What's up with Castelli sizing?
08-01-14, 04:53 PM
#26
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I've found that for me, I can almost always get the right size on line by looking at the sizing chart and then reading reviews. If the reviews have lots of Americans complaining about the fit or having to size up, I know the sizing chart will work perfectly for me.
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08-01-14, 06:10 PM
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I have heard to size up twice for Castelli's aero jerseys and since I have never had to size up on a jersey before it just makes me wonder if I should follow this advice or just go up one. The Climber's jersey is supposed to be an aero fit, but Castelli gave the American version a bit of extra stomach room, which is great when you look at the average size of Americans, but not so great when it alienates the very people who wear their clothing. It's unfortunate. I really wanted to pick one up for the lightweight option in the summer, but not at the expense of a good fit.
Like I said, all my jerseys are Castelli. I wear a medium. I wear a medium in t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, and all other every day clothing. I did recently pick up an Assos base layer size small because their size chart suggests I go with that size. It is a TIGHT fit. Way tighter than my Castelli base layer. I like it, but it definitely wouldn't fit if I put on a few pounds. I can't help but feel curious as to how Assos jerseys fit after having this base layer. I wear a medium in Assos bib shorts (Uno S5).
Like I said, all my jerseys are Castelli. I wear a medium. I wear a medium in t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, and all other every day clothing. I did recently pick up an Assos base layer size small because their size chart suggests I go with that size. It is a TIGHT fit. Way tighter than my Castelli base layer. I like it, but it definitely wouldn't fit if I put on a few pounds. I can't help but feel curious as to how Assos jerseys fit after having this base layer. I wear a medium in Assos bib shorts (Uno S5).
I was bummed when I tired on the jersey for the first time. Besides the fit...it is nice and light...and real thin. I also wear a base layer. That is the other reason I "sized up" with the Castelli.
I recently ordered a De Marchi bib. Their size chart says I should wear a medium...and so I did order one...in medium They say 5'5"-5'8"...and I'm 5'8". I'll see how that goes.
Last edited by I <3 Robots; 08-01-14 at 06:14 PM.
08-01-14, 06:19 PM
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The saggy tail jerseys are the worst. I see so many people with the back of the jersey hanging down to their buttocks. The stuff in the pockets move and bounce around when you're riding.
08-01-14, 07:58 PM
#29
Kit doesn't match
I'm 5' 7", 165 lbs, 41" chest -- which is to say too fat for this sport.
In jerseys, I'm almost always an L, but in the two Castelli I own, I am an XL.
In jerseys, I'm almost always an L, but in the two Castelli I own, I am an XL.
08-01-14, 10:31 PM
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Thing is, I have lots of jerseys that fit as they should, mediums are a bit snug and larges are a bit loose. can take my pick and I think that is pretty true to size for me. Even the tight ones though, are comfortable BOTH off and on the bike. And that is how it should be: the whole idea of lycra is stretch. A form fitting lycra jersey should hug the skin yet still have enough stretch in it to accommodate any arm, shoulder, and back positions you wish to adopt. The idea that a an elastic jersey needs to be cut into a bizarre shape to accommodate the riding position is ridiculous. Apparently lot of other makers agree, because I have never seen this anywhere but in the Castelli line. Sure I don't wear much pro level stuff so my experience is limited. Most of my jerseys are club/team handouts from charity rides, TdF team knock offs I get from Nashbar, and the usual goods available at the USA LBSs. But if normal cut works in those jerseys, why would a "pro" cut ever be needed?
08-01-14, 10:48 PM
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Thing is, I have lots of jerseys that fit as they should, mediums are a bit snug and larges are a bit loose. can take my pick and I think that is pretty true to size for me. Even the tight ones though, are comfortable BOTH off and on the bike. And that is how it should be: the whole idea of lycra is stretch. A form fitting lycra jersey should hug the skin yet still have enough stretch in it to accommodate any arm, shoulder, and back positions you wish to adopt. The idea that a an elastic jersey needs to be cut into a bizarre shape to accommodate the riding position is ridiculous. Apparently lot of other makers agree, because I have never seen this anywhere but in the Castelli line. Sure I don't wear much pro level stuff so my experience is limited. Most of my jerseys are club/team handouts from charity rides, TdF team knock offs I get from Nashbar, and the usual goods available at the USA LBSs. But if normal cut works in those jerseys, why would a "pro" cut ever be needed?
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08-01-14, 10:55 PM
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Castelli works quite well for many riders, including me. I explained the problem with stretchy jerseys here: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post16997119
06-01-24, 03:15 AM
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Castelli jerseys are made for riding, not for sitting around. When the skinny racer is on the hoods, his position is like you on your drops. When he's in his drops, drilling on the bike, he doesn't want a loose flappy jersey. When he's off the bike, he's not lounging around in the jersey. And he's not doing bench presses either. Pecs are dead weight.
I have a 39 ish chest and 33 ish waist, 185 lb and I wear Castelli large.
Face it, the prototypical bike racer isn't shaped like us. He is 5' 8" and 150 lb, all thighs and ass.
I have a 39 ish chest and 33 ish waist, 185 lb and I wear Castelli large.
Face it, the prototypical bike racer isn't shaped like us. He is 5' 8" and 150 lb, all thighs and ass.
Also does it fit you perfect, tight or loose?
06-01-24, 03:47 AM
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06-01-24, 05:15 AM
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All my Castelli stuff has indeed shrunk over the last 10 years.
06-01-24, 05:16 AM
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06-01-24, 05:29 AM
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Bottom line (no pun intended) is Castelli runs small. Size up.
Interesting historical fact is this thread contains images that if posted now could lead to warning/ban. Times change.
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06-01-24, 05:40 AM
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Be careful with that advice.. I have not needed to size up from what Castelli's own size charts say, but otoh if you're comparing some typical US brand "Large" to Castelli, then yes you'd likely need an XL.
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06-02-24, 04:37 AM
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I have a 43" chest and a 38 waist at 5'9" and 187 lbs. I love Castelli kit. Just bought another jersey. But, I have to buy XXL and it still is like race fit. Their sizing for Americans is a joke.
06-02-24, 08:54 AM
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