Giordana’s Donna Silverline jersey and “knickers” are a nicely cut, lightweight and head-turningly stylish option for summer riding.
Not only are both items of clothing carefully tailored to fit the female form but the pattern is “body con” flattering — though all that white’s tough to keep clean. The white elastic strips round each leg of the shorts (sorry, I can’t call them knickers) helps make you more high vis, and look great with a tan, I imagine.
The waistband on the shorts is wide and soft and doesn’t cut in when riding or when hanging around in cafes — however much cake you eat — and sits nice and high above your tummy. A slight, vanity-based criticism, is that the seat pad is quite wide, which can result in unattractive bulges on the inside of each thigh. I would accept that this is my problem, but I have other shorts that are much more flattering in the crotch department! Seen from the rear, you’ve got the benefit of white strips of elastic around each thigh, as well as three bits of high vis piping and a reflective Giordana logo so, despite being primarily black — the shorts show up well in gloomy weather or at night.
Wearing the kit in town really did turn heads, and the top / shorts combo does look rather like a well-known Swiss brand. As well as being striking, the jersey has three really nice deep pockets, with good elastic closure at the top and a small zip-pocket on the hip, for keys or money. The pockets also have reflective piping on them, and below the pockets, the elastic waist band features a funky high vis pattern.
Overall, the clothing is snug and well-fitting where it needs to be – round your arms, neck and waist — and long enough to keep your lower back covered when in a crouched, roady position. When standing up, I found the top came up a touch short on my middle and had to be pulled down. But this is a minor point, and the top may well fit others better.
A full-length zip down the front of the jersey is great for getting at your bib shorts (if you prefer them to “knickers”) and offers the option of full-on ventilation in hot weather. Likewise, if it gets breezy, you can zip the top up nice and high and there’s no rubbing from the zip on your neck. Overall the kits feels well-made, was an almost perfect fit and the fabric is breathable without being flimsy.
ProsFlattering cut and styling
High vis in an unobtrusive way
Lightweight — so great in hot weather
ConsUnattractive bulges at top of inner thigh
Difficult to keep clean
Top a little short at the front when standing
VerdictSwish, cool summer kit that will make you look the part whether you’re club riding in the UK or climbing in the Alps.
Jersey price: £79.99, available from Sigma Sport.
Shorts price: £59.99, available from Ribble.
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