There’s a plethora of options out there for the top half of your body and ‘mid-layer’ can be used to loosely describe many of them.

Still, a mid-layer could easily be used as an outer layer, depending on the weather and the garment’s suitability, as fabric type and thickness can vary significantly from one piece to another.

A typical mid-weight winter jersey, like the Sportful BodyFit Pro Thermal Jersey, is constructed from 100 per cent polyester and has a fleece-lined interior. Some, such as the Rapha Brevet Jersey, are made from a merino/polyester mix in a bid to offer the best of both fabrics.

While a standard polyester or merino jersey will not be windproof or waterproof, the effect of air passing through the jersey carries sweat away from the body, without losing too much heat in temperatures in the upper single figures.

The effort of riding hard works to keep you warm when wearing a mid-weight winter jersey in ‘mild’ winter conditions, but a softshell like the Castelli Espresso Due jacket, provides far more protection against the elements.

A softshell is typically windproof and water resistant, thereby proving itself to be very effective in cold temperatures (even more so when combined with a mid-weight jersey in baltic conditions), although, as air cannot pass through the fabric as easily, breathability can sometimes be sacrificed as a result.

Some jerseys – like those in Sportful’s No-Rain range and Castelli’s Gabba collection, as well as the Cafe du Cycliste Josette – use water resistant fabrics to provide extra protection from rain showers.

Features to look out for on a mid-layer include a high collar (often fleece-lined) to keep the wind out, snug cuffs to stop a draft finding its way up your sleeve, and a close fit to keep warm arm close to your body.

Generous reflective detailing, like that on the Solo RT Jacket, will boost visibility when riding at night or first thing in the morning.