Let’s face it. Rapha’s Breton Sweater is not strictly a “performance” cycling garment in the mould of the company’s Long Sleeve Jersey. It has fewer rear pockets – one, to be precise; less adjustment for temperature regulation – three buttons on the Breton-style shoulder placket; a less road-orientated fit with much lower hem, especially at the front and, most importantly, a soft, supple 100percent Merino wool fabric that drapes and clings where the Long Sleeve fits snugly.
As an urban riding outer layer with off-the-bike wearability, however, the Breton Sweater surely has the edge. It looks right, for starters, with just enough detail in that pocket to suggest that it might be intended for cycling while at the same time conveying the idea that it might be a fashion item with a hint of influence from the world of the wheel.
Better still, it is fabulously warm, keeping this wearer snug to the point of overheating in a cold wind when worn with just a short-sleeve undervest. Just right for gentle urban riding, then.
Construction is fully-tailored to create the close fit, the soft fabric offering plenty of room and avoiding any sensation of constriction. If there is a complaint about the fit when in the saddle, it concerns the length of the hem. This may well be high fashion but it is longer than ideal for the saddle and will, should the Breton Sweater be used as a mid-layer, surely poke out from underneath whatever is being worn on top.
In sum, then, here is a stylish and wonderfully comfortable sweater that won’t look out of place on the bike and which can double up as a mid-layer in really cold conditions.
Rapha Breton Sweater; Grey or Blue, sizes XS-XXL, £130.00
