Rapha’s latest jersey is designed for everyday riding, whether that’s riding to work, down to the shops, running errands across town or hanging out in a bar – the Fixed jersey is cut loose to provide a high-level of comfort yet a high-level of functionality. Rapha have established their brand as an exclusive road riding product, but this jersey shows that they can be adapted and used for commuting and even mountain biking. There are no pockets which can create problems but in the really cold snap we’ve been using it as a heavy undervest/base layer and find it very practical, so it can be worn either as a baselayer or midlayer, depending on how cold it is – we’ve had good results with both. You can even wear it under a T-shirt at work for the street-style layered look… is this beginning to sound a bit Trinny and Susannah?

But as ever Rapha’s styling is discreet with just a subtle logo on the left sleeve, the only clue to what you’re wearing. A half-length zip provides cooling when you get warm, which can sometimes happen with this jersey it also means you can take it off over a helmet. It’s cut a little bit longer at the back, to prevent chilly gaps.

Technically speaking Merino wool is sheared from New Zealand’s finest sheep, which provides the jersey with a warmth and comfort that is out of this world. One of the best qualities of Merino wool is that it doesn’t smell when you’ve being wearing it a lot, which is just as well as we’ve sometimes not wanted to take it off. Washing it isn’t as difficult as you think and we’ve thrown it about a fair bit (mountain biking) and thrown it in the general wash, it still retains it’s shape and feel. Sizing is generous and the long sleeves are great for reaching out to the bar, or handlebars… and there are plenty of colours if you don’t like black (but it’s so very slimming, darling!) We like it.

RiRi zips – the best money can buy	Subtle styling and branding	A story with every garment