FIND YOUR IDEAL JACKET!
THE CASTELLI CYCLING JACKETS GUIDE
Wearing a cycling jacket on your cool mid-season rides or cold winter rides is essential to stay warm, comfortable and protected in all weather conditions.
Our cycling jackets are designed with high-quality materials and advanced fabric technologies that can satisfy every need you have and always guarantee top-level performance.
However, the specific performance and features of Castelli's cycling jackets may vary from one model to another and from season to season.
Considering the seasons and conditions you'll be riding in, we offer lightweight jackets for cool spring or autumn rides or insulated jackets for winter cycling.
But let’s go in order: first of all, which are the main features of our cycling jackets?
Our cycling jackets are designed with high-quality materials and advanced fabric technologies that can satisfy every need you have and always guarantee top-level performance.
However, the specific performance and features of Castelli's cycling jackets may vary from one model to another and from season to season.
Considering the seasons and conditions you'll be riding in, we offer lightweight jackets for cool spring or autumn rides or insulated jackets for winter cycling.
But let’s go in order: first of all, which are the main features of our cycling jackets?
MAIN FEATURES
When searching for cycling jackets, people tend to look for a variety of attributes. Here are some common attributes you might consider when choosing our cycling jackets.
Wind can significantly impact your body's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature, especially when cycling at higher speeds. Our cycling jackets often have windproof or wind-resistant materials that act as a barrier against the chilling effects of wind, reducing the risk of windburn and helping you stay warm.
Many of our cycling jackets are equipped with water-resistant or waterproof materials, which are essential for riding in wet or rainy conditions. Staying dry is crucial to maintaining comfort and avoiding health issues related to prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions.
A good cycling jacket should be breathable to prevent overheating and ensure that the cyclist does not sweat too much while riding. We can achieve this result through ventilation features or breathable fabrics.
Castelli is known for its race-oriented fit, which can be snug and aerodynamic, or neutral and more relaxed. Make sure to choose a jacket that fits your body type and intended use (race, training, or casual riding).
Safety is paramount when cycling, and a cycling jacket can enhance your visibility to other road users. Many of our jackets have reflective elements or bright colors that make you more visible, especially in low-light conditions or during overcast days.
Our cycling jackets are designed with materials that offer insulation and protection against the cold. They help retain your body heat and keep you warm, preventing hypothermia and discomfort during chilly rides. Additionally, some jackets have ventilation features to prevent overheating when the temperature rises.
Our cycling jackets often come with multiple pockets, including rear pockets, which are convenient for carrying essentials such as energy gels, a phone or keys.
Featuring soft fabrics, our cycling jackets are comfortable to wear. They are also practical and functional so that the pockets and the zip can be used without any difficulty. At the same time as much as possible, they are light and not bulky when riding.
It's worth noting that the order of importance of features may vary depending on individual needs and preferences. For example, a cyclist who lives in a very rainy climate may prioritize waterproofing higher than someone who lives in a cold but dry climate.
Our jackets, in different ways, have these features, but which are our main jackets?
Our jackets, in different ways, have these features, but which are our main jackets?
OUR CYCLING JACKETS
As mentioned earlier, we offer various jackets, some lighter ones suitable for the cool weather of the transitional seasons, and others primarily designed to keep you warm during the colder months of winter.
It's important to remember that climate and temperature heavily depend on the geographical area we are in. Thus, while in the northern hemisphere, we have summer, in the southern hemisphere, it's winter, and vice versa. Furthermore, even within the same hemisphere (e.g., the northern hemisphere), temperatures vary significantly when we move from Portugal to Norway or from Mexico to Canada. Therefore, the choice of wearing one jacket over another is an extremely subjective matter.
With these considerations in mind, let's proceed with the presentation of our cycling jackets.
It's important to remember that climate and temperature heavily depend on the geographical area we are in. Thus, while in the northern hemisphere, we have summer, in the southern hemisphere, it's winter, and vice versa. Furthermore, even within the same hemisphere (e.g., the northern hemisphere), temperatures vary significantly when we move from Portugal to Norway or from Mexico to Canada. Therefore, the choice of wearing one jacket over another is an extremely subjective matter.
With these considerations in mind, let's proceed with the presentation of our cycling jackets.
As for jackets for use in cool weather, we must start talking about the Beta RoS Jacket for men and women, our lightweight yet incredibly effective wind and splash barrier suitable for those rides in which you need warmth and protection, but also ventilation.
Other jackets for not too low temperatures can be our entry-level Entrata Jacket for men, as well as our new Alpha Flight RoS Jacket for men and women, Castelli’s best jacket for cool conditions.
Other jackets for not too low temperatures can be our entry-level Entrata Jacket for men, as well as our new Alpha Flight RoS Jacket for men and women, Castelli’s best jacket for cool conditions.
As for jackets for use in cold or freezing weather, we recommend you the Alpha Ultimate Insulated Jacket for men and women, which is our ultimate full winter jacket, and the new and high performance cold weather jacket Alpha Doppio RoS Jacket for men and women, both primarily focused on thermal insulation and comfort.
We conclude with the Gabba RoS for men and women and the Perfetto RoS Jacket for men and women, which absolutely cannot be missing from your cycling wardrobe because they are probably our most versatile pieces. They have features which make them ideal for mild temperatures, both for wet and dry conditions, and the Perfetto RoS 2 Jacket, together with a thermal layer, could be used even below freezing.
Each of these jackets has been produced with specific materials and technologies, which we will introduce below.
MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
The technologies used are essentially five: GORE-TEX, Polartec®, Castelli FLY Fabric Technologies (FFT), Rain or Shine (RoS) and Nano Flex.
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric is windproof, water resistant and highly breathable. Its windproof membrane keeps you from getting cold due to windchill, but the optimum breathability prevents overheating and moisture accumulation by allowing sweat to escape easily. Water repellency is ensured by the DWR treatment applied to the outer fabric. You can find the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric in the Alpha Doppio RoS Jacket, in the Fly Thermal Jacket, in the Gabba and Perfetto products and in the Entrata Jacket.
As for Polartec, we use two different types of fabric: the Polartec® Alpha® and the Polartec® NeoShell®. The first one is typical of the Alpha collection (Alpha Doppio RoS Jacket, Alpha Flight RoS Jacket and Alpha Ultimate Insulated Jacket) and is ideal for extreme conditions as it guarantees consistent warmth, breathability and fast drying. The second one is breathable, water and wind resistant, stretchy, soft, lightweight and characterizes the Beta RoS Jacket. To keep you warm and protected from water at the same time, the Alpha Ultimate Insulated Jacket features both the Polartec® Alpha® and the Polartec® NeoShell®.
Castelli FLY Fabric Technologies (FFT), which distinguishes the Fly Collection, keeps you warm and protected from the elements while allowing for an ultra-light construction for more speed and comfort. Imagine a jacket so light and warm that you even forget you're wearing it: this is the Fly Thermal Jacket.
Rain or Shine (RoS) is the technology designed for both dry and wet conditions. Garments with this technology are water resistant, light and breathable at the same time. It is present in the products of the Gabba and Perfetto collection, in the Alpha Doppio RoS Jacket, in the Alpha Flight RoS Jacket and in the Beta RoS Jacket.
Exclusively engineered by us by taking our thermal fleecy stretch Thermoflex fabric and coating it with millions of tiny nanofilaments, the Nano Flex technology, featured in the Alpha Flight RoS Jacket and Beta RoS Jacket, partially blocks wind and water causing the water droplets to remain as spherical balls on the fabric or by bouncing them off the fabric without leaving a trace.
PRODUCT CARE
To find washing instructions for your jacket, look for a white tag inside it. Following these instructions is crucial for prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its performance.
1. Always read the care label before washing the jacket.
2. Close all zips and turn the jacket inside out.
3. Hand or machine wash on a lukewarm permanent press cycle (max. 30°C / 86°F)
4. Use a small amount of liquid or powder detergent, not other products that contain fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers or bleach as they will affect jacket performance.
5. Hang dry or dry flat. Do not tumble dry.
Castelli softshell jackets have a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. To maintain this effectiveness, proper cleaning is essential to prevent dirt from blocking moisture escape. For newer jackets or recently re-waterproofed ones, cleaning can help. For older jackets, restore water resistance by cleaning, low-heat drying, or careful ironing. If these methods don't work, consider using a spray-on DWR treatment like Nikwax SoftShell Proof™ or McNette. Make sure the garment is clean and dry, apply the finish evenly, let it soak, wipe off excess, and remember it won't make the jacket waterproof but will improve water resistance without affecting moisture management.
Castelli Nano Flex fabric utilizes a combination of a DWR finish and tiny nanofilaments to repel water effectively, preventing it from soaking through. This treatment remains effective for approximately 40-50 washes if the jacket is washed correctly without fabric softener-containing detergent. To restore water resistance, you can either use a commercial spray-on softshell DWR finish or, if necessary, tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes. If tumble drying is not possible, gently iron the dry jacket with a cloth in between, avoiding heat-transfer logos.
1. Always read the care label before washing the jacket.
2. Close all zips and turn the jacket inside out.
3. Hand or machine wash on a lukewarm permanent press cycle (max. 30°C / 86°F)
4. Use a small amount of liquid or powder detergent, not other products that contain fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers or bleach as they will affect jacket performance.
5. Hang dry or dry flat. Do not tumble dry.
Castelli softshell jackets have a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. To maintain this effectiveness, proper cleaning is essential to prevent dirt from blocking moisture escape. For newer jackets or recently re-waterproofed ones, cleaning can help. For older jackets, restore water resistance by cleaning, low-heat drying, or careful ironing. If these methods don't work, consider using a spray-on DWR treatment like Nikwax SoftShell Proof™ or McNette. Make sure the garment is clean and dry, apply the finish evenly, let it soak, wipe off excess, and remember it won't make the jacket waterproof but will improve water resistance without affecting moisture management.
Castelli Nano Flex fabric utilizes a combination of a DWR finish and tiny nanofilaments to repel water effectively, preventing it from soaking through. This treatment remains effective for approximately 40-50 washes if the jacket is washed correctly without fabric softener-containing detergent. To restore water resistance, you can either use a commercial spray-on softshell DWR finish or, if necessary, tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes. If tumble drying is not possible, gently iron the dry jacket with a cloth in between, avoiding heat-transfer logos.
