I’ve been enthusiastically committed to wool since the moment I discovered it didn’t have to be itchy! So when I got a chance to do an Ibex women’s cycling jersey review of the Indie FZ S/S Jersey, I simply couldn’t refuse.
First of all, Ibex is an incredible company. If you don’t know about them, check out their website. They specialize in creating ridiculously comfortable Merino wool and organic cotton clothing with sustainability always in the back of their mind. I was able to meet James Fisher, V.P. of Product, at Outdoor Retailers this summer, and was dazzled by his zeal for their current cycling line and their upcoming lines.
When a company has a true passion for creating incredible, continually innovative product and still manages to think about their effect on the world around them, it’s no surprise that the jersey I received was right on the money.
I have very delicate skin that is often irritated by wool. I wear a long-sleeve shirt under my thicker long-sleeve wool tops, and I don’t wear the wool tights I bought a few years ago at all. I don’t know what Ibex does to their sheep (massages? shampoo? sweet talk?), but their wool is beautifully wearable, even by dainty-skinned folks like myself.
The Pros:
- Comfort: As I have already harped upon, the feel of this wool is soft and comfortable against the skin. I’ve never needed to wear an undershirt to protect me. The light fabric wicks away sweat without retaining any odor (and I sweat and smell a lot).
- Fit: The women’s small that I tried was perfect for me. Unlike many other cycling fits, there is a little room to breath in Ibex sizing. I was pleased to find the jersey was snug without forcing me to feel like a squeezed sausage. It is a huge win!
- Length: This jersey perfectly accounts for the cyclist’s hunch. The longer length gives significant crack coverage and is even flattering when off the bike. Happily, the jersey stays put at the waist and arms without reverting to squeezing cuffs or tacky plastic. Bravo!
- Fashion: The royal purple color is feminine without feeling like it’s overtly trying to sell to women. I adore the hits of blue overstitching on the shoulders and the reflective pop of the Ibex logo at the back.
- Pockets: There are three large pockets at the lower back — which fit everything from my iPhone to water bottles. The elastic at the top keeps items where they’re suppose to be without making it unnecessarily difficult to get to them during a ride.
The Cons:
- Collar: I have a strange sensitivity to my neck being squeezed, so the tightness of the collar is extremely claustrophobic for me. Some room at the neck would be greatly appreciated in future iterations. For now, I just keep it unzipped at the top.
- Zipper: My friends and I lovingly call the bunch that happens with every zipper a “stomach penis.” This unflattering bump happens in every full-zip jersey I own. I don’t think there’s anything to be done about it, but I can’t help but always wish there was a way around it. Perhaps 2015 will be the year when this major breakthrough happens.
My advice: it’s a yes!
Just keep spinning. — Arielle