I’m going to be honest, I don’t entirely comprehend how Rapha wove this new merino blend Classic Seamless Knit Jersey in such a way to not have seams. I get the pattern and structure of the torso and variations at the hems. But knitting on pockets is wild. And the arms at least have to be sewn onto the main body of the jersey, right?
Well, however they programmed the robotic weaving machines to knit together this jersey without seams, it’s a bold and intriguing evolution of the Classic merino-blend SportWool jersey that launched the iconic British cycling wear company back in 2004.
It’s still made of natural merino fibers blended with nylon & lycra. It’s still classic black & white with a relatively simple look featuring Rapha’s signature contrasting armband. Just, no pink accents here, though.
But this feels like a much more technologically advanced jersey, even with its Classic origins and more traditional materials…
Rapha new Classic Seamless Knit Jersey reinvents iconic kit
“Created to mark 20 years of Rapha, we’re proud to release the Classic Seamless Knit, inspired by Rapha’s first and most iconic piece – the Classic Jersey, which debuted in 2004. The reimagined design honours our past, whilst exploring the future of textile manufacturing and technology.”
This past autumn, Rapha celebrated their 20th anniversary with the Rapha20: Past Forward Exhibition back London’s Truman Brewery where it all started with their simple black & white merino Classic Jersey. And in doing so, they teased us of the new woven pattern of this new Classic Seamless Knit Jersey, without really letting on too much as to what the B&W barcode-looking pattern really meant.
Although, they did say that their design duo Isabel + Helen created the kinetic barcode centerpiece of the exhibit titled ‘Rapha in Motion‘ as a representation of “the past and future of Rapha’s first merino-blend jersey“.
And it isn’t even their first 3D-knitted cycling kit, after last fall’s Rapha + ByBorre 20th anniversary knitted vest, too.
So I guess they left some solid clues there, huh?
Tech details
“The seamless concept explores the simplicity of lines, using advanced knitting technology to let the machine generate an infinite design. By adjusting scale, rotation, and colour – we create a new yet familiar visual language, guided by process and blending innovation with Rapha’s merino wool heritage.”
– Georgia Kasmin, Rapha senior designer
- developed in the Rapha Works design Atelier in London
- 3D machine knitted in partnership with tech knitting Studio Eva & Carola in Bologna Italy
- polished metal Riri 1/4 zipper
- dropped rear hem & 3 seamless integrated rear pockets
- knit SportWool construction: 62% merino wool, 36% nylon, 2% elastane
Rapha Classic Seamless Knit – Pricing & limited availability
The uniquely machine-woven Rapha Classic Seamless Knit jersey is a new limited edition, with just 300 total jerseys made – just like the original black Rapha SportWool jersey. It comes only in this one black & white pattern, and just 3 sizes each (S-L) for men & women due to complex machine-knit manufacturing limitations. It has a closer fit than regular Classic or Brevet merino jerseys suggesting something more like a Pro Team fit. But Rapha also says the high dynamic stretch of the weave means it fits those who would wear XS up to L.
Each women’s or men’s Classic Seamless Knit jersey sells for $395 / 345€. And they are available now in limited numbers direct from Rapha.
