Castelli Run Small?
 

I am getting ready to buy some Castelli thermal cycling tights. Doesn't Castelli typically run small? Thanks

Yes they do! I usually size up, depending on the item and fit I want. I do have a pair of thermal bib tights and I sized up.

That's been my experience but I really like their bibbs.

^ That's what everybody says, but it's not been my experience. The first time I purchased a Castelli jersey I sized up and it was too big. IME the sizing chart for jerseys is correct. And although I haven't ordered their bibs or tights, I'd have to assume the sizing chart is generally correct. Plus, with bibs and tights you don't have to worry about the "cut" like you do for jerseys (i.e. race cut, club cut, etc.).

Thanks. I will probably size up.

I always get one size larger and that works fine for me.

Elfin.

On their website for Castelli, they have a sizing guide for most every piece of clothing. Get one of these
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7eb879f250.png

https://www.amazon.com/Measuring-Mea...dp/B0B7CVK2CV/ and learn how to use it for the measurements they ask you to enter.

I have done the measuring but I'm still wondering....

If you follow the measurements, it will be snug but correct. A Rapha or Le Col L is like a Castelli XL. Bibs, Assos and Castelli are about the same.

with my dad bod I have to go two sizes up when it's Castelli.

Large means tall, not fat, unfortunately.

Thanks everyone. I bought them so we'll see how it goes.

Yeah, typically you read a review that says that whatever was too small, it turns out they didn't read the manufacturers size chart, so their basis is compared to a completely different brand. It comes down to how each company labels their sizes. Castelli starts at S, and goes to 3XL. Another brand will start at XS and go to 2XL.

Exactly! I am U.S. size L, cycling apparel size XL, and Castelli size XXL.

In my experience Castelli is for short people, at least their bottoms. I have one aero jersey (small) that fits exactly as the size chart indicates but two totally different-fitting bibs and tights in size medium, neither of which fit well because they're designed for shorter people (I'm not exactly tall - 5'9”). On the bibs, the straps are way too short. On the bib tights, the straps are fine but the legs are simultaneously too short and yet the calves are too loose. I'm very unimpressed with Castelli bottoms (don't like their chamois either).

Love their aero jersey, though.

This has been my experience with their shorts. Disclaimer: I'm not rail thin but I'm not large, either (5'10" and 170 lb.). When I decided to purchase them, I read where everyone said to size up since they ran small. Well, it depends on how you define size up. In all other shorts that I have worn, I am a medium based on their size charts. In Castelli, their size chart put me at large which turned out to be the correct size for their shorts. Snug but correct. I guess, technically speaking, that I sized up compared to what I usually get. However, I think some folks believe that it means to use their size chart and then size up which would have been wrong in my case.

I really like Castelli kit. And, yes, it all runs small. I have to order XXL in a jersey and in US sizing I'm between L and XL. 43-44" chest actually.

I found the same thing. I have a number of Assos jerseys and the XL fit well, even though my US size is L. I bought a Castelli XL and it was too tight. I returned it and exchanged it for another XL Assos.

Makes sense, since Castelli's size chart says an XXL is for a 43.4" chest

Gore (and others) make it explicit 😁
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0e121131b.jpeg

I had to explain the same to wife when she opened my first few Castelli packages and said: "I thought cycling was supposed to help you lose weight, but you now have to buy XXL?"

Makes sense. What drives me nuts is the various shoe sizing. You'd think with a numerical size indicator (and quite a good number of them), there'd be a universal standard, that eg. a EU 46.5 = Xcm foot length, ... but no.