Reviews

Chapeau Etape jersey – review

Stylish summer jersey from Devon-based Chapeau

The Chapeau Etape jersey short sleeve jersey is a strong performer for spring and summer riding and includes all of the key elements you’d expect from a modern jersey, as well as a couple of smart touches.

The Etape jersey has evolved significantly since the original we reviewed in 2013 – in fact, it’s completely different. A new fit, new fabric and new features on the Devon-based brand’s top-of-the-range road jersey.

The Etape is made from a moisture wicking polyester fabric which was put to good use through the recent spell of early-season warm weather. The jersey’s breathability and wicking properties are good – certainly above average, but not quite up there with the very best (and, generally speaking, more expensive) jerseys I’ve used. That could, in part, be down to the colour of the black jersey tested (blue; black, pink and grey; and white, red and black options are also available).

The simple but bold aesthetic of our test jersey may not appeal to everyone, but other options are available

Specification
Price: £69.95
Sizes: M-XXL
Colours: black; blue; black block; white block
Website: Chapeau
UK distributor: Velobrands

However, one thing that certainly helps is that the jersey has a full length zip. It’s easy to unzip on the move and means you can regulate the amount of airflow when the temperature does begin to climb.

At the back of the jersey, there are three regular pockets which are well sized and I had no trouble fitting anything in. There’s also a central zipped pocket with a water resistant lining, which is handy if you get caught in the rain and need somewhere dry to keep your phone. Oh, and there’s a another pocket on the left hip. It’s about half the size of the other pockets but handy for keeping smaller items like food and gels close to hand. All in all it’s a well thought out pocket arrangement.

On the hem at the rear of the jersey there’s a line of silicone dots which help to keep the jersey in place securely and I didn’t have any problems with it riding up at all. However, the sleeves would occasionally ride up, so perhaps it’d be better to have an elasticated hem here.

The look of the jersey will be divisive simply because it has a large Chapeau logo across the front. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I like it given the contrast with the otherwise simple aesthetic. It reminds me of a Merckx era design. If you’re after more subtle branding, there are two options with a small Chapeau logo on the chest.

The Etape jersey has plenty of pockets to store everything you’d need on a ride

The final thing to mention is that – rather oddly – the smallest size in which Chapeau offer the Etape jersey is a medium. It’s a relatively slim fit (though not as slim as racier clothing from Italian brands) but means smaller riders will miss out.