Trying it on for the first time, we immediately noticed that Elite jersey from US company Pearl Izumi comes up surprisingly small for an American top.
This is most noticeable in the arms and the front section, both of which are relatively short. While the short arms might help blur the summer tan lines, the short front definitely suits a more crouched position on the bike, especially if you have a longer torso.
There’s a full length zip but it doesn't come with a flap along its length, and there’s no zip garage. With the neck fitting quite tightly, if you're a man there’s a chance of catching your Adam’s apple on the zip if you’re pulling it up when riding.
The three main pockets at the rear aren’t especially deep, and the vertically zipped security pouch doesn’t have a large volume either, which compromises storage capacity. In Pearl Izumi's defence, the latter pocket is sweat-proof, which should avoid your mobile getting damp.
The Elite is constructed from Elite Transfer fabric, which dries quickly and has UPF 50+ sun protection, providing extra protection from harmful rays. Pearl Izumi have also added their In-R-Cool technology (also present in the Elite bib shorts) – this reflects UV rays from the surface of the fabric, which, the company claim, can reduce surface temperatures on black clothing.
The combination of In-R-Cool tech and the mesh ventilated sections of the jersey mean that it performs relatively well in hotter weather, with the fast wicking Elite Transfer material doing its job well too.
