Slip on the airy Nalini Acrab cycling jersey and you'll feel like you're floating on a Mediterranean breeze. A wide knit and wicking polyester fabric keep you cool, and the slightest wind is enough to thermoregulate.
Nalini has its hands in a lot of apparel at the highest levels of the sport. Its jerseys (branded with the Adidas stripes) are worn by Team Sky, the home of the newest Tour de France champ, Bradley Wiggins, as well as several other pro cycling teams. It also makes jerseys for a new line under the Moa name, and its threads are used in Bianchi's iconic gear.
Designed and made in Italy, the Acrab is a mid-range offering from the 32-year-old company. It's a no-frills piece; the back pockets are simple and straightforward, but not saggy. A lot of jerseys have grippy hems to keep them from riding up in the front. It doesn't always work, but on the Acrab, it was effective. One quirk: the Acrab is available only in a 3/4-zip, which is fine if you're into that type of fit, but frustrating otherwise.
Like all Nalini jerseys, the Acrab is cut for a "race fit," which means no spare space. That's typically good for slim-to-medium gents, and that was the case here – mostly. While the all-around cut was good, my neck was uncomfortably constricted when I zipped the zipper all the way up, and I'm not a large fellow. If anyone has ever asked you if you play football, this jersey is not for you.
The Acrab's racing image extends to the style, as well, with that love-it-or-hate-it boldness reminiscent of a European competitor. Of course, if you want the maximum cool (as in temperature) factor, you've got to get it in white.
WIRED Light, venting fabric. Simple but effective. Slim fit through the body.
TIRED Too-slim fit through the neck. Three-quarter zip only.
