Fat Lad At The Back Men's Short Sleeve Union Jack Cycling Jersey

Made in Italy, the Fat Lad At The Back Men's Short Sleeve Union Jack Cycling Jersey is a good middleweight top – a little warm for our hottest summer days perhaps, but it's versatile and well designed, with a decent price and a flattering fit, especially for the less svelte among us.

As well as a 21st century reworking of the national colours, it has a host of subtle touches that lend itself handsomely to our changeable climate. Fat Lad At The Back (FLAB) describes it as being slightly closer fitting than the long-sleeve version, and it's ideal for layering, allowing comfortable transition between the seasons.

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It's made of 100% polyester and slightly heavier than some I've tested recently, which was noticeable on the very hottest rides. Given 20 minutes at a steady 20-23mph, that familiar clamminess creeps in, especially at the lower back, but the fibres respond quickly and from then on tend to keep pace.

There's no mention of anti-bacterials in the fabric, but while on paper that seems a missed opportunity, after three days' constant wear things didn't smell too funky. This bodes well for endurance events and touring. It bucket washes pretty well too and I was surprised by the 40°C recommended machine setting; I've washed it at 30, with minimal detergent and excellent results – and it's line dry in around 20 minutes, less when it's stonking hot.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

The sleeves are a raglan cut, which means a single section running from the neck, offering good freedom of movement here. Although I'd never consider myself a big lad, I'm broad shouldered, so this tailoring instantly curried favour with me.

As the brand name implies, there's a bit more room for mere mortals, especially around the belly. While fortunate in that I can get away with a second-skin, racing snake cut, this fractionally looser style is extremely flattering and works very well with messenger and similar street-style longs.

Flat seams are pretty much a given at this price point, and there's been no hint of unsightly branding after a day's riding. Most polyesters are pretty tough and this one's no exception, resisting the usual prickly advances without any hint of bobbling several weeks in.

Detailing

I was delighted to discover three massive pockets round the back, probably the biggest I've come across. "Room for northern portions there lad!" as my mother would put it.

Crude regional stereotypes aside, they're perfect for bottles, bigger 'mini' pumps, spare tubes, several bananas, smartphones and so on, and suitably secure. My large bunch of keys were bounding around like a playful labrador puppy, but no ejections from the open terrace to date. A fourth zippered valuables/waste pocket is built into the right-hand pocket and is secure yet easy enough to access when required.

A suitably tacky silicone hem keeps the jersey from gathering and performs well, even on really slippery, shiny Lycra.

Up front, we have a full-length zipper for climate control and, apparently, 'easy on/off with your helmet on'. The tab is easy to find while riding along and I've yet to get it snagged in the main fabric.

Conclusion

This wouldn't be my first choice for a training camp or similarly hot Continental riding, and on the face of it there are loads of jerseys offering similar, sometimes higher spec for less money. However, it is very well designed and really well thought out. It's more flattering to the fuller figure yet still sporty, and the middleweight materials make excellent transition between seasons. The zippers and other small but significant details feel like they'll last the distance too.

Verdict

Classy looking jersey with nice detailing and a good fit