Castelli

Castelli Size Guide

Castelli is a premium Italian cycling apparel brand renowned for performance-focused clothing with a distinctly close, race-oriented fit. The brand specialises in cycling jerseys, shorts, jackets, base layers, and protective gear designed to work optimally in their intended role — whether that's all-out racing or weather protection. Castelli garments are engineered using fabric stretch to achieve a snug, aerodynamic silhouette, so sizing runs small compared to casual clothing brands. Always refer to body measurements rather than your usual street size, and note that race-cut items will feel significantly tighter than casual or winter pieces from the same brand.

How to Measure

1. Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest with a soft tape measure, keeping it parallel to the ground. Wear a thin base layer if you prefer.
2. Waist: Measure around your natural waist (where your trousers normally sit) without pulling the tape tight.
3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
4. Inseam: Wear shoes and measure from your inner thigh down to your ankle bone. Alternatively, measure the inseam of a pair of cycling shorts that fit you well.
5. Hand circumference (gloves only): Wrap a soft tape measure around your hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
6. Shoe size (overshoes & socks): Use your standard European (EU) shoe size or refer to Castelli's EU-to-shoe-size conversion charts.

Men's & Unisex Clothing

Note: The sizes shown represent the maximum body measurement for each size. For example, a 99 cm chest fits size L, but a 101 cm chest requires size XL. Smaller sizes are cut longer to accommodate lean, performance-focused cyclists.

Women's Clothing

Men's Gloves

Women's Gloves

Men's Overshoes (Cycling Shoe Covers)

Women's Overshoes (Cycling Shoe Covers)

Socks

Product-Specific Guidance

Cycling Jerseys & Base Layers

Castelli jerseys are designed with a race-focused, form-fitting cut. Choose your size based on chest measurement, not your usual casual wear size. If you are between sizes, Castelli recommends sizing down for a snugger fit that improves aerodynamics. The brand is famous for its tight-fitting race jerseys; if you prefer more room, consider sizing up one size or opt for their casual or winter collections, which are cut slightly more generously.

Jackets, Gilets & Winter Wear

Outerwear such as the Gabba and Perfetto jackets are designed to be worn over a base layer, so they are sized slightly more generously than race jerseys. Do not size up for jackets — select your normal clothing size based on chest and waist measurements. These garments are tailored for layering without compromising comfort or aerodynamics.

Shorts & Tights

Base your size choice on waist and inseam measurements. Castelli shorts and tights are race-cut, meaning they sit high and snug at the waist. If your measurements fall between two sizes, size down for a tighter fit or size up if you prefer more coverage. Always check the inseam; Castelli lengthens smaller sizes for lean cyclists and progressively shortens the inseam in larger sizes.

Gloves

Glove fit is critical. Measure your hand circumference across the knuckles (excluding the thumb). Castelli gloves should feel snug; if the palm feels loose when you are in the cycling position, size down. Always use the pull tabs to remove gloves, or roll them off inside-out to avoid stretching the cuffs.

Overshoes & Socks

Overshoes and cycling socks are sized according to your EU shoe size, not Castelli clothing sizes. Refer to your normal cycling shoe or street shoe size in EU measurements. If you fall between two overshoe sizes, size up for comfort. Socks are offered in broader size ranges (e.g., S/M, L/XL); choose based on shoe size and note that close-fitting socks are preferred in cycling shoes to reduce bunching.

Sizing Tips

• Castelli runs small: All sizing is based on actual body measurements, not typical casual-wear sizes. A cyclist who normally wears a medium in a non-performance brand may wear a large in Castelli.
• Race-cut items are tight: Castelli's race jerseys and shorts are engineered to be snug and aerodynamic. If this is your first time buying the brand, try the size that matches your chest measurement. Do not assume you need to size up.
• Smaller sizes run longer in the inseam: Castelli acknowledges that performance cyclists are typically lean but may be tall. Sizes XS and S have longer inseams relative to torso length than sizes XL and 2XL, which are progressively shorter. This ensures a balanced fit across all body types.
• Measure, do not guess: Take accurate body measurements in light clothing. A 1 cm difference in chest measurement can determine whether you fit a size M or L. Avoid estimating based on previous purchases from other brands.
• Women's and men's are not interchangeable: Women's Castelli garments have different proportions (shorter inseam, narrower shoulder, tapered waist). Do not size down in the men's range as an alternative to women's sizing.
• Winter and casual garments fit slightly looser: Castelli's Gabba, Perfetto, and casual-wear collections are cut with room for layering or a less aggressive riding position. These do not require sizing up, but they will feel noticeably less snug than race jerseys in the same size.
• Gloves must be snug: Cycling gloves should fit closely at the palm and fingers. A loose glove will bunch inside your cycling shoe during a ride. If you are between glove sizes, size down.
• Check the maximum body measurement, not the minimum: Castelli size charts show the maximum body size for each garment. A 99 cm chest = size L; a 101 cm chest = size XL. Do not confuse the upper limit with a range.