Castelli Espresso Jersey, Bib-Shorts and Socks: In the spring I reviewed a lot of summer kit, but one big name was missing from the roll call – Castelli. Out of the blue came an email from the Italian clothing manufacturer (thanks Harriet), asking if I wanted to try the Castelli Espresso summer’25 kit…. Of course I did!
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: The PEZ kit was made by Castelli for a long time, but it has been a few years since I’ve ridden in anything made by the company based in Fonzaso in the Veneto region. Along with the other well known Italian manufacturer, I used to dream of riding kit with the scorpion logo. You just can’t beat Italian style, but we needed to check-out the full package.
Castelli Espresso Jersey:
When the kit arrived, I thought the jersey was like all the others that I reviewed in the spring, but once I had a closer look, the Espresso has all of those little details that I want from a short sleeve summer jersey, with a couple extra top points. Castelli sent me a ‘Belgian Blue’ jersey, which is quite dark, but a nice contrast to the bibs in ‘Deep Mocha’ and there are twelve different colours to choose from.
Collar, logos and zip tag
The Espresso is very Italian with a slim fit, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be built like a stick insect to rock the look. Starting at the top: There is a proper collar, which I prefer the look of compared to a scooped neck. The full zip is a chunky YKK with two very nice details: the zipper tab has an easy grip loop which makes pulling up and down super easy. Also at the top there is an inner flap, which might be reflective but I’m not sure, with Castelli down its length. The shoulders are well shaped and there is an extra side panel for better fitting. The sleeves are made in one piece with the seam under the arm, the cuffs are laser cut and you can wear them at your chosen length. The front of the jersey is slightly shorter than the rear and has a substantial elastic band to hold it in position. There is a different band at the rear that isn’t as thick, but has gripper rubber.
That handy little zip pocket
There are three rear pockets with elastic tops and pleated extra material at the base of the pockets to hold all your stuff. The Espresso also has my favourite detail – the small zip fourth pocket for cash and cards. It really is a must for all training jerseys. There is also a small reflective strip at the base of the pockets and a Castelli scorpion logo on the middle pocket and smaller scorpion on the front, all very subtle. The material is breathable and stretchy, we are not all the same shape. All the stitching is super strong and perfectly finished in double, triple and overlocked in the right points.
Subtle logoing
The jersey: Comfortable, but not constricting. No rubbing or chaffing and everything stays in the correct place without riding up or stretching and drooping down. Classy Italian style.
Elasticated, gripper rubber and that zip pocket
Castelli Espresso Bib-Shorts:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Your bib shorts are your most important piece of clothing. The pad/chamois has to be comfortable and offer enough padding to protect your undercarriage, without bulking up. Plus, the fit has to be right so you don’t get a fold or bad positioning of the pad. The Castelli pad is a work of art. It feels like there are four different thicknesses with comfort zones where they matter. The sit bones get the most padding, with a viscous gel, there is less padding in the central area and on the edges and front area. The material is also nice and soft against your skin.
Comfortable and classy
As I said before, Castelli sent me a pair of bibs in ‘Deep Mocha’ colour, but there are eight colour variations to choose from. Starting with the bib straps, they are wide and breathable, with ‘Castelli’ cut into the straps. The stitching at the anchor points is very solid, no chance of them coming away from the shorts. At the back there is another breathable section between the straps that runs down your spine. Where the rear strap panel meets the shorts, Castelli have made a very handy little pocket. I have had race bibs with a race radio on the back, but never worked out what I could use it for, but this pocket could fit gels or/and energy bars. It could also be an extra safe place to keep your change or cards. This is making the best use of material that would otherwise be wasted.
wide straps
The shorts themselves fit well and are comfortable with no pinching or squeezing. The material has been doubled at the front and back around the waist area for extra support, some of us need it. The front isn’t ridiculously low, but you can still answer a call of nature. The legs are made with six panels running down the length with one shaped panel going round the leg. The edge of the legs are ‘raw cut’ and has silicon grippers, which run up and down. They hold the legs in place without any discomfort. There is a small Castelli scorpion on the back of the left leg and a small subtle ‘Castelli’ on the right leg with small reflective strips, like on the jersey, at the back of each leg.
Castelli have many great colour combinations
The bib shorts: A pleasure to wear with loads of comfort.
An extra pocket and a great pad
Castelli Espresso 18 Sock
I always appreciate when a kit company includes a pair of socks, they want the full ‘ensemble’ look. Better still, if they send a pair of white socks that are not ridiculously high (sorry Chuck). The Castelli Espresso 18 socks do come in ten different colours, personally I would have preferred the shorter ’12’, but they are only available in three colours. The ’18’ is not too high and they stay in position. They are made using breathable materials on the front panels and an elasticated material on the back of the leg. There are strengthened sections at the heel, toe, sole and a strip across the top of the foot. The tops have extra elastic to hold them up, but it doesn’t cut into your leg.
So you know left and right
For those who are not sure about these things, the socks are marked ‘left’ and ‘right’ with Castelli over the top of the foot. My only criticism would be that the socks would look nicer with a small Castelli scorpion logo somewhere on the leg, but no big deal. The sizing by Castelli’s chart I would say is correct. I take a shoe size 42 which should be L/XL (40-43), I was sent a size XXL (44-47) which was a little too big, but not by much. S/M is for 35-39.
The socks: A comfortable sock that stays up and doesn’t cook your feet in hot weather.
White and comfortable
The final overall impression: Well, I’m sitting here after a ride in the Castelli Espresso kit trying to think of something to complain about… I’m really struggling to find anything wrong. The jersey looks and feels great and has everything I need and want from a short sleeved jersey: the zip pocket, the collar, breathability and all those other little details. The bib shorts have a great pad, the leg length is just right, the extra pocket, the wide bib straps and the look is good. Socks that stay up and fit. What more do you want?
Breathable and not too high
What Castelli sez:
Espresso Jersey:
When we set out to make this jersey, we wanted the jersey that we’d always reach for the second it was washed and dry after the last time we wore it. No matter if you normally wear an aero race-fit jersey or a more regular cut jersey, the Espresso will be your new favourite jersey. First, we focused on the fit and fabric of this jersey. We developed a fabric that would allow for a close-to-body fit without being constrictive or feeling tight. The fabric we developed also offers great breathability and moisture management, and as an added bonus, we found that the fabric tests well in the wind tunnel too! Next, we focused on the waist and pockets, so that you can load up the pockets when a long day is in store and nothing moves around. There is a fourth zippered security pocket to keep your valuable safe. Finally, we use a tried and trusted full-length YKK® Vislon® zipper. We’re sure that this will be the jersey you always go to, no matter what the ride is that day, because Espresso is always a good idea.
Product Features:
- Castelli engineered Air_O Stretch fabric for breathability, comfort and perfect fit
- Fabric optimised for breathability and aerodynamics
- Raw-cut sleeve endings for comfort
- Three back pockets with fourth zippered security pocket for valuables
- Full-length YKK® Vislon® zipper with easy-use zipper pull
- Elastic at waist with silicone to keep jersey in place
- Reflective tab for added visibility
Espresso Bib-Shorts:
When we set out to make this bib short, the idea was to make the short that we would grab the moment it’s dry after being washed, no matter what kind of ride is on the calendar for that day. So that’s what we did. First, we developed a soft, stretchy fabric that feels amazing on the skin the second you put the short on. This fabric forms and moves with the body without being tight or constrictive. We paid extra attention to the fit to make sure everything stays where you want it, but we added silicone gripper at the leg ending just to make sure your tan line stays crisp. The mesh bib straps are stretchy while allowing extra ventilation. Of course, we’ve used our Progetto X2 Air seat pad for all-day comfort. Finally, we added some extra details like a rear pocket for storage and reflective tabs for added safety. All of this makes the Espresso our, and your, new favourite bib short.
Product Features:
- Castelli engineered Espresso Doppio fabric for comfort and a perfect fit
- Raw-cut leg ending with silicone gripper
- Stretch mesh bib straps for ventilation and comfort
- Pocket on rear for added storage
- Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad for all-day comfort
- Reflective tabs for increased visibility
Espresso 18 Sock
A technical, durable sock that’s a perfect match to your favourite Espresso kit.
Product Features
- Developed to match your Espresso kit
- Ideal sock for any ride
- Durable and breathable construction
- Nylon/elastane mix for optimal comfort and fit
- 85% nylon, 15% elastane
- 18 cm cuff
More info and find the best prices in your country at: www.castelli-cycling.com.
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