If skin tight lycra isn’t for you, or you just fancy riding in something a bit different for a change, then a cycling dress is a great option. Having tried this one, I wonder why we don’t wear them more often or have more available to us: they could be a stylish look for summer and are just as practical as shorts.

Review: Maloja Chica Chamois Bodysuit

This dress comes as part of a set that includes separate inner shorts and a sports bra that you can wear with other garments.

The dress itself looks a little like a tennis dress with a v-front, but is cut to be quite loose on the body and is long enough to cover the upper thigh.

I am 5’ 9” size 10 and tried a size M. The shorts and bra top fitted snugly while the dress is body skimming rather than clinging to every curve as cycling shorts do.

I would have preferred a little more colour – a contrast hem, for instance, or a brighter coloured dress: black and grey just don’t look very summery (nor are they very visible!).

What’s it like to ride in?

The dress is made with sports-performance Icefit fabric, designed to control the body temperature and manage moisture control, and features 4-way stretch and spf 50 protection (though obviously your arms and shoulders are exposed to the sun!).

It also features a zip back pocket for small items such as a phone, keys and cash. Unfortunately the pocket is not quite big enough to hold a jersey or rain jacket, which could be limiting on a longer ride in the UK!

The inner shorts feature a female specific chamois and a high waist, while the sports bra has mesh at the front and back.

The lightness of the fabric makes it very comfortable to ride in. I was concerned about the fabric getting caught on the saddle, however the length means that you sit on it as you ride so there is no danger of getting tangled. A small opening at the thigh allows for ease of movement.

Finally, this set is incredible value with a RRP of £49.99 (or £29.99 in Evans sale!)

VERDICT: Surprisingly practical alternative to bibs, but a little more colour would be nice for summer riding.

Evans Cycles are the sole UK distributor, but you can get more information direct from Louis Garneau here.

Not big on the full lycra look? Check out these casual commuting tops…