Kostüme Windproof Cargo Gilet review: I tried the kit used by Dr Sarah Ruggins as she approaches the finish of a World Record ride across Europe – and here are my thoughts

In an incredible feat of endurance, Dr Sarah Ruggins is on track to beat the world record for cycling across Europe from the South in Spain to the Northernmost tip of Europe. She’s riding in a cycling kit from a small UK brand called Kostüme, and I was lucky enough to try out the same gilet (like a cycling jacket but minus the arms!) that she’s relied upon for all those miles.

Ruggins started on June 5th 2026 in Tarifa, Spain and has already covered over 5,320km, crossed through eight countries and is on target to hit Nordkapp, Norway any time now in record time.

Kostüme is a Bristol-based company pushing boundaries on how kit is made, marketed and sold. By pre-selling small batches there is no waste production so they can invest much more in product specs with great focus on comfort, performance, utility and longevity.

I haven’t embarked upon a challenge as wild as Sarah’s, but I have found the Kostume kit I’ve tested to really shine – in fact the gilet got my first ever 10/10 review. Worn over a cycling jersey, it has given me confidence to know I’ll be comfortable all day long and is super-practical so comes out on almost every ride. 

Shaped by real-world use

The Kostüme Windproof Cargo Gilet is one of those rare cycling pieces that genuinely feels impossible to fault. From the first ride, it’s clear this is a product shaped by real-world use. It strikes an outstanding balance between performance, practicality, and comfort, and quickly became my go to piece for almost every ride.

The fabric and fit are both exceptional. The Polartec® Power Shield™ RPM delivers superb wind and weather protection without sacrificing breathability. The design and stretch allows it to contour naturally to the body while maintaining a fast, flap-free layer. Features such as the perfectly judged high collar, reflective elastic armholes, and smooth YKK two-way zip all add to this. It packs small, wears beautifully, and performs flawlessly.

The pocket layout is outstanding and genuinely useful. The double-width rear cargo pocket is brilliant, easily swallowing essentials and doubling as a waterproof stuff sack when the gilet is packed away. The zipped chest pockets are well positioned and the easy access phone pocket with protective flap make this a true all-day or multi-day riding companion.

It is available in women’s-specific sizing from XXS to XXL. Kostüme products are not cheap but are certainly worth the investment – not only for their performance and practicality but also to support the truly sustainable business model they have created.

Simply put, this is a thoughtfully engineered, do-it-all gilet that lives up to its promises. If you want one layer that can handle real-world riding demands, this might genuinely be the last gilet you ever buy. 

Lead image: James Busby