Castelli Squadra

The Squadra Stretch outer fabric keeps the wind out on cool weather rides or long descents, while the stretch panels ensure the jacket fits close to the body and doesn't flap. This is a modern interpretation of the windbreaker that you keep in your jersey pocket for a long descent or put on for the first hour of riding until it gets warmer. Such jackets used to be a simple affair - a nylon shell - but the lack of elasticity meant it had to be cut rather generously to fit all body shapes, both on the bike and before and after the ride. Inserts were added to the sides and sleeves in a very stretchy but tight knit material, allowing the jacket to have a modern, close-to-the-body fit for aero gains on any terrain. And it actually retains more heat than a jacket that flaps around. The stretch panels are treated to repel water, which helps in light mist, but it's not meant to be a true rain jacket.