In sharp focus: we review the Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey & Shorts

Review: Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey & Shorts

Anyone who follows us on social media will know that we’re very fond of bold cycling kits. Strong colours, bright florals, bold geometric prints – we love to stand out when we’re cycling. We might not be the fastest kids on the block, but we pride ourselves on not being shrinking violets. The new kits from Polaris Bikewear are not designed for cyclists wanting to fade into the background, and we love them.

I’ve been testing the Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey and co-ordinating Vision Women’s Cycling Shorts over the past month. The range is available in three colour ways: a glorious summer palette of blues; shades of violet and purple; and popping pinks. I like all three versions, but the vibrant shades in the blue kit are flippin’ gorgeous for bright summer days.

I haven’t tried any kit from Polaris Bikewear before and, with the jersey and shorts priced at a reasonable £64.99, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of quality and finish. It would be fair to say that I didn’t expect a particularly premium feel. But the Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey and Shorts has really impressed me – the fabric is lovely, really smooth and pliable and really well cut with a sleek, flattering fit. It feels like a more expensive kit than it is.

The Shorts

My biggest concern was that the kit comprises of a jersey and waist shorts. I’ve never seen the appeal of waist shorts. I know that for some people, bib shorts are too much of an inconvenience when it comes to loo breaks – but I’ve always been of the opinion that I’d rather have greater comfort for the hours on the bike than greater convenience on a quick loo stop. I didn’t think a very comfortable pair of waist shorts existed (and on a purely aesthetic level, I’m not a fan of the muffin top I tend to get with a waistband!) Amazingly, I like these waist shorts! The crossover waistband is deep and soft and really doesn’t dig in. Given the choice, I would still prefer a pair of bib shorts, but I have no complaints about these. They’re comfortable and flattering. The chamois pad isn’t the most robust I’ve tested; it’s fine for commuting and half day rides, but I wouldn’t wear them for the upcoming Prudential 100 where the chamois is everything.

The Jersey

Because there is no need to strip off your top when you stop for a comfort break, the Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey just has a 1/2 zip. (And despite my fondness for bib tights, I must admit that it is rather lovely to not have to strip off in a Portaloo when nature calls…)

 

The Polaris Vision women’s cycling jersey is very nicely cut. It’s a slim, flattering shape, is pleasantly long in the body and doesn’t ride up. The sleeves are a nice snug fit and, if you’re like me and dislike wearing things fastened to the neck (which makes me feel like I’m being slowly choked) it looks good unzipped – like a V-neck top, with nothing flapping about untidily. Finally, it has three generous rear pockets and a zipped security pocket, plus reflective detailing.

Sizing is fairly standard: I’m 172cm tall and weigh 68kg, and I’m wearing a size 14 jersey and size 12 shorts.

The whole kit has been worn and washed several times now and I can report that it looks as good as new. This kit gets two thumbs up as far as I’m concerned.