Pearl Izumi is one of the classic names in cycling kits, with origins dating back over 60 years. And, honestly, I can’t think of a time when I didn’t have some piece of Pearl Izumi kit in my regular array of clothing. New this season, the Pearl Izumi Attack Air Jersey is a staple for long rides in the summer heat.
Pearl Izumi Attack Air Jersey Features:
- Sleek, form-fitting cut
- No-collar design and longer sleeves
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Knit Transfer fabric
- Three bellowed rear pockets with a zippered stash sleeve
- Made from over 80% recycled materials
- In-R-Cool® IR technology provides additional cooling performance
- BioViz® reflective elements
- MSRP: $120
A no-fuss jersey for summer
With so many great jerseys on the market these days, I appreciate the little things more and more. Something as simple as a solid color is enough to stand out and ensure a long service life. Gone are the days of rolling billboards as the only option and instead, solid, traditional colors are much more common. When given the choice, I happily chose the Pale Pine color for that very reason. And, it happens to remind me of the glacier green color of my favorite lake growing up, Lake Tapps — a nice nostalgic bonus.
Zipping it up, the Attack Air Jersey delivers buttery-smooth next-to-skin vibes. The knit Transfer fabric stretches comfortably around every part of my body and delivers a sleek fit. The low-profile collar feels modern and adds to both summer comfort and breathability. Gone are the days of wearing a turtleneck-style jersey in the summer and the no collar design solidifies that. I do like it, but it does sit pretty wide, so keep in mind that Pearl Izumi really does mean “no collar” on this one, as opposed to a low-profile collar that’s found on the Velocio Signature Jersey, for example. Take note to apply sunscreen all the way down your neck on long rides.
Worn both alone and with a sleeveless base layer, the Attack Air Jersey breathes really well. It also has great anti-odor properties for multiple rides between washing. When the air is cold, you’ll notice a good amount of airflow with this jersey, but it does tend to hold onto moisture a little more than I’d like. It dries out post-ride fairly quickly, but not as quick as the most breathable jerseys I’ve tested. Importantly, the front zipper is easily pulled up or down with one hand.
Almost 100% of the time, I paired this jersey with the Pearl Izumi Attack Air Bib Shorts, which is a superb pairing. For the money, I feel those are the best bib shorts on the market and the full kit just plain works. I’ve rocked it for road, gravel and MTB over the better part of this year and have found it to perform with panache.
The hem and sleeve lengths are both excellent — offering modern lengths and coverage. And, that 360-degree silicone grip at the hem ensures the jersey stays in place. Out back, those three bellowed pockets can stash a wide array of necessities and do so without raising a fuss. Everything is easily-reached and stowed.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs., wearing a size medium (my usual size in Pearl Izumi).
The Good:
- Lightweight, stretchy and comfortable
- Breathes really well
- Great airflow at speed
- Bellowed pockets hold a lot of stuff
- Plain, solid colors for the win
The Bad:
- Takes longer to dry than comparable jerseys
- Zippered sleeve lacks a sweat-resistant lining
The Bottom Line: Pearl Izumi Attack Air Jersey
As a summer staple, there’s little to shake a stick at with the Attack Air Jersey. The super-soft fabric feels great and it fits perfectly. I love the no-collar design for a sleek look and the overall cut is spot-on for an efficient ride.
Buy Now: Available from Pearl Izumi
