DHB AERON PACKABLE GILET
£50
SIZES M, L COLOUR Black; fluoro yellow
Ultra-tight or square and baggy, finding a reasonably priced women’s gilet that fits well can be something of a challenge. So, it was a pleasant surprise to find the dhb Aeron packable gilet was a good length for my long torso, with a gripper on the bottom hem that actually worked.
Just about forgiving enough on my hips and chest but without excess material flapping around my shoulders or upper back, it has a decent, albeit not relaxed, fit. The gilet prioritises visibility over all else, so loud fluorescent yellow and reflective elements made me feel seen and, importantly, safe.
Breathability testing in the hottest few weeks of the year felt like I really put this gilet through its paces, but the mesh back prevented me from breaking into a proper sweat-fest, and with the double zip feature I was able to unzip from the bottom to ventilate on the move. Also as a result of the unexpected summer sunshine, I got to test this gilet’s ‘packability’ claims multiple times and I can confidently confirm that it fits easily into a jersey pocket.
The material and construction both seem durable enough for frequent use, making it a good choice for those with longer commutes. Based on the quality, visibility and functionality, and coming in at such a reasonable price, this gilet would be a good buy for the all-year, dedicated cyclists out there.