POC’s approach to clothing has left them with a kit that performs exceptionally well, and in our opinion, looks the part too.

The materials in evidence here all work exceptionally well, from the compressive shorts to the very lightweight top, which offers great heat distribution in summer months. We loved the waist and leg grippers that really held on tight, as well as the stylish reflective panels on the rear.

POC’s jersey and bibshorts in action

With a combined price of £325 for the jersey (£150) and bibshorts (£175), there are no doubts that POC’s Essential collection falls at the expensive end of the market. The price certainly buys you a level of exclusivity, but what you’re really purchasing is a kit that excels in on-bike performance.

Front and rear views of the POC Essential Jersey. The spotted pattern on the rear is actually a nice touch of reflectivity

The cut of the jersey is certainly favoured towards cycling, with a tight front section that stays flat in the tuck position. It’s not the kit we’d chose for café lounging, so if you make the investment, you’ll feel obliged to bring a certain level of your own performance to match.

The shorts are tight at the gripper and they feel quite compressive too.

More information at 2pure’s website.