The German brand Maloja (pronounced may-low-yah) named after a small Swiss mountain village, pride themselves on producing quality bike and snow wear that looks stylish and unique.

It seems that our reviewer could only agree with half of this statement with the Wayra 1/2 short sleeve road jersey.

It’s true, Maloja’s clothing – across both their road and MTB range – is strikingly different, especially in the world of Lycra that can often suffer from pattern-fatigue. However, there is a worry of style over substance in the case of the Wayra short sleeve road jersey.

The Wayra jersey features a subtle but striking design, inspired by their designer’s trip to South America. Including a Peruvian woman, llama and Maloja logo based striped print – it’s certainly different and a welcomed change.

It’s nice to see some thoughtful design on top of the beautiful print; the half-length zipper not only aids ventilation, but doesn’t interrupt the print because once closed, it becomes invisible.

Overall in the saddle, the jersey is comfortable in terms of construction and fit. The five seams connecting the panels, though not flat locked didn’t chafe or bother me.  The fabric is thick enough to skim over lumpy bumps and although stretchy doesn’t cling. It helps create both a lovely silhouette and stops the jersey from riding up.

As a busty size 10, at 5’4″ tall, the size 10 fitted perfectly and I wasn’t left feeling conscious of my curves at all. Measuring 26 inches (66cm) from the top of the collar down to the longest point at the waist hem, I was more than adequately covered.

The hem of the jersey is not elasticated, which suits me down to the ground as many jerseys creep up ending up sitting around my waist as opposed to covering my kidneys. This jersey, with its slightly longer back covered my derriere and didn’t ride up, however, one issue did crop up.

As I carried flapjacks, inner tubes, pump, cash, phone and various other goodies in the two rear pockets on my 60-mile ride, the bottom of the jersey twisted round too easily and I ended up bashing the contents of my pockets on my thighs. If perhaps the jersey had an elasticated waist or even three pockets, I could have popped the heavier items in the centre to balance the weight.

Manufactured in Italy from 100% Polyester, the material is treated with Polygiene to wick perspiration. To compete with other companies that construct their jerseys with more technical fabrics in this price bracket, Maloja need to work on their material. For a jersey that is marketed to be worn in the summer, the material although not heavy, was quite thick and not breathable enough, meaning it didn’t wick sweat quick enough.

When putting the jersey on and taking it off the material was incredibly static, not helpful for someone with long hair. Also, after having put in a fair few miles wearing this jersey over summer, a wash at the recommended 30° temperature didn’t remove odours sufficiently.

Verdict

It’s great to see a fresh design on the market, but to compete with other jerseys available in this price bracket that include technical fabrics, Maloja need to re-think aspects of this road jersey.

Is a striking design enough to warrant the price tag? Unfortunately for us it’s not. However, if we found the jersey in a sale, we would definitely snap it up. We do like to stand out in the crowd.

Pros

– Unique print design
– Flattering, comfortable fit
– Non elasticated waist stops jersey from riding up, while keeping you covered

Cons

– Expensive
– Fabric not breathable enough for a summer jersey

PRICE: RRP £66.00
SIZE: XS to XL
MORE INFO: Maloja
Available from: Tweeks Cycles, Minx Girl, Cicla and Bike Tart

What Maloja says about the Wayra 1/2 short sleeve road jersey

(NOTE: translation)

This full-print bike shirt made of Ibisco Material is characterised by its special fabric qualities like elasticity and softness as well as improved moisture transport. It has an additional Polygiene and Quick Dry finish. The shirt has a small concealed zippered standing collar, 1 storage back pocket, is cut a bit longer in the back and has a maloja signature in the left breast area. Fantástica atracción is the full print with typical colourful Peruvian figures and ornaments.