Like others I found this a tight fit, but that was what I wanted. Works well over a jersey to block the wind. At 6'1" 185 lb. I usually need an XL or XXL in Castelli gear and I gambled on an XL here, It does need to stretch to fit, but the result is form fitting with no flapping - unlike all my other cycling jackets. It helps that these have been super cheap on closeout.
This is the second Squadra jacket that I bought - went with the XL size so I could wear it in the winter over numerous other layers. Works great. (The first one I bought was a large and works just fine over a couple of layers.) The jackets have a very snug fit - I'm 5'9" and 155 pounds and the large size works fine over a jersey and base layer. The XL size works well over five or six thin layers for the Minnesota winters that I ride in.
Function: As an ultralight, packable wind shell, this does exactly what I need. Typical application will be worn over wool jerseys on cooler starts. As I warm up, it comes off and goes in a jersey pocket or my Burrito Supreme bar bag. If it's time to do some descending and it's still a bit cool out, it goes back on.
Fit: Definitely race fit, but still runs small. I'm 5'10 and 150 lbs wet. 32" waist, 39" chest. I wear a Medium in most cycling kit, but went with the Large for the Squadra after reading other reviews. The stretch panels on the arms and sides are clearly part of the fit strategy with this piece. It's going to feel snug, especially when standing. When I'm in riding position, the fit feels much more natural. One of the reasons I was replacing my previous jacket was the loose-fitting floppiness. This definitely solves that problem! If you're a bit husky / blocky in your build, you're probably not going to like the fit of this piece. It seems designed for very lean / lanky / thin body types and even then you have to size up.
I ordered a large, --I am not a very big guy. I'm 5'8 160 lbs, 33" waist and I typically fit in a Med or a Large, depending on manufacturer and item that I order. The large in this item I ordered didn't come close to fitting me. I couldn't even get the zipper lined up. I am returning the item, I have no clue if an XL would fit me or if I would have had to replace with a 2XL. I don't know who this would fit, any average guy would not fit in this coat as stated in a large size.
This is a excelleant jacket for the money. Super light and perfectly packable. On first arrival thought it would be very fragile but it has proven to be be very durable. Also does come across as tight, but after a few minutes you don't notice it, and once you ride you will be glad it is tight as any windbreaker will feel like a sail when riding.
I am a slim 6' 2" , 185 lbs - 16 neck, 43 chest , 36 sleeve. Bought 2 different XL jackets. 1 did fit tighter than the other. Fits slightly larger than a jersey. However I can wear this over my Castelli thermal jersey which is the perfect pair for 50+ degree days were the wind cuts through your thermal. Also work for a rain shield, perhaps not for downpours but for those drizzly days.
All of my other cycling jackets are too loose and flap in the wind and also are hard to stuff into my jersey pockets so I wanted a tighter fitting jacket with a lighter material. This jacket is light enough to fit in my jacket pockets but it's almost too tight.
I couldn't zip it up around my hips so I had to cinch it higher before I could zip it up. It's a Medium and my waist is 32". The sleeves are the right length but so tight around the wrists that I had to remove my gloves to put the jacket on and take it off.
For the low price it's still good to have in my pocket in case it gets cold.
Fits really snug - I'm 5'9" & 150 pounds and the "large" fit is perfect. Not the slightest bit waterproof. Keeps the cold winds off & doesn't flap around in the breeze. Fits easily in a jersey pocket when it warms up.
I was glad that I was told to order a a size large rather than medium. It is a very snug fitting jacket. The zipper design does not follow the usual start pattern that I'm used to. Is this an Italian clothing variation?
The quality seems good and the weight is barely noticeable.
Needed something really light and packable and form fitting. This is the jacket. Easily fits into a back pocket or small frame bag and really clings to your body so you don't get the flapping. Perfect for those upper 40's, low 50's rides
Got this earlier in the spring, hoping for something of a windbreaker, but still lightweight, for cooler rides. Not quite as wind-resistant as I'd like, so a base layer along with a jersey or other layer will usually be required. Good quality construction, though, and snug-fitting. I'm 6'0" 156# and slender in upper body, and a size L fits me snugly, close to a "race-fit" especially with layers beneath this jacket. Very "slenderizing", and not a lot of extra room in the arms - if you're muscular, you might want to consider sizing up one or even two sizes, since Castelli's stuff mostly seems to run smaller. Do like the high collar to keep cool winds at bay, and good elastic at the wrists will keep ballooning to a minimum. Mine is the silver/gray colorway, very stylish and classy-looking, and will go with most any color scheme if you're into that. Also rolls-up & packs small into a jersey pocket when not needed, and wrinkling is minimal. NO pockets on back, but should accommodate stuff in jersey pockets beneath OK. Should be easy to keep clean, too.
