Hot
- Luxuriously next to skin soft breathable fabric
- Venting panels for cooling and moisture-wicking
- Long sleeves provide UPF 50+ sun protection
- Silicon gripper on back hem keeps jersey in place
- Full-length zipper for easy venting
- Ample storage with 3 rear pockets and one side zip, moisture resistant pocket
- Worry free purchase with free shipping and returns within the US
Not
- Pricey
- Fabric works best when moving and air passes through fabric
Price: $168 MSRP
Colors/Designs: Palmera, Desert Bloom, Jade Rose
Sizing: XXS – 3XL
Fit: Fitted
Source: Company website
How obtained: Sample from company
RBR Sponsor: No
You’ll Want to Show This One Off
It’s not often you pull on a cycling jersey and think to yourself “damn I look good!” But that’s how I feel every time I slip on the summerweight long sleeve jersey with Palmera design from Machines for Freedom. At first glance, everything about this jersey screams fashion, but take a closer look it’s built for performance. From the venting panels to the UPF 50+ sun protection, this is one impressive jersey.
It’s not surprising that Machine for Freedom is a women-owned business and the gear is designed by women who ride. According to the company’s website it’s “inspired by the intersection of athleticism and femininity, we strive for a balance between technical performance and streamlined, flattering shapes.”
The company sent me the Palmera version of the jersey, named for the palm leaves in the pattern (jersey comes in 2 other patterns). A pop of orange around the cuffs, sleeves, and zipper gives the jersey that touch of flare and added visibility on the road.
First Time and I’m Sold
This was the first item I’ve tested from Machine’s and am very impressed. I’ll be testing a pair of their new Essential shorts when the company has them back in stock. The long sleeve design is counter intuitive for hot weather. But the thin fabric, vented panels and UPF 50 keep you protected as well as cool. As you ride the air flows through the fabric to aid in moisture wicking, thus cooling your body. While the fabric worked great on the bike, off the bike and when still I did get a little warm. But as soon as the wind blew or I started riding again, I instantly cooled off.
The vented fabric runs along the inside of the arm (orange panel) and down the side of the body. You must look closely to notice the vented fabric as it blends perfectly into the rest of the jersey. The full zip front provides additional venting and a zipper garage at the neckline insures only soft fabric touches your body.
I tested this jersey both road riding and MTB in temps from 60-95 degrees. I really like the sun protection on the road rides and while I didn’t need the sun protection as much on the MTB, the long sleeves protected me from nature (bugs and branches). The fabric on this jersey might be light in weight and silky soft, but it is tough. I crashed on my MTB and ended up in the brush. I had a scrape on my arm that bled onto the jersey. One washing and the blood stain came out and there’s no rip or noticeable mark on the jersey. Oh, and yes the bike is ok!
Other added features include three rear pockets trimmed in the orange fabric. A fourth pocket has a side zipper and the is lined with moisture resistant fabric. This security pocket is ideal for keys, phone, money or nutrition.
Buy with Confidence
The staff at Machine’s wants customers to shop with confidence. On their web site they offer an online fit guide where you plug in your dimensions and it provides sizing recommendations. They offer a wide variety of sizing to fit any body shape. From XXS to 3XL, Machines can fit your curves. But I will warn you, their gear is designed to fit next to skin, so if you don’t like tight fitting jerseys then size up.
Shop worry free with free shipping and returns in the US (Alaska and Hawaii included). Each box contains a pre-paid return label to make it that much easier for returns or exchanges.
The gear from Machine’s is on the pricier side, so the company offers Interest free payments through AfterPay. You purchase as normal with a credit card and then pay 4 equal payments every 2 weeks with zero interest and no fees, as long as you pay on time.
Bottom Line
I’m always excited to find women-owned companies that understand what women want in cycling apparel. It’s not pink it and shrink it. Instead it is thoughtful designs, performance fabrics and flattering fit. Machines for Freedom hit all the marks which their summerweight long sleeve jersey. If you buy one for yourself, I can almost guarantee you’ll say “damn I look good!”
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio.
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