Castelli Perfetto Vest review
The Italian brand named its gilet 'perfect' but surely nothing is Perfetto in the real world?
The Castelli Perfetto Vest is a great addition to anyone's wardrobe. It adds versatility to your outfit without adding bulk or being a nuisance when the temperature rises or it starts to rain.
-
+
Fit
-
+
Pockets
-
+
Protection
- +
-
-
Back can ride up slightly over jersey pockets
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
The Castelli Perfetto vest is ‘perfect’ for those changeable conditions that we are met with so often in the UK. It fits well, has pockets and is rain and wind resistant and thus meets all requirements to get into our Editor’s Choice.
This smart-looking Castelli Perfetto Vest fits well into the slick, quality range we’ve come to expect from Castelli.
Ideal for spring, early summer and autumn days it's intended to be worn over a jersey when the temperature doesn’t necessitate a full winter top. It’s water resistant enough to splash through puddles while sitting in the spray of your ride buddy's wheel – or as Castelli puts, it's “foul weather race equipment”.
>>> Buy now from Wiggle from £70
It combines multiple materials, a thicker layer around the neck, Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus on the chest and shoulders to, well, stop the wind, and Castelli’s own Nano Flex Lite material on the back to allow excess body heat and sweat to wick out pretty easily too.
The Castelli Perfetto Vest has the added benefit of allowing pumps, food, tubes or whatever else is in your jersey back pockets to stretch through without getting caught or causing the vest to sit awkwardly, and not get pressed into your back.
Thankfully, and a very big plus point of the Castelli Perfetto Vest, is it has two handy rear pockets that'll easily swallow items that you'll quickly need while out riding. It means there's no need to unzip or roll up the gilet to access food, spares or valuables – great news especially if it is cold and damp outside.
The fit is more generous than some may be used to from the Italian brand, which gives ample room to fit a couple of layers underneath. Despite its substantial material the Castelli Perfetto Vest has minimal billow in the wind, but it will still scrunch up fine in your back pocket should the temperature pick up mid-ride.
One minus point on the Castelli Perfetto Vest is that the rear tail tends to ride up and expose a little bit of the jersey on a few riders I've seen wear it. I didn't notice it while riding myself but it doesn't look great when riding with it like that. Otherwise a near 'Perfetto' gilet.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Symon Lewis joined Cycling Weekly as an Editorial Assistant in 2010, he went on to become a Tech Writer in 2014 before being promoted to Tech Editor in 2015 before taking on a role managing Video and Tech in 2019. Lewis discovered cycling via Herne Hill Velodrome, where he was renowned for his prolific performances, and spent two years as a coach at the South London velodrome.
-
Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux, and all the route rumours for the 2025 Tour de France
Here's where the peloton may be heading next July
By Tom Davidson Published
-
First images of Tadej Pogačar's rainbow jersey revealed - and he might be set for white shorts
New kit from Pissei released ahead of Slovenian's first race as world champion at Saturday's Giro dell'Emilia
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published