To sleeve or not to sleeve, that is the question. When riding long, sleeves are more practical since they minimize sun exposure, but the resulting tan-line doesn't go well with sleeveless après-bike wear. Then again, sleeveless jerseys still cover too much when you want to go spaghetti-strap. And what about those cool mornings when you want to wear a layer under the jersey or when you need to wear arm-warmers?

Maybe the better question is this: How do you define function? Our bias is toward short sleeve jerseys in the summer. Assos, as usual, does it right with a short sleeve jersey that is cut specifically to fit women. No need to suffer the cruel fate of long, baggy sleeves and a boxy cut. Rather, enjoy the fabulous fit of the Assos ss.Lady short sleeve jersey.

Looking at the front, you can see that this is no square-cut, loose-fitting top. The front is stitched from six separate panels of a wicking spandex fabric. To call the material luscious would be an understatement. It's a material that is as rich and lush to look at as it is soft to the touch and light on the scale. It feels great. The panels are cut to match the shape of a woman's body. The shoulders are narrow, and the sleeves are made from Assos spandex. The result is a jersey top that is not only comfortable to sit still in, but also comfortable climbing for hours under a summer sun, while being almost as aero at a custom-fitted skin suit.

The back of the ss Lady jersey bears more than a passing similarity to the Assos sleeveless ns.13 jersey. It shares the identical back design. Everything is oriented around the patented rear-stabilizer panel. This central panel, which runs across the back and stretches only sideways, which helps keep everything in place. Not only does it help keep the front snug, but it also keeps the upper part of the back from bobbing when the pockets are loaded down.

Above the stabilizer and below the pockets is a new, low-volume honeycomb-like fabric. The three-dimensional shape of the material works moisture away from the body and helps it evaporate quickly, keeping your back dry and comfortable, even on the hottest of days. One other detail that delivers superb fit: At the bottom hem, there is elastic at the back, and no elastic at the front. The prevents bunching and tension on your tummy.

Assos is always working something interesting with the pockets. The ss.Lady has a four-pocket back. There are two deep pockets on either side of the back. Running down the middle are two smaller pockets, each protected by its own flap of fabric. The upper pocket is great for a cellphone and other sizable stashables. The lower is great for a credit card and/or key.

One note to keep in mind: Assos designs all of their clothing with their AEPD (Assos Ergonomic Pattern Design) philosophy. When you put this jersey on, it might pull upward and seem short at your tummy when you're standing straight up looking in the mirror. But it's not designed to be perfect when you're standing in your bedroom -- rather, they're designed to "click" into place when you're on your bike. When you're on the saddle reaching for the handlebars, that's when you'll experience the beauty of Assos fit.

The Assos ss.Lady Short Sleeve Jersey comes in Black, Blue, White, and Yellow. The sleeves are always Black and White and the zipper is always white.