Know your protection vest

MATERIALS AND FABRIC

The fabric and cut of material any protection pads are fixed to is crucial to cooling, comfort, sweat absorption and even how smelly it gets. Most vests use stretchy, perforated mesh synthetic fabrics with wicking properties, with some better than others at drying or dumping rider moisture. A closer fit ensures less wriggling and better insulation too.

FIT

A snug fit ensures less potential movement of pads and panels and also helps keep protection low-profile for a sleeker look under clothing. Softer, floppier fabrics vs the tighter squeeze of a compression fit will come down to personal choice.