Pearl Izumi’s Women’s Launch Jersey grabs attention with its bold colors and patterns. It’s brighter than my usual bike apparel, but I kind of like that bike fashion seems to be going the way of ski fashion.
While the graphic patterns of the Pearl Izumi Women’s Launch Jersey drew me in, I also knew in the back of my mind that I could count on Pearl Izumi for a quality jersey. The company has over 60 years of experience making biking-specific gear. The Launch Jersey did not disappoint.
It’s made from Pearl Izumi’s “Transfer Dry” polyester fabric that’s breathable and wicking, even on hot 80-degree days and especially in the back, where it’s woven as a thin and airy mesh (the front is more of a typical jersey fabric). I liked the simplicity of the Launch Jersey; it fit like a shallow V-neck tee. No pocket was a fair tradeoff for the great fit. I prefer keeping my stuff in my hydration pack when I’m riding, anyway. Like other Pearl Izumi tops, the Launch Jersey has a small interior swatch of fabric for wiping sunglasses.
On a July weekend morning in Jackson, WY, I was able to get in a longer bike ride up the tight switchbacks of Ferrin’s Trail, down West Game Trail, and up and over into the Cache Creek drainage, a loop that takes mortals like me around three hours. I was grateful for the coverage and breathability of my Pearl Izumi Women’s Launch Jersey, which kept me comfortable for the whole ride. As the morning went on and I saw more and more people out on the trails, some flying by at breakneck speeds, it was nice to know that I had on a bright top that made me more visible.
I almost always wear a size small in tops, but found that while the size small in the Launch Jersey fit me, I would have preferred one size up for a looser and breezier fit. Also, a word on garment care: I accidentally put the jersey in the dryer the other day, against instructions, and was disappointed that the fabric came out with some runs and areas of bunching.
The Pearl Izumi Launch Jersey is available for women in XS-XXL in Clementine, Deep Indigo, and Aqua Mint and for men in S-XXL in Black/Monument Grey, Viridian Green, and Deep Indigo. It’s also available in ¾ sleeve and sleeveless options. The Pearl Izumi women’s mountain bike line includes several great options for color-coordinated bottoms, including the Canyon Shorts, for putting together a stylin’ “kit.”
BOTTOM LINE: A moisture-wicking mountain biking jersey in bold, eye-catching colors.
$55 at Amazon.com