Now let me tell you about Den Haag. Despite what you may think, The City of Den Haag in the Netherlands is the seat of Government as well as the Residence of the King. Amsterdam gets all the press, but Den Haag is quite a stately city in its own right. Of course this is about the company, Road Holland, and their shirt, Den Haag. I do want to tell you how cool it is that I stumbled across this company and their philosophy.

First Thoughts on The Road Holland Den Haag

I am a native Dutchman. Born and raised in the Netherlands until the age of 12 when we packed it up for the good ol’ USA. Ironically, both my parents are from Den Haag. And wouldn’t you know it, with the bike obsessed nation like the Netherlands as part of my roots that to this day I still enjoy the ability to take my bike(s) to explore, stay fit, and meet a bunch of cool people out on the roads and trails. These products are also made in the United States which is definitely something to point out these days.

Features and Fit of the Road Holland Den Haag

If you’ve been living under a rock, you may not know that Merino Wool is the ‘all-that’ material of choice for a lot of outdoor and active apparel pieces. Blend it ‘just-so’, and you have the perfect mix of soft, warm, wicking, breathable, and stylish. The Road Holland Den Haag is 39% Merion Wool and 61% polyester blend.

I am no young ‘an by any means, but I have never owned a pair of flap back-pockets with buttons that may have been seen back in the last century. Ok, maybe these pockets aren’t the most functional if you are really intent on trying to sneak in a mid ride snack when racing, but even on my most intense club rides there’s a lull before the storm, and I could easily unbutton. We also have a few unscheduled stop light stops which allow me to grab my favorite snack (Rodeo Adventure Lab Trail Nugget if you care)

The classic stripe is simple and created and sewn in such a way that there is no rubbing or chafing, because who wants that?!? The collar adds a touch of sophistication, and brings it in line as a great all-around shirt. No one would know any different that I rode my 2-wheeled steed to the grocery store or brew pub because it doesn’t scream obnoxious, loud, or incredibly and overly tight.

The back bottom hem sports a gripper stripe that will prevent the shirt from riding up if you do happen to be riding in your favorite bib shorts. The back is longer, so that’s not likely to happen, but feel secure in the fact that when you get into a more serious and aggressive riding position the Den Haag will stay put.

Taking the Den Haag on the Road

The Road Holland Den Haag is really coming into its own as I try to leave the car at home as much as possible. I wear my Road Holland Den Haag on my daily commutes. I take my kids to school by either running them or taking the bike trailer. I have managed to do this the entire winter because their exposure to the cold and snow is much less than if I drive, park, and walk (slowly – I have a 2 year old). I pull right up to the door, and walk them in to their class. I get stares, but now as the weather is getting nicer, this shirt has been perfect. It functions as a technical sweat wicking shirt, but it actually looks good. I have worn it on occasion as a regular everyday shirt just because it fits well, looks good, and does get noticed at times as somewhat unique (usually a cyclist).

I get the fact that Road Holland is trying to reach a cycling crowd that is a little more laid back, but the performance of the shirt still has to be in line with some other cycling apparel I have. I am not a fan of the overly flashy, neon, crazy design on cycling kits. The more serious riders are usually affiliated with a club or team of some sort, and they’re carrying the flag, so to speak, of said club and/or sponsors. I suppose in my muted Dutch nationalistic way, I am flying the flag for Holland. Conditions have not been optimal for riding with my usual Tuesday and Friday early morning FDR rides. FDR, you ask? Well, that’s the Frustrated Dad Ride because most of us out there have jobs, families, and regular busy lives. A fun, social, as well as leg and lung punishing ride is great for my well-being.

Once, the group can safely hit those roads, then I will be sure to sport the Road Holland shirt to stand out in a way that’s more fun. The collar and button back stash pockets, I’m sure will get some attention. Even though, I am no Cat 2 or 3 rider, I like to see how long I can hang with those young fast guns.

Finally, a chance to go out on a few early March rides with temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. A bit of a morning chill had me wearing arm sleeve warmers and a wind proof top. Once the sun poked out, those quickly disappeared (into my buttoned pockets), and the shirt with its Merino Wool provided just enough warmth to continue. With effort the sweat started to pour, and the wicking qualities helped me ‘dump’ some of that sweat to keep me comfortable throughout the entire ride.

Final Thoughts on the Road Holland Den Haag

Road Holland puts it simply “when you look good, you feel good, and you ride your best.” I have enjoyed the simple classic look which is great for cruising around the neighborhood and commuting to work. I have received many compliments when wearing the ‘jersey’ post ride for its stylish features. On the flipside, I haven’t hesitated to take the Den Haag out on my weekly group rides. Den Haag – a great look, a versatile use, and a very functional piece of cycling apparel. Check out this jersey and a lot of other great pieces at: www.roadholland.com

I got the Devil Red, but Royal Orange, Silver Grey, Road Black, Summer White are also available. As I am an Oranje nut, the Royal Orange would have been awesome, but I like my Devil Red as well.

MSRP: $130

