Cycling apparel brand Castelli has unveiled its new Hot Weather range, designed to optimise performance in high temperatures. According to the company, the fully updated collection is guided by three core principles: maximising airflow, accelerating evaporation, and providing advanced UPF protection.
Based in Fonzaso, Italy, the specialist manufacturer has updated its line with technical fabrics aimed at helping riders handle summer conditions. The collection introduces several garments tailored for hot weather conditions, blending ventilation with sun safety.
The Climber’s A/C Jersey is optimised for performance during warm days in the saddle. Engineered with a race fit, the jersey incorporates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimised fabric placement and seam construction for enhanced aerodynamics. The Flusso 3D fabric on the front and side panels comprises a super-light mesh structure that allows cooling airflow, whilst the Strada Pro 3D fabric on the back offers UPF 13 protection and high breathability.
Although the jersey was created for warm summer days, adding a base layer extends the temperature range it can be worn in whilst retaining breathability. It features elbow-length stretch mesh sleeves with raw-cut edges, an elastic waist to support loaded pockets, and a YKK Vislon zipper. The optimal temperature range is 22–40°C. The men’s version is available in four colourways, including Belgian Blue/Winter Sky, Vivid Orange/Smoky Gray, Silver Gray/Smoky Gray, and Deep Bordeaux/White. The women’s version comes in Belgian Blue/Neon Cobalt Silver and Ultraviolet/Purple Mist-Pink. The jersey retails at £125, US$155 or €120.
The new UPF Jersey, available in short- and long-sleeve options, is suited to riders seeking sun defense without excess weight. The entire jersey utilizes a lightweight fabric that delivers UPF 50+ protection, supported by a higher collar and extended sleeves for additional skin coverage. It includes three rear cargo pockets, a zippered security pocket, and raw-cut sleeve endings. The optimal temperature range is 20–38°C.
The men’s UPF Jersey comes in Silver Gray and Vivid Orange, whilst the women’s version is available in Winter Sky/Violet Pink and Mango Mojito/Ultraviolet. The short-sleeve version is priced at £129, US170 or €120, whilst the long-sleeve option is £140, US180 or €130.
For the lower body, the men’s Superleggera Bibshort is billed as Castelli’s lightest-ever road short. It introduces a seamless, graduated-ventilation, stretch-woven fabric designed to maximize airflow and reduce weight by up to 50% whilst improving durability. It features a minimalist stripe mesh bib and a Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad. It operates best in temperatures between 20–40°C, and is available in Black and Belgian Blue for £225, US$250 or €220.
The A/C Bibshort incorporates a unique mesh architecture to optimize lower-body ventilation. The closed-knit side panels offer a balance of breathability and UPF 50+ protection, whilst the minimalist mesh bib straps and integrated mesh leg grippers help prevent overheating. Both the men’s and women’s versions come equipped with the Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad. Operating in a 22-40°C range, it costs £170, US$190, or €160.
Rounding out the Hot Weather range, the UPF 50+ Light Arm, Knee, and Leg Sleeves are produced from a lightweight stretch Solare fabric for airflow and moisture management, blocking UV rays whilst keeping riders cool. The arm and leg sleeves are available in white and black colourways, whilst the knee sleeves are available in black.
Steve Smith, Global Brand Manager at Castelli, said “Summer means different things for cyclists who are seeking peak performance, but the most common themes are keeping cool and being protected from the sun.
“For those who prioritize keeping cool, we make the lightest-possible products that still block the majority of UV rays. While UPF 13 protection on the back of our Climber’s A/C Jersey might not sound a lot, only allowing 1/13th of rays to pass through means it still prevents 92% of them from doing so. By comparison, a typical cotton T-shirt only offers UPF 5-7 protection.
“For those who prioritize sun protection, our UPF Jersey, A/C Bibshort and Sleeves provide UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98% of the UV rays while still remaining as cool as possible.
“Traditionally that level of defense meant compromising on weight, but by devoting countless hours to R&D, we’ve developed fabrics for this collection which tick all the boxes when it comes to being lightweight, breathable, and protective.
“Of course, as with any Castelli garment, they also need to look fresh and desirable too, and with the Hot Weather collection, we’ve definitely delivered that.”
Founded in 1876, Castelli has developed technical cycling apparel for nearly 150 years, introducing advancements such as Lycra shorts, aero suits, and all-weather race gear. Designed in Italy and tested by UCI WorldTour athletes, the brand focuses on performance apparel for cyclists.
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