The Rapha Softshell Gilet is designed specifically for winter cycling. Based on Rapha’s Classic Softshell Jacket, it is windproof and highly water resistant. The polyester fabric is extremely durable and is treated with a breathable laminate to ensure you stay dry on even the most demanding bike rides.

The gilet is cut long in the back and has a dropped tail for protection against wet weather. The arm holes are reinforced with extra softshell fabric and cut to allow greater freedom of movement on the bike. The gilet has a full-length, offset zip, making it easy to layer cycling jerseys underneath. The zip is lined with soft fleece to prevent chafing.

Reflective piping around the arm holes and on the back of the gilet make the rider more visible and there are reflective Rapha logos on the collar and back. The gilet has ample pockets for storage and these are positioned to minimise sweating and keep loads secure. There are two large cargo pockets, a rear pump sleeve and a rubberised grip to attach a light. A zipped key pocket is bonded for a clean finish and the gilet also has a concealed valuables pocket. The right back pocket has a buttonhole for an iPod cable.

A contrast pink drawstring with friction locks makes adjustment on the move easy and the gilet is finished with a pink hanging loop.

"The Softshell Gillet is one of those items of clothing that has you making involuntary cooing noises while your hands run up and down the soft and warm softshell whenever you slip it on. The fit is sublime, everything is "just right" and the flattering cut and detail does wonders for a not-quite race-fit body. On the bike it's just as lovely, the lightweight softshell makes it a non bulky yet cosy extra layer ideal for when a common or garden flimsy nylon gillet isn't enough but a extra layer complete with sleeves is too much…"
--road.cc

"wow! and not just an ordinary wow but one of those wows that knocks you back on your cleats for 10 minutes. there are gilets and there are gilets but this is something different altogether. made from the same fabric as rapha's world famous classic softshell, the softshell gilet leaves no detail unturned, no feature excluded."
--thewashingmachinepost.net

Fabric: Softshell (polyester 81%; spandex; 10%; Hytrel® membrane 9%)

Features: 100% windproof for core body warmth. Water-resistant and highly breathable fabric to keep you dry. Reflective Rapha logo and rear rubber light grip for improved visibility. Rear pockets positioned to reduce sweating and centre weight when loaded.

Care instructions: Machine wash cool 30°. Wash dark colours separately. Do not use fabric softeners. Tumble dry cool: 1 dot. Cool iron: 1 dot. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean.

Softshell Gilet's are relatively slim cut, but are not figure hugging. If you would like your gilet to have a bit more room we would recommend you to buy one size bigger than you would usually do.