Tested: Castelli Espresso 2 jersey & bib knicks (His and hers review)

Premium Italian brand Castelli has been making cycling clothing for more than a hundred years, so you’d expect they’d get plenty of things right.

Their latest gear in the Espresso 2 range is, according to Castelli, designed to be your favourite jersey ‘for every ride except race day.’

For this review, our reviewers Nicola Rutzou and James Patterson tested the short-sleeve Espresso 2 jersey and bib shorts combination.

Fit

Before we delve into the fit, it’s worth mentioning that Castelli describes the fit of the original Espresso series as being an all-rounder suitable for most rides – no matter if you normally wear an aero race-fit jersey or a more regular-cut jersey.

The company says the Espresso 2 keeps this formula while further improving the fit, which means you can expect fabrics that allow for a close-to-body fit without being constrictive or feeling too tight.

Nicola: I usually wear size medium in women’s cycling kit, and the sizing for these was spot on with medium in both the jersey and knicks.

If you prefer your kit to feel a bit roomier, size up. I also suggest you use the online sizing tool that Castelli provides, where you enter measurement data, and the appropriate size is recommended.

James: Although marketed as a “comfortable” fit, unlike Nicola, I found the medium size felt a little tighter than other European brands.

At 74 kg and 178 cm, the cut was closer to a race fit for me, with very little excess fabric. That said, the fit aligns closely with Castelli’s own imagery, so perhaps it’s simply a matter of embracing a more streamlined silhouette for my daily riding.

Jersey

Nicola: I chose the Winter Sky (light blue) colour in the Espresso 2 W Jersey because it looked like it would complement the Paprika shorts, and I was not wrong. The jersey comes in nine colours, so there’s plenty to choose from.

From a distance, the colour looks like a block colour, but up close, there is a horizontal pattern in the fabric, which is a nice piece of detail. The full zip is also light blue (another nice touch), and there’s an additional zipped pocket on one side at the back.

The jersey has a standard three-pocket setup at the back, and they are deep enough to hold all my favourite ride things, like my phone, multi-tool, food, glasses, and more.

The only thing I’m not so keen on is the raw-cut sleeves, which, while functional, look a little unfinished to me. The waistband is well finished, with elastic and a gripper at the back to keep it in place.

As with many lightweight jerseys in light colours, this one is quite see-through, so make sure you wear appropriate undergarments like a sports bra and undershirt, as I always do.

James: The burnt orange colourway was a winner for me, and I liked the minimal logos, light patterns, and ten solid colour options.

I also liked that the Air‑O stretch fabric offers decent breathability and plenty of stretch. At the same time, the raw‑cut sleeves are quite unique – giving the jersey a modern, minimalist look without relying on silicone for grip.

The full‑length YKK zipper operates smoothly and should hold up well over time. Three deep rear pockets provide ample storage without sagging, and a side zip pocket adds secure space for valuables.

The hem design continues the understated theme, with a silicone gripper at the back and a stiffened elastic band at the front to keep everything in place.

Bib Shorts

Nicola: The first thing that struck me about the bib shorts is the colour – Paprika they call it. You could also describe it as burnt orange, and it goes with plenty of jerseys, including the light blue one from Castelli.

I could immediately tell the high quality and attention to detail because the straps and gauze inset (more on that later) are the same colour as the shorts fabric.

Usually, straps are black or white because it makes sense when mass-producing colours. This is a nice piece of detail. I’m really enjoying the current trend of coloured knicks, as opposed to the usual black.

These come in seven colours.

The lycra has a matte finish, which I also like, and the branding is subtle. At the front and back, Castelli has included a lightweight mesh panel designed to create a smoother interface with the jersey.

One of the best features is the “drop tail stretch bib straps for comfort and easy nature breaks”, which means you don’t need to remove your jersey to go to the loo! This feature worked well.

You can also crisscross the straps at the front or back. I chose the back of mine, but it will depend on your physique as to which works best.

The chamois had padding in all the right places, making it comfortable on and off the bike. And the raw-cut leg endings and silicon grippers stayed in place, and we’re quite comfy.

James: Like the jersey, the Espresso bib shorts are described by Castelli as an ‘all‑rounder,’ and I think that’s pretty accurate.

The matte Modern Doppio fabric supports the minimalist look you get in the jersey, and it’s also soft and premium.

Castelli’s Progetto X2 Air seat pad, the same as found in their top‑tier shorts—adds long‑ride comfort and performance credibility.

Vertical silicone grippers keep the hems securely in place without disrupting the clean aesthetic. The lightweight mesh bib straps feature generous ventilation holes, hinting at excellent breathability.

Finally, I liked the addition of a small rear pocket integrated into the shorts; but although it is useful for an extra gel or bar, its placement under the jersey means you might not use it all the time.

Vest

James: With winter approaching, having an extra layer you can easily stash away becomes increasingly important.

Like the rest of the range, the Espresso Vest keeps the slim‑fitting feel that cuts wind chill without any annoying flapping.

At about 132g, it sits in the mid‑weight category for cycling gilets and packs down neatly into a jersey pocket. At the same time, unlike some super‑light Pertex options, the Espresso uses a densely woven, stretchy fabric that hugs the body and stays quiet—even on fast descents.

While the front panel is more wind‑resistant than the rear, the vest isn’t fully windproof; however, this doesn’t seem to compromise warmth. In practice, it feels comparable to other lightweight vests, with the added benefit of noticeably better breathability.

That breathability meant I would often keep the vest on for an entire chilly ride. I also liked that the three deep rear pockets meant I didn’t need to fumble for items hidden under layers.

Finally, aesthetically, the vest pairs nicely with the rest of the Espresso lineup. Combined with arm warmers and a base layer, it becomes a versatile piece that extends your riding season well into the colder months.

The wrap-up

Nicola: At $245 for the jersey and $329 for the bib knicks, these are at the premium end of the market.

But they are super comfortable, function really well on and off the bike, and look great. While I didn’t get to test their longevity, I’m certain I’ll be wearing them for many years.

James: I came away impressed by the Espresso 2 kit, which features modern fabrics, a nice, subtle design and most importantly is comfortable for everyday riding. I have a feeling this will be my go-to kit going forward.

More info: castelli.com.