ES16 is a Danish cycling apparel brand with roots in Aarhus. They have been known for fashionable, high-quality cycling clothing at a reasonable price. Their range is continuously expanding and the latest addition is a GRVL series, that is, a series of cycling clothing for gravel, or – in a design that makes it more targeted towards the gravel rider, though it can just as well be used on the road as on a mountain bike in the forest.

GRVL series currently consists of short and long-sleeved jerseys, bib shorts, shorts, vest, and various accessory products.

This time, we have tested their jerseys and will follow up with more products continuously!

ES16 Grvl short-sleeved jersey

The short-sleeved jersey is available in either green or a stylish checkered version that looks a bit like a lumberjack shirt, true gravel style!

The fit is standard race fit, so it sits very close to the body. The collar is low, there is a full-length zipper, and at the waist, there is a silicone print on the inside of the elastic to keep the jersey in place. On the back, there are 3 open pockets, one of which has a small hole/exit for headphones, in case you’re the type who sticks with a wired solution.

The sleeve ends, which are a bit longer than usual, are laser cut for a snug fit – without an elastic or similar to ruin the cool look.

A more breathable and elastic material is used on the front and back, while the shoulders and sleeves use a traditional and slightly heavier material to provide some protection against wind and weather. The combination means breathability is really good, so it’s best suited for summer temperatures.

The fit is tight, close to race fit, and with a little extra length at the back, it sits exactly as it should when you’re on the bike.

ES16 GRVL Long-sleeved jersey

The long-sleeved jersey comes in 3 colors: bordeaux, green, and the same checkered pattern as the short-sleeved one.

The fit is also “race fit” so it sits very close, to ensure aerodynamics. If you’re not into a super tight fit, you might want to choose one size larger than usual. The material is fairly thin and light, with a lightly brushed inside that provides a bit of extra insulation.

At the front, there is a full-length zipper and at the waist on the back, there is a wide elastic with silicone print on the inside to prevent it from riding up. The front has a laser-cut finish – it looks great and gives a completely snug finish. Under the arms, a different material is used with a bit more breathability than the rest of the jersey.

The sleeve ends are regular turn-ups, but the material is stretchy enough that it almost works like an elastic.

On the back, there are 3 open pockets and in one of them there is a small carabiner where you can attach your keys or similar, a really nice detail since there isn’t a closed pocket. Even though the fit is super tight, the back pockets are quite easy to access – even when you’re on the bike.

The tight fit and stretchy material mean it hugs the body, it fits really well, and with the lightly brushed inside you also get a bit of protection against wind and weather. Combined with a wind vest, it’s perfect for the transitional period when the thicker jersey or jacket becomes too warm. During the test period, I’ve done both rides of a couple of hours and longer rides with many hours in the saddle – and I’m very satisfied with both the fit and the ventilation/breathability.

I have tested the long-sleeved jersey in size S and for my 65 kg and 175 cm, it’s the right size, as long as you like a tight fit.

Conclusion

Both jerseys offer a good fit, sit close to the body, and provide good ventilation – the long-sleeved one even gives a bit of insulation due to the lightly brushed inside.

The design is simple yet a bit rugged, and this, combined with the cool colors, makes them perfect for the gravel rider who wants to stand out a bit, but still wants good materials and quality.