Cycling is deeply traditional. Despite the obsession with aero, electrification and carbon-fibre components, cycling never forgets its past.
Traditional cycling designs and colourways remain venerated. Celebrated. And none more so, than the vintage cycling jersey.
But what if you want the exact aesthetic of a classic cycling jersey, with authentic materials but modern durability? Something that looks like a period 1950s jersey, but that you could wear on a weekly heritage ride?
True Italian style
In the Italian town of Conegliano, cycling artisans have been making jerseys since 1946. The De Marchi brand has 75-years of lineage, and to celebrate, it has created a new line of heritage jerseys.
Italian apparel skills, traditional knitting machines and premium merino wool, make De Marchi’s heritage range a cycling geek’s dream. All those iconic racing jersey colourways and designs, which often prove impossible to source in wearable condition, can now be purchased. New.
Making merino matter
Although the latest synthetic fabrics have excellent attributes, the feel and thermal regulation of merino has made a significant comeback in cycling apparel. And De Marchi’s heritage range is about respecting and curating cycling’s original high-performance jersey material.
The detailing on these heritage jerseys includes textured sleeves, period graphics (with the correct fonts) and pearl buttons.
De Marchi's heritage collection is worth considering if you need that classic Swiss national team jersey or something with a 1960s peloton feel, for your Sunday style ride.
These jerseys aren’t cheap, as you would expect for a boutique Italian fashion item. Prices vary between R1 700 to R2 700.
