Body skimming cycle gear is all very well if you’re racing, training hard or just wanting to show off how toned cycling has made you! But it’s also great to have the option of gear with a slightly more relaxed, body skimming fit too. This is where this top comes in.

Vaude is an environmentally -friendly outdoor brand from Germany, and they have designed this polyester and elastane Birch Shirt top to be light weight, stretchy and sweat wicking so it is very comfortable to wear during activity.

The looser fit means that the top doesn’t hug every curve: I tried a size S and the fit is a definitely a little more relaxed than some other cycling tops of the same size.

The Vaude Birch Shirt also offers a high level of UV protection (UPF 50) –  a real bonus if you are heading for the mountains!

This top is ideal for mountain biking, touring or your daily commute to work. It  is crease proof so it’s easy to store in a backpack and it dries quickly after washing too.

The striped design is quite subtle and my cycling friends all commented on how nice it looked (without being asked!).

The Vaude Birch Shirt features a stand up collar with a zip as well as a handy zip-up side pocket –  just big enough to hold a phone or wallet. Personally I prefer my cycling tops to have rear pockets too, although they’re not really necessary for mountain biking if you’re wearing a back pack to store your bits and bobs, nor if you are commuting with a rucksack.

This top is really well made and is a great go-anywhere option for those who prefer a more relaxed fit when riding.

Price: £28.51, available from Trekkin (RRP: £39.48).