Funkier Gilets
Funkier cycling gilets solve one of UK riding's most familiar problems: the morning start that's cold enough to need a layer, but warm enough to make a full jacket unbearable by mid-ride. Built around a dual-fabric philosophy - windproof micro-ripstop front panels paired with high-ventilation mesh backs - these vests block the bite on exposed descents while actively dumping heat when you're grinding up a long climb. No boil-in-the-bag misery. No unzipping your full jacket and trying to stuff it somewhere.
The construction is practical rather than flashy. A DWR coating handles light road spray and the odd spitty shower. Silicone waist grippers keep the hem in place so you're not constantly tugging it down mid-descent. Reflective detailing picks up car headlights on dull afternoons. And when the sun does finally show up, the whole thing compresses down small enough to live in a rear jersey pocket until you need it again.
Whether you're pairing one with a short-sleeve jersey for a crisp spring morning or reaching for it as an emergency layer mid-ride, a Funkier gilet is the kind of kit that earns its place on every ride, not just the obviously cold ones. Accessible pricing means you're not agonising over the decision, either.
Prices and availability can change quickly. Delivery charges are not always included in listed prices.
Final price, stock status and delivery terms are set by retailer. We may receive a commission on purchases made.
Fabric Tech and Weather Performance
The front panel does the serious work. Funkier use a tightly woven windproof micro-ripstop construction that cuts windchill effectively - exactly what you want when you're hitting 40 km/h down a long descent and the temperature drops sharply. The DWR coating adds a layer of resistance against road spray and light drizzle, so a passing car or a damp lane won't immediately soak through to your jersey. It's not a waterproof shell and it's not trying to be. That distinction matters.
The mesh rear panel is where the design earns its keep on the climbs. Rather than trapping sweat against your back the way a full jacket can, the breathable mesh vents excess heat efficiently, keeping you dry rather than damp. On a steep, humid ascent in the Lakes or a long drag through Welsh valleys in spring, that difference between damp-from-sweat and dry-and-warm is significant. You stay comfortable rather than alternating between overheating and chilling down every few minutes.
Reflective detailing across the range is a practical inclusion rather than an afterthought. Overcast British skies and early evening rides mean visibility matters more often than riders expect when they're buying kit in summer. It's a small detail that adds up on the commute home or a late autumn loop.
Fit Profile and Sizing Across the Range
Funkier gilets run to an active, contoured cut. There's no excess fabric flapping around at speed - the panels sit close to the body to prevent wind catch on fast sections. That's a deliberate trade-off: it makes the gilet more aerodynamically tidy, but it also means fit is worth thinking about before you buy.
If you're wearing the gilet directly over a short or long-sleeve summer jersey, your standard size will work well. The cut accommodates the usual mid-layer position without feeling restrictive through the shoulders or across the chest. If, however, you're planning to layer it over a bulkier Funkier thermal jersey or a thicker winter base layer, sizing up is the smarter call. The contoured shape doesn't have much extra room built in, and squeezing a heavier mid-layer underneath will limit your movement and compress the mesh back - which defeats the ventilation purpose entirely.
Men's and women's Funkier gilet fit follows category-standard differences: the women's versions are cut with a shorter torso length and adjusted shoulder geometry, so they're not simply scaled-down men's cuts. Worth checking the specific model's fit notes if you're deciding between sizes at the boundary.
Compared to brands like Endura or Castelli, which often pitch their gilets at racier or more premium price brackets, Funkier sits in a more accessible position without stripping out the features that actually matter on a ride. The two-way zipper on several models is a particularly useful detail - you can open it from the bottom for extra freedom on the bike without fully unzipping the chest protection.
A microfleece collar on some models adds a small but noticeable comfort improvement on cold mornings - softer against the neck than a raw zip edge, and it reduces the need for a buff when the temperature is borderline. Little things, but they add up over a four-hour ride.
Layering Strategies and Care for UK Conditions
The most versatile spring and autumn setup pairs a Funkier gilet with a short-sleeve jersey and Funkier arm warmers. You get full core and arm coverage when it's cold, and as the morning warms up, the arm warmers come off first, then the gilet goes in the pocket. Three pieces of kit covering a temperature range that a single jacket simply can't match. It's a system that experienced UK riders default to for good reason - flexible, packable, and it doesn't require stopping for a full kit change.
For colder conditions where you need a proper outer layer, the gilet works as a core-warming mid-layer under a Funkier jacket, adding wind protection to the chest without the bulk of a second full jacket. Worth considering for winter morning rides where temperatures are single-digit but you're generating enough heat on climbs to want some breathability.
Care is straightforward but worth doing properly if you want the DWR coating to last. Wash at 30 degrees, machine wash gentle cycle, and zip up fully before putting it in - open zip teeth damage both the zip and the mesh panel over time. Avoid fabric softener entirely; it clogs the mesh fibres and strips the DWR treatment, turning a breathable, water-resistant gilet into something considerably less useful. Tumble drying on low heat periodically actually helps reactivate the DWR coating - it's the heat that refreshes the treatment, not any special product. If the coating starts beading less effectively after several washes, a dedicated DWR re-proofer spray applied after washing will bring it back.
If you're weighing up alternatives at a similar price point, Altura offers comparable windproof vests with slightly different styling choices, but Funkier's mesh rear construction is a strong point of difference for riders who run hot on climbs.
Funkier Gilets FAQs
Are Funkier cycling gilets true to size?
Generally yes, but the active cut runs close to the body. If you're layering over a bulky thermal jersey rather than a standard summer base layer, we'd suggest going up a size to keep your movement unrestricted and the mesh back working properly.
Are Funkier gilets waterproof or windproof?
Windproof on the front panels, with a DWR coating that handles light road spray and passing showers well. They're not fully waterproof - that's an intentional design choice, because the mesh backs prioritise breathability over total weather sealing. For heavy rain, you'd want a proper jacket.
How small do Funkier gilets pack down?
Compact enough to fit in a standard rear jersey pocket. The lightweight micro-ripstop fabrics compress down easily when rolled - fold the gilet inward, roll from the hem up, and it'll sit comfortably alongside a gel and a tube without taking over the pocket.