We know some of you will be thinking that Rapha have gone too far and that a smart shirt for riding is, frankly, ridiculous. Initially we weren’t convinced either, but we’ve been converted.
Multi-panelled and made from a cotton, nylon and elastane mix, it has just enough stretch for comfortable riding and the fabric wicks sweat far more effectively than a plain cotton shirt.
And honestly, wear it in conjunction with a decent baselayer and you can build up quite a sweat on your commute and not stink out the office.
The classic gingham shirt is plenty smart enough for work, washes and irons well and is the only piece of cycling kit to have ever drawn this comment from a tester’s wife: “Wow, that’s lovely.”