Italian cycling apparel brand Castelli has introduced the new Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket, which features a new fabric called AirCore that has been developed in partnership with Polartec.
The fabric is designed to be lightweight, breathable, windproof, and water repellent. It is engineered from recycled polyester yarns and is free from PFAS-based chemicals.
The Polartec AirCore fabric is created by a process called electrospinning, where a proprietary polymer is pushed through a needle to create a membrane of microscopic filaments. This membrane allows air to permeate it while keeping water out.
The Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is designed to perform in dry conditions as well as in rain, in temperatures ranging from 4–14°C. According to Castelli, the fabric actively ventilates sweat away from the body, helping to maintain a stable microclimate for the rider.
The AirCore fabric has an air permeability of 0.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM), which the company states is a key difference from most competitor fabrics that have zero air permeability. It also has a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of 35,000 g/m²/24 hour. In terms of water repellency, the fabric achieves a hydrostatic pressure test score of 5,000mm.
Castelli and its sister company Sportful have exclusive rights to use AirCore technology in the cycling industry. International outdoor clothing brands are expected to adopt the fabric from the autumn/winter 2026 season.
Steve Smith, Head of Cycling at Castelli’s parent company MVC Group, said “Entering into the new PFAS-free era, we wanted to start with a blank canvas when designing our Perfetto RoS 3 jacket.
“Traditionally, there has always been a compromise between breathability and water protection. We bucked the industry trend by refusing to choose one over the other. By speaking to a range of fabric suppliers, engineers, and scientists from around the world, we found in Polartec a brand that truly understood what we were trying to achieve.
“What we’ve delivered with Polartec on the AirCore project has far exceeded what we ever thought possible. Not only have we developed a fabric that is off-the-charts in terms of breathability, it is also highly water repellent, lightweight and windproof, as well as being incredibly stretchy and comfortable.”
Ramesh Kesh, Business Manager at Polartec, said “AirCore is a perfect example of our ongoing mission to merge cutting-edge performance with sustainability.
Unlike traditional waterproof-breathable membranes that rely solely on moisture vapor diffusion, our advanced air-permeable laminate uses highly engineered nanofiber membrane technology to enable controlled airflow. This allows AirCore to actively maintain a dry microclimate during intense aerobic activity to keep the cyclist riding longer.
“In addition to setting a new paradigm in air-permeable and breathable, weather-resistant fabrics, it reflects our unwavering commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the textiles we create.”
The Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is available in men’s and women’s styles. It features a number of details such as:
- Reflective taped shoulder seams for extra rain protection
- Zippered ventilation openings on the sides of the chest
- Top-and-bottom opening YKK Vislon zipper
- Three rear pockets with drain holes
- Longer tail for coverage from wheel spray
- Reflective detailing at the pocket bottoms
- High collar to keep out drafts
The men’s jacket is available in four colourways: Rich Red/Black Reflex, Light Black/Silver Reflex, Mocha/Black Reflex and Pool Blue/Black Reflex. The women’s jacket is available in four different colourways: Hibiscus/Black Reflex, Pool Blue/Black Reflex, Mango Mojito/Black Reflex and Light Black/Silver Reflex.
RRP €249,95 | US$320.00 | £280,00
www.castelli-cycling.com/AirCore
