Fox Wilson Portman women’s jacket

Tell us what the jacket 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?

Fox Wilson says: "A modern take on a classic quilted jacket. We have utilised the best technical 'WarmWool' from Schoeller creating a soft shell urban cycling jacket that is wind and water repellent with added breathability for all year round use. Never stop moving with our stylish cycling clothing for women. With elegant lines, classic tailoring and a thoughtful, ergonomic fit, you'll be equally comfortable out on the town or on a countryside ride."

I would question "all year round use" – it is very warm and I would only wear it on cold winter days, below 10°C for sure.

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

Schoeller 'WarmWool' fabric: 58% Polyester, 25% Wool, 15% Polyurethane, 2% Elastane

Breathable

Water repellent

Wind repellent

Ergonomic seam construction

Subtle reflective details

Asymetric and waterproof zip

2 internal chest pockets

Abrasion resistant

FW clothing is handmade in England: "At Fox Wilson, we are dedicated to creating the highest performing urban and leisure cycle wear. From the very beginning of our journey, we wanted to ensure our range was made to the highest standard and it was with that goal in mind that we started searching for the finest manufacturers in the UK to create our exquisite range of urban cyclist clothing."

It is certainly windproof, and breathable and water repellent to an extent, but lacks versatility because the only way to regulate your temperature is by unzipping the main zip. Vents would be useful – without ventilation options I found it is limited to very cold days.

The outer fabric is designed to be abrasion-resistant and certainly withstands normal wear admirably. Because the garment is so well constructed it should last a good few years. FW doesn't give any information about reproofing it.

FW claims the Portman to be water repellent, not waterproof. I tested it in the shower as I had no opportunities for rainy riding. Under a fairly gentle spray, water beaded very well and rolled off, but I was surprised to feel some seeping through on the sleeves after just a minute or so. I'd say it would be okay for riding in drizzle or very light rain, but nothing more.

Wearing it in sub-zero to +5°C temperatures with a single baselayer, breathability was fine when riding at a fairly fast pace, but once into double figures I wouldn't want to go much above pootle pace for fear of getting sweaty. Although, it's designed for urban riding where you're unlikely to be belting along.

Off the bike it fits me okay (I'm slightly taller than our model), but I didn't find the cut particularly cycle-friendly for me – the sleeves and back were too short and it's also a bit tight across the upper back/shoulders so could do with some stretch here – but this might not be an issue if it suits your body shape better.

The size chart gave the correct size, M, but as it only goes from XS-L and L is a 30-32in waist, it seems designed for women of smaller stature.

It's fairly substantial, but then it's not aiming to be lightweight.

I had a few niggles that distracted me from the cosiness of the jacket. The collar is quite stiff and when walking around the seam at the top of the zip irritated the front of my neck, despite there being a chinguard over the zip itself. On the bike, the fabric felt quite tight across my shoulders/upper back and the length is too short for me, barely skimming my hips and leaving my lower back exposed. Likewise, the sleeves were long enough when standing upright, but as soon as I stretched my arms to the bar (on my flat-bar hybrid, not drops) they rode up way above my wrist joints making it impossible to use the thumb holes on the merino inner cuff (as they pulled so tightly) and leaving my wrists exposed to the elements.

Shortcomings in performance and fit on top of the high price all affect the value score here.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

It washes fine on a delicate wash in the machine, just turn it inside out first and wash separately.

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

It is very warm and windproof, but less water repellent and breathable than I'd expect for the price, so I would say it's best suited to cold, dry days.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Its smart appearance, warmth and tall collar.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

For me, the sleeves were nearly 3in too short, and the back as well, plus restrictive movement across the upper back.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market including ones recently tested on road.cc?

We haven't tested that many 'urban' cycling jackets for women of late; the Velocity Women's Softshell is £125, the Showers Pass Rogue Hoodie is £135, while Cafe du Cycliste's Heidi is now £195.

Use this box to explain your overall score

I've marked it down because of how quickly it let water through and lack of versatility and breathability, then marked it up a little because although I had fit issues, these might not exist for another person who has shorter limbs and torso.