Castelli

Overview

Castelli is an Italian brand specializing in cycling and triathlon clothing, known for innovations like the first Lycra cycling shorts, sublimation-printed jerseys, and the Gabba jacket. Based in Fonzaso, Veneto, it traces roots to a 1876 Milan tailor shop and focuses on performance apparel used by professionals. The brand shares facilities with Sportful under its parent company and emphasizes aerodynamic and weather-resistant designs.²³⁶

History

Castelli originated in 1876 as Vittore Gianni's Milan tailor shop, which outfitted cyclists like Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, and Alfredo Binda starting in the 1910s. In 1974, Maurizio Castelli founded the modern brand with its scorpion logo, introducing Lycra shorts, colored shorts at the Giro, and sublimation printing in 1983. Key milestones include the 2007 aerodynamic kits for Saunier Duval and Giro waistband; it was acquired by Manifattura Valcismon in the late 1990s.¹²³⁵⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Castelli products are manufactured in the shared factory of parent company Manifattura Valcismon in Fonzaso, Veneto, Italy, alongside Sportful. Production involves advanced processes like sublimation dyeing introduced by the brand in 1983.³⁶

Notable Products

• Gabba Jacket - Introduced foul-weather jacket adopted across professional peloton.
• Free Bib Shorts - Sixth-generation aerodynamic shorts with Giro waistband eliminating sausage effect.
• Lycra Cycling Shorts - First Lycra shorts used in racing and sold to public in 1970s.
• Aero Race Jersey - Pioneering aerodynamic jersey from 2007 for Saunier Duval.
• Superleggera Jersey - Lightest jersey produced for professionals up to 2007.

Reputation

Castelli is regarded by cyclists for its innovation heritage and professional use, with strengths in aerodynamics, weather protection, and first-to-market technologies like the Gabba. Enthusiasts value its Italian legacy and performance focus. Some note recent rebranding sparked debate in the cycling community.¹³