complaint, or, to be more precise, the zip-pull: it's just too small to grab easily and operate, especially with full-finger gloves.

> Buyer's Guide: The best jerseys to keep you warm from autumn to spring

Stick a bigger tag on the zip, Rapha, and I'd be tempted to give this a full 10 out of 10. Okay, it's a bit pricey too, at £145, but you probably expected that. And you are getting a jersey and gilet in one... it's almost a bargain. I think it looks fab too, and it's available in blue.

Verdict

Excellent combination of windblocking, warmth and style