MAAP Drome Thermal LS Jersey Review: wonderfully comfortable and stylish, but lacking additional features

Construction

The MAAP Thermal LS Jersey has been designed for use in temperatures of between 6-16˚C, or cold conditions. This is essentially the next step in the thermal range from the Air LS jerseys which feature a more perforated material for use in spring/fall conditions or early starts to summer rides.

The jersey is built primarily upon an ultra-soft and recycled knitted Italian fabric across the entire body. Internally this uses a brushed-fleece facing to provide insulation as well as comfort.

MAAP’s Core Fit is used, which features a slightly longer body than the race fit, but still hugs the body. A bonded hem front construction helps to keep the jersey in place while riding with a silicone gripper at the rear to aid this further.

Many design elements have been used to give the jersey a sleek look. The low profile pockets at the rear are from the Pro Air 3.0 introduced in early 2025, and sit flush against the back when riding. The collar is low profile without being constrictive, while the shoulders use an internal bonded seam for less bulk and to avoid the pressure points that traditional folded seams can cause.

In addition to the standard 3 rear pockets is the zip-up valuables pocket. This is fitted externally to the main pockets while the zip features a tab to improve ease of access.

It's available from XS to XXL and in two colour options in this Drome design.

The Ride

The Thermal LS jersey is in keeping with MAAP jerseys in that it offers a snug and race like fit, without being constrictive or uncomfortable. In the size medium, the length in both the body and sleeves was adequate, offering good coverage. I particularly like the brushed fleece inner fabric which provides a good level of insulation, while the lack of specific weather proofing does mean that the jersey maintains a high level of breathability.

The rear pockets are situated at the right sort of height that they can be accessed easily, while the cargo capacity of them is plenty large enough for additional layers, food, and spares. A wide silicone grip hem across the rear helps keep these all in place even when riding out of the saddle.

I’m a big fan of the inclusion of a zip up side pocket as well since it’s where I always stash my keys so they don’t get caught up with spare clothes and food.

The finish of the jersey is generally very neat and smart, there are no areas of excess or stretched material, but there are some small little gripes I have. Given the high price, I am surprised that flat-lock seams have not been used internally. Folded over seams add a little more bulk and can leave some indentations on the skin, but it’s not something that detracted from comfort, so is certainly a minor niggle. There are also fairly limited reflective details. Given the MAAP Atmos Drome kit items make use of the MAAP logos as reflective details, it’s a shame to not have that carried over to the jersey.

On those decals, I am a big fan of this Drome design colourway. It’s subtle and understated, surprising given the hoard of different MAAP logos dotted around the jersey.

I'm also impressed by the performance of the recycled materials. Over recent years, recycled fibres in cycling kit have been criticised for not being as comfortable, and lacking some breathability and moisture wicking performance. In this jersey, there are no such issues, and it uses those recycled fibres brilliantly to make a garment that performs just as well as any other non-recycled garment.

Given the high prevalence of turnover, especially in more designer and seasonal cycling fashion kit, I’m very glad to see a focus on using more recycled materials. The great performance is an added bonus and hopefully will set the tone for more brands using a higher level of recycled materials in cycling kit.

Value and Conclusion

There’s no getting around the fact that £180 ($225) is quite a lot of money for a cycling jersey, even a long sleeved one. Rapha’s Pro Team LS Midweight jersey is £165, while the Castelli Espresso Thermal jersey is £145 / $180. The likes of PNS is similarly priced with the Mechanism LS Jersey, but on the whole the MAAP Thermal jersey is certainly towards the higher end of the pricing spectrum for what it offers.

There are more expensive offerings from Q36.5 and Assos, but those options feature active weather proofing or multiple textile uses to tailor insulation and breathability. They feature more specific design features that tend to make those garments more versatile and somewhat justify the higher than average costs.

The thing on MAAPs favour is the use of recycled materials in this jersey. Weather that actually has an impact on the cost I can’t say, unlike brands like Q36.5 sourcing and making everything within a smaller radius to reduce carbon emissions.

There is of course an element of style and designer branding. A Gucci piece of clothing costs considerably more than a piece from a high street store , even if the performance is the same. MAAP is certainly one of the ‘designer’ brands in cycling, so an element of increased price associated with that is somewhat expected. It means that for most people, it’s not the best value jersey out there. But if you want that designer kit, then the benefit of great performance might make it good value to you. I’ve certainly had a lot of glowing comments about this jersey while out riding in it.

The MAAP Drome Thermal LS Jersey is a very solidly performing thermal jersey. It offers a good level of insulation, great thermal management even with the fleeced inner, and frankly, it looks fantastic. I really like the fit, pockets, and love the use of recycled materials within the jersey. My only gripe is that it lacks any real specific features that justify the higher that average price for a thermal long sleeved jersey. But there is an element of paying for the designer status of the brand and this kit, it has certainly garnered a lot of positive attention, and maybe that will justify the price for some. For others, there are better value options available.