Complete Tri

Pearl Izumi Select Jersey Review

Pearl Izumi (technically spelled iZUMi) has been cranking out some of the best triathlon clothing – and overall workout gear in recent years. While we often write about Pearl Izumi’s triathlon suits or tri shorts, which we are fans of, we also wanted to spread the word about one of our favorite all-purpose workout and tri tops – the Pearl Izumi Select jersey (from $65 to $75).

We recognize that we might be biased toward the Pearl Izumi Select Jersey because it tends to fit us perfectly. As with anything triathlon related, people should always try to settle in on brands that fit their particular body type well. But we credit Pearl Izumi at least partially with building a garment in the jersey that tends to fit a typical weekend athlete pretty well – cut well through the shoulder, arms and back so you have little excess fabric hanging in the wind, but loose enough in key areas, such as under the armpit and in the lower back, so it doesn’t ride up when in various positions on the bike.

The fabric on the Pearl Izumi Select Jersey is very soft, soft enough so there is relatively little risk of chafing or rubbing. It is made of Pearl Izumi’s sensor poly fabric, which we have found to be excellent in terms of both breathability and moisture-wicking. In fact, it is comfortable enough so we consider much more than a cycling jersey – we routinely use it for other workouts and for triathlons where we may be choosing to not go in a full triathlon suit or tri top.

For cyclists, we like the reflective trim (which blends in great with the color scheme) that provides a little extra safety in low light. The colors of the Select Jersey vary by year, but we have always found the colors to be attractive. We personally aren’t fans of the black and dark blue color schemes as we prefer brighter tones for cycling safety, but that is a relatively minor nit.

The Pearl Izumi Select Jersey is topped off with a long zipper on the front to control the level of ventilation in any conditions, and a triple pocket across the outside of the lower back that is designed in a way that is barely noticeable if you are not using it.

Road tests indicate a high level of satisfaction with this jersey. The consensus is that it runs small to size, so when combined with its natural athletic cut, you will probably be getting a snug fit by ordering your normal size. Snug is not bad, however, and Pearl Izumi has done a great job of making this jersey comfortable even if it happens to be form-fitting on your build. The smallish fit was perhaps the only real critique we heard in our road tests, so if you are concerned you may want to order up a size to be on the safe side.

Other road test reports were that the Select Jersey was very comfortable on rides, the color scheme provided excellent choice, and the breathability exceeded expectations. The garment also appears to be highly durable, something we also encourage people to consider so as to not consume more shirts and shorts than they have to.

We hate to get in a position where we write gushing reviews of products, but this is probably as close as it gets. Pearl Izumi has a great product in their Select Jersey, consistent with their other Select line of products which includes running tights and triathlon suits.

Products:

Pearl Izumi Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey:  (Mens) – $65(Womens) – $75

Pearl Izumi Womens Short Sleeve Triathlon Singlet (very similar to the cycling jersey):  $85