Le Col's ARC Merino Jersey is one of those rare bits of kit that just hits the bullseye.
We have blurry seasons in Ireland; the period between September and May can throw up just about anything on any given day, but temperatures will usually range between 5-15C.
Th ARC Merino LS is the ideal weight for such conditions: warm enough to take the edge off the chill on cooler mornings, while wicking away moisture on efforts or when the sun peeks out thanks to merino wool's natural thermo-regulating properties.
Since receiving this sample in October, I've worn it on every single outdoor ride - that's no exaggeration. It's become my go-to jersey, I love it that much.
On cooler rides I pair it with Le Col's merino base layer for a double merino effect: it's as snug as you'd imagine, yet fully breathable, the comfort is unrivalled.
I've been testing the olive green version, a mossy sort of shade that reminds me of the oversize military surplus jumpers we used to wear as grungy teens in the 90s. This jersey offers the same sort of comfort, albeit in a closer fit and without the obligatory slashed denim and Doc Martens part of the uniform. It's taking a lot of willpower not to start sewing the roundels from Festive 500s past onto the sleeves à la Cub Scouts uniforms of my youth.
Although I like the mulch green colour it's also effectively camouflage, which is not necessarily what you want when cycling on wintry rural roads. I usually pair it with a bright pink gilet - a Rapha number I picked up off a Team EF rider on Facebook Marketplace - which serves as a wind and water-resistant barrier as well as boosting visibility by 5000%.
The jersey does have subtle reflective elements built in too, on the sleeves, shoulder and hem, to provide a little peace of mind when riding in the dark.
In terms of features there's nothing crazy here: you get three pockets at the back, the usual deal, but unlike with some merino jerseys where the pockets can tend to sag after extended use, these ones are well constructed and have shown no ill effects after several months stuffed with tools, bananas, phone etc.
There's also a small zipped pocket, which is useful for keeping your keys segregated from your phone for example.
The material, too, has held up well through dozens of washes. I've taken care (mostly) to run it in a wool cycle at 30 degrees and there's no bobbling or shrinkage to note.
I can't recommend this jersey highly enough, it's rapidly assumed legend status in my wardrobe and I can see myself wearing it for years until it falls apart, then immediately replacing it with the same again.
I'd highly recommend the merino base layer as well. It's a little heavier than, for example, Rapha's gauzy mesh merino base layers (which I also rate), making it more suitable for autumn-spring conditions, but feels very well constructed and the soft material is a treat against the skin.
Sizing is accurate to the charts. I typically fall somewhere between small and medium; in this case I opted for small based on the measurements given in Le Col's size charts, and the fit is right on the money.
I'm a fan of merino cycling kit all year around, for comfort and temperature regulation, but for the colder months in particular a good merino jersey is a must-have in my book - and this one from Le Col is pretty much perfect.
Tolerances to cold will vary from one person to another. I think I found the jersey's limits - for myself at least - on a late November ride when an overnight frost still hadn't thawed by noon, leaving ice crystals forming on the surface of the jersey as I descended from the hills.
I'll grudgingly concede that in sub zero conditions like this, an extra layer might be welcome; but for anything else, the ARC jersey with merino base has got things well covered.
Since drafting this review a few days ago, the sun came out and I ventured for a first ride of the year in a lighter but still long-sleeved lycra jersey instead: big mistake! The icy wind cut through the sleeves and chilled me to the core; it was back to the cosy embrace of the ARC merino for my next ride, and the experience was so much the better for it.
At £180 this jersey is a significant investment, but if you wear it as often as I do you'll get your money's worth. It's simply an excellent bit of kit.
Le Col ARC Merino Long Sleeve Jersey, £180 from lecol.cc
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