Assos

DB.3 insulatorVest

Assos modeled its new DB.3 insulatorVest after its versatile kickTop, relying on the lightweight technical fabrics and sharp detailing that you've come to expect from the Swiss apparel designer. Similar to the kickTop, the DB.3 falls under Assos' 'Dopo Bici,' or 'after bike,' collection, as it was developed with a casualness that strikes the harmonious balance between style, comfort, and functionality. Essentially, it's the pullover vest that perfectly illustrates what's possible in a lightweight, technical composition when more than 30 years of experience get poured into its design.

As with the technical climaRange pieces, the DB.3 insulatorVest employs Assos' exclusive RX material. This fabric was used for the bulk of the vest's paneling construction, as it features a warm, stretchy composition that works to keep your core both insulated and dry. The outer-layer appears fleecy, and the inner-layer is thin and smooth. Assos considers this fabric to be a 'transportation' textile, with the dual purpose of moving moisture away from the skin while insulating the body. This is the concept of essentially retaining body heat while expelling moisture through the RX's hollow-fiber construction. The open fibers work in conjunction with the '2+1-way' stretch of the material in order to accelerate moisture evaporation at the surface of the fabric. The RX was supplemented with underarm panels made from Assos' stretchy 185 fabric. This material is composed of an ultra-breathable structure, which provides additional ventilation to the vest. Altogether, the system is highly effective at maintaining your 'internal microClima,' or more simply put, your temperature inside of the vest.

In terms of fit, the DB.3 differs from Assos' cycling vests in that it incorporates a more spacious paneling design that's been built specifically for your daily life off of the bicycle. The fabric panels were joined in a way that contours to the body without restricting any movement. Separate shoulder panels were cut in a shape that mimics your anatomical structure, which aids in a fit that smoothly wraps your upper torso. A thin 'free-standing' neck panel composes the DB.3's collar, which was specifically designed to keep pressure off of the neck. This paneling is backed with ultra-soft microfleece, providing maximum comfort.

Going along with this theme of comfort, Assos also covered the inside seams of the DB.3 in order to provide a smooth, chafe-free contact with your skin. The arm openings and hem were built with narrow bands to secure the fit, and a single zippered pocket and 1/4-length zipper round out the front. Assos finished off the insulatorVest with a small logo at the chest and a reflective security stripe along the rear panel.

The Assos DB.3 insulatorVest is available in seven sizes from X-Small to TIR and in the color Black.