Commuting in a brightly coloured Stellar Waterproof Jacket is definitely one reason to smile through the wet weather we’ve been suffering from recently.
Touted by Madison as a commuter waterproof, the Stellar jacket has lots of features you might expect to find on a pricier jacket, but for a fraction of the cost.
Features
Where to start? The Stellar is ram-packed with touches to make commuting in the rain more bearable. From waterproof taped zips and fabric, lashings of Hi-Vis tape, ventilation zips underneath the arms, to accessible pockets featured on the rear and on the front right hand side, which can easily store all the necessary gubbins for a ride into the office.
Madison have thought of everything, including a sturdy rubber light clip on the rear near the base of the jacket and a stowaway drop down skirt for when it’s really wet. Although the droptail is easy to access, held in place nicely via a magnet, it’s more of a mini-skirt and does little to actually protect my derriere.
Fabric
Fabric is the most important point to consider when I’m buying a waterproof jacket to commute in. I need something that will keep me dry, yet breathe, as I can work up considerable heat, and sweat a lot, even on small commutes.
Madison says their Stellar jacket is “fully taped and waterproof, windproof and highly breathable”. I agree. This is a lightweight, highly breathable, yet waterproof jacket.
There’s nothing more pleasing than the sight of a jacket that beads. You know those small droplets of water that form on top of the jacket? They’re the ones that let you know the jacket is doing its job; that you’re being kept super dry and toasty underneath.
Looking down on the sleeves of the Madison Stellar jacket and seeing the water beading in a torrential downpour was a rare opportunity to smile through the rain on a recent commute where I arrived to my destination dry. This jacket has really good waterproofing, with the zips underneath the arms helping to regulate my body temperature too.
Madison have used taped seams to provide both comfort and performance to this Stellar waterproof Jacket. The panels of the Stellar waterproof Jacket allow the tailoring of the jacket to shine, with better comfort and fit. Because the panels have been taped, they keep the jacket waterproof and you dry while riding.
Although the 2014 Stellar model has had its mesh lining striped out, this doesn’t seem to have affected its breathability. Lets not beat around the bush, yes, I did arrive sweaty on occasion, but it wasn’t the usual boil in a bag sensation, I didn’t feel I would perish due to overheating.
Fit
The Stellar is nicely tailored, although I’ve noticed that the neck comes up a little too high, occasionally rubbing my chin, even with a zipper garage.
Articulated arms mean the sleeves offer sufficient movement while cycling and don’t cling. They’ve also purposely extended the cuffs so they don’t ride up, add in Velcro straps and you’ve got the perfect combo to tuck your gloves into.
To alleviate the jacket riding up, as there’s no rubberised grippers on the hem, there are adjustable elastic strips at the base of the jacket for added fit and comfort.
Colour
I wouldn’t usually opt for an orange jacket, but the Stellar’s Paprika shade is a subtle balance between keeping me seen, and not being too lairy. The contrasting purple waterproof zips are a nice touch too. If orange doesn’t float your boat, there’s the vibrant option of ‘Green Shoots’.
It’s been a pleasure to wear, with numerous friends commenting that they like the look of the jacket on me. It’s obviously one of those pieces that if you saw on someone else, you’d want one, but you might not necessarily pick it off the shelf for yourself.
VERDICT
A superb commuting jacket with lots of high quality features that you’d expect to find on a jacket of a much higher price point.
Fits incredibly well, is waterproof yet breathable, and has the added bonus that lots of people commented on how good it looked on me too.
PROS
– High-performing fabric
– Flattering fit, with non-restricting arms
– Accessible and roomy pockets
– Useful commuter features, such as light clip.
CONS
– Neck comes up too high
– Drop tail skirt is a little on the short side.
Sizes available: UK sizes 8 – 16
Colour options: Green Shoots, Paprika
Price: RRP £89.99
More information: Madison
What Madison says about the Stellar Waterproof Jacket
New and improved, the Stellar jacket resets the standard for commuter jackets. The 2.5 layer construction is fully taped and waterproof, windproof and highly breathable
The tailored women’s cycle specific fit is both comfortable and functional, featuring an extended drop tail to offer maximum coverage against dirt and spray, that tucks up and stays hidden with magnets when you are off the bike for a more casual look.
