Review: Le Coq Sportif Premium Short Sleeve Jersey

I’m not really one for wearing pro-team jerseys. I have done in the past, on occasion, but I sort of feel it is one of those privileges that should be reserved for those that have really earnt them. However, the Premium model Le Coq Sportif jerseys, used for the Maillot Jaune, Polkadot, Green, and White jersey holders at the Tour de France, are something rather special. I’ve had a secret longing to wear one for some time. An opportunity to do so arose last month…

As well as Le Coq Sportif being the official clothing supplier for Le Tour, they are also the maker of the official L’Etapé du Tour jerseys. I completed the challenging event last month (blog post), so I felt like I had justification to wear the kit, and enjoy the same look and feel as the Tour de France leaders!

Identical in fit and fabric to the jerseys used at Le Tour, the L’Etapé du Tour jersey I wore for the event was the Premium performance model. It’s made from the most high-tech fabrics, with a true race-orientated cut. There’s also an incredible attention to detail in the styling and branding, which makes it particularly unique.

The first thing you’ll likely notice with the Le Coq Sportif Premium jersey is the fabric. It is an innovative lightweight material, with a super breathable mesh material on the back panels. The design was very welcome on the day of the Etapé, when temperatures reached more than 35 degrees Celsius on La Toussuire! Unlike some lightweight materials, this one doesn’t seem to discolour or thin when stretched over a torso, either; that’s a significant benefit, given that it also has a proper form-fitting cut.

The fabric choice is superb, and one of the best I’ve seen in a summer jersey. The design, is also right up there with the best. Unlike some loud and blatant event jerseys, the Etapé du Tour jersey is far more subtle in its approach; the two tone colour scheme, with its tricolour contour map of the stage, provides a classic and stylish design, which has a real affiliation with the spirit of the adventurous alpine event.

The subtle details in the design are also neat and impressive. Le Coq Sportif still use the technique of flocking for the logos on their high-end jerseys, and that gives a lovely raised profile and texture to them, and certainly a unique style. The collar design is low-cut and aero, with some nice tricolour detailing on the rear. Even the sleeve length is spot-on for the balance between comfort, style and fashion.

A quick note on sizing. The jersey I am wearing in these images is a size small. Le Coq Sportif jerseys seem to come up quite long in their length, so it's possible you might want to size down; if like me, you have a shorter torso. I probably could have actually gone for an extra small (my measurements are listed here), if I wanted a real race-fit cut.

The Le Coq Sportif L’Etapé du Tour jersey is easily the nicest event jersey that I have worn. It is easy to see why the leaders of the Tour de France are happy to wear this brand’s kit; it is comfortable, stylish and superbly fitted.

The Premium jersey is available in a whole host of designs, in addition to the Tour jerseys and the Etapé design. So, whether you’re keen to look like Froome, with a replica Maillot Jaune; or you just want to experience the same style and comfort as they do in their kit; there are great designs for all.

Well worth checking out.

View the Le Coq Sportif range at lecoqsportif.com (Link)

The flocked logo, tricolour details and multiple fabric design, demonstrate the superb attention to detail.

Many nationalities, one choice of jersey!

Comfortable, aero and smart.

There is no doubt this is a cool piece of kit!