Castelli Squadra Stretch Vest

The Squadra Stretch Vest is the simple yet elegant solution to keep the wind away from your core in cool conditions, while providing a close-fitting design and excellent ventilation.

• Coated ripstop nylon on the front and back to block the wind
• Close-knit stretch inserts on the sides for a perfect fit and ventilation
• High collar protects against drafts
• Reflective accents on the chest and lower back for visibility in low light conditions

This is a modern interpretation of the wind jacket that you carry in your jersey pocket for a long descent or wear during the first hour of your ride until it warms up. Such jackets used to be a simple affair—a nylon shell—but the lack of elasticity meant they had to be cut generously to fit all body shapes, both on and off the bike. We have completely redefined what a wind jacket should be and how it is constructed. We added inserts on the sides and sleeves made from a highly elastic yet tightly knitted material, allowing us to give the jacket a modern, close-to-body fit to achieve aerodynamic gains on any terrain. And it actually retains more warmth than a jacket that flaps around. We kept it very compact, so it takes up minimal space in a jersey pocket. The stretch inserts are treated to be water-repellent, which helps in light mist, but it is not intended as a true rain jacket.