I think I can safely describe the colour of this jacket as a ‘Marmite moment’: you’ll either love it or hate it.
It’s a colour that has popped up on fashion week catwalks, is loved by celebs (favoured by Florence Welch and Penelope Cruz), and has featured all over the red carpet like a rash. It’s a heavy nod to vintage (think Charlie’s Angels Kate Jackson in a polo neck) and a warm, rich pop of colour that coordinates with that ultimate fashion must-have, black.
Personally I love it (fashion victim? moi?): hats off to Chapeau for producing a daring change from pink and blue women’s cycling staples – but its never going to be everyone’s cup of tea (despite being the colour of a very strongly brewed one) and it’s the only colour that this jacket is available in.
Assuming you love the colour too, what’s the Mistral like to wear? At this price you want every base covered.
The ecorepel™ fabric by Schoeller™ features 4-way stretch. It’s a little stiffer than other jackets I’ve worn, but comfortable none the less. It’s warm and, although the fabric repels water and dirt, it is still breathable so you don’t feel clammy.
It keeps the wind off, although it isn’t rated as windproof, and in spite of the fact it’s not officially waterproof either, I’m told by Chapeau team members who have worn it in the rain (I haven’t!) that it is highly water repellent.
The sleeve length is good and the back features a drop hem that was plenty long enough for me (I’m 5’ 9”!).
It’s also washable at 40 degrees.
I like this enough to wear it off the bike with a pair of black leggings or dark skinny jeans. The cross zip gives it a relaxed biker-jacket look that makes it a bit more special than a centre fasten zip-up.
VERDICT
If you like the colour this is a great all-rounder for colder days that can be worn on or off the bike: a good job because it isn’t cheap!
One more thing… there’s a great offer on the Chapeau website – a free pair of Pave bibshorts worth £119.99 when you buy a Mistral jacket, while stocks last!
Size: XS – XL
Price: RRP £184.99
Colour: Rust
More info: Chapeau!
What Chapeau says about the Mistral Ladies Jacket
During the colder months you want a jacket that will provide warmth and comfort, whether you are on a long winter ride or on a chilly commute to work.
The Mistral jacket has met our aim of creating an all-day jacket with a comfortable fit, which keeps you warm and dry, without weighing you down with sweat. This is thanks to the ecorepel fabric from Schoeller, which is an incredibly durable, stain resistant fabric that forces mud and water to run off of the jacket easily.
Although the fabric isn’t rated as a windproof option, we have found that it blocks enough wind chill to be superb in the British climate.
Like this? We’ve also taken a look at some other Chapeau products:
Chapeau Ladies Cafe Jersey with polkadots
