Home > Gear Reviews

Sportful Fiandre Light Norain SS review

The Fiandre has found a good balance between wind protection, water resistance and breathability with the Fiandre.

Sportful FIANDRE LIGHT NORAIN SS

Not a vest, not a jacket, the Fiandre is a windproof, water resistant, short sleeve top designed for a variety of conditions. A piece of clothing you’ll find yourself reaching for throughout the year because of its versatility. Sportful has designed the Fiandre to be worn over your existing ensemble as it does not have pockets and is compact enough to be stuffed away in a pocket. It is neither a jacket nor a jersey and with increased breathability, it offers lightweight protection from the elements in cool or damp conditions. This versatility makes it an extremely practical accessory to add to your wardrobe.

Sportful FIANDRE LIGHT NORAIN SS

The front, shoulders and sleeves of the jersey are made from Sportful’s Windshield 3L fabric. The material is stretchy and thick enough to effectively offer protection from a cold wind or light rain. The back is made from a lighter weight breathable material Sportful call Norain. The material effectively protects against light rain and is not windproof to ensure you don’t overheat too quickly. In warmer weather you can feel a noticeable difference between the two fabrics. On hills or while making hard efforts if you have the Fiandre fully zipped it can start to get warm in the front, luckily something that can easily be adjusted by opening up the zipper.

Sportful FIANDRE LIGHT NORAIN SS

The jersey’s utility really demonstrates itself when there is a chill in the air, a shower in the forecast or when you just need a little bit more protection than your jersey affords but don’t want to carry anything bulky around. Think a spring or fall day when temperatures are in the teens or a shower is in the forecast. Fully zipped the high collar and longer sleeves keep the neck protected and the wind out. If it begins to rain lightly, the Fiandre will offer sufficient protection.  Sportful have found a good balance with the Fiandre between wind protection, water-resistance and breathability. However, don’t expect it to keep you dry if it starts to downpour.

Sportful FIANDRE LIGHT NORAIN SS

The jersey has a zipper on the right side of the back for access to your jersey pockets. Lefties beware, the zipper is only found on the right side so accessing the pockets on the left is a bit more of a challenge. Reflective strips on the back ensure you will be visible in the dark, especially with the yellow-fluro model I tested which really pops.  The jersey also has a wind flap on the front zipper and a very comfortable sporty fit.

Look for the Fiandre in stores for $199.99.

Sportful FIANDRE LIGHT NORAIN SS