Rapha Gilet £105

As the weather becomes increasingly warmer and the layers of winter clothing can be stripped away, a bit of wardrobe rearranging can begin, with the spring/summer clothing being dragged out for the first time since last year.

And one of the first out is the trusty gilet. I say trusty because this simple garment is one of the most versatile pieces of kit every cyclist should have at their disposal, and its value during the early spring and summer shouldn’t be underestimated. Worn over a baselayer and jersey the gilet can add just the right amount of protection from chilly mornings or for long fast descents.

Rapha’s stylish black and white Gilet with the distinctive central reverse coloured stripe is made from Epic fabric, a lightweight polyester and nylon/Spandex mix that is incredibly windproof. It’s not 100% waterproof, but during the light showers one might experience on a spring day, it’s enough. A mesh rear panel avoids overheating in the high heat of the summer.

Features include a full-length zip, off-set to one side, and a soft chin guard. The hem is dropped at the rear and higher at the front, and twin waist-cord adjusters ensure you can tailor the fit. As well as two spacious rear pockets, there’s a discrete front zipped pocket – just big enough for your house keys.

Knowing the gilet could be pulled into service during early morning or evening rides, Rapha have added reflective piping around the arm holes and on the back panels, along a reflective Rapha logo. Better still, go for the white version of the two colour options and you’ll be guaranteed high visibility…

It’s proved extremely tough and durable, and its svelteness, backed up by the low 115g weight for a medium, means it easily tucks into a jersey pocket. Keeping it pristine is easy enough and it’ll happily go through a 30 degree machine wash.