Castelli Women’s Summer Jersey Line

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Anima 2 Jersey FZ

Hot!

• Breathable and lightweight fabric
• Longer tail hem for added coverage
• Full zip for easy on/off
• Rear silicon gripper keeps jersey in place
• Fashionable color selection
• Mesh elastic cuff for added flare
• Three large rear pockets for storage
• Reflective elements on back
• Reasonably priced

Not!

• Nothing

Promessa 2 Jersey FZ

Hot!

• Solid color enhanced with mesh knit design
• Very comfortable and breathable
• Three rear pockets and zippered key pocket
• Reflective trim on back
• Reasonably priced

Not!

• Mesh material provides minimal sun protection

Promessa Sleeveless Jersey

Hot!

• Solid color enhanced with mesh knit design
• Very comfortable and breathable
• Three rear pockets and zippered key pocket
• Reflective trim on back
• Reasonably priced

Not!

• Mesh material and sleeveless provides minimal sun protection

Protagonista 2 Sleeveless Jersey

Hot!

• Soft stretch material
• Three large rear pockets for storage
• Mesh backed V-neck for ventilation
• Reflective elements on back
• Reasonably priced

Not!

• Pull over, no zipper

Cost: 

$74.99 (Promessa Sleeveless)

$79.99 (Promessa 2 FZ)

$89.99 (Anima 2 and Protagonista 2 Sleeveless)

How obtained: Company supplied samples

Available: Online and retail

Colors: 
Promessa Sleeveless – Black, Salmon, Red, Dark Steel

Promessa 2 FZ –  Black, Salmon, Red, Dark Steel, Blue

Anima 2 – Black, Salmon, Red, Pink, Blue, Dark Steel, Turquois

Protagonista 2 Sleeveless – Black, Salmon, Aruba Blue, Red

RBR Sponsor: No

Sizing:  XS-XL

Fit: Standard

Castelli Style at an Affordable Price

Castelli’s 2019 Spring/Summer women’s line offers the typical blocks of rich color they’re known for, with the addition of texture to keep it fresh and interesting. The company sent me four jerseys from their collection including the Promessa 2 FZ short sleeve, Promessa sleeveless, Animia 2 short sleeve and Protagonista 2 sleeveless. All four jerseys are under $90, making them an affordable addition to your cycling wardrobe.

My favorite out of all 4 was the short sleeve Anima 2 because of its fit, features and design. My second favorite was the Promessa 2 FZ. Since I tend not to wear sleeveless jerseys, opting for more sun protection, but if you want to reduce tan lines, the Protagonista 2 and Promessa are a good choice.

Anima 2 Jersey FZ

I gave this jersey a perfect 5-star rating because even in its simplicity it is very stylish. The sample I received was a beautiful blue. I don’t normally gravitate to blue, but this jersey caught my eye. The logo in script added a nice subtle pop of color along the zipper as well as the mesh sleeve band for added interest and a feminine touch. Along the bottom of the left rear pocket are 5 reflective stripes that add interest to the jersey design in addition to visibility.

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Some other nice features of the Anima 2 include a longer tail hem which provides coverage even in the drops, and a rear silicon gripper to keep the hem in place. The three large rear pockets give plenty of room for storage. The full zip front provides added ventilation and easy on/off. The fabric was very breathable and provides good moisture management. Castelli has rated this jersey for temps between 64-95 degrees F. Personally, I think without a base layer I would recommend the lower temp at 70 F.

Promessa 2 Jersey FZ and Promessa Sleeveless

Both Promessa jerseys use the same knit fabric which has an open weave in certain areas for a subtle design. This gives the solid color jersey a lot of interest along with a pop of color from the contrasting full zip. The knit fabric is extra stretchy in front, but limited stretch in back so the 3 storage pockets don’t sag. There is also a rear zipper pocket with a reflective strip, ideal for storing keys, money or an ID.

The polyester/Lycra® knit is breathable and provides moisture management. Castelli rates both jerseys at 64-86 degrees F, but here I’d say a minimum of 75 degrees unless you are wearing a base layer. Also, with the open weave you’ll want to wear a coordinating color sports bra or base layer as the material is fairly see-thru.

Protagonista 2 Sleeveless

Castelli uses color blocking on the Protagonista 2 to make a mostly solid color jersey interesting and fashionable. The fabric is stretchy, very soft to the touch and has a cotton-like feel. It is also lightweight and breathable. The one drawback of this jersey is there is no front zipper, but instead a mesh backed v-neck design. I’d only recommend wearing this style jersey with shorts, unless you have bibs with a nature break pull down design.

There are 3 rear pockets and a reflective element along the left side. The company rates this jersey for temps 72-95 degrees F and I’d say they are fairly accurate.

Bottom Line

Castelli has launched a collection of women’s summer jerseys that are fashionable, comfortable, and perform well, all at a reasonable price. The company sent me four different jersey models and they were all great looking. Depending on your style, there’s short-sleeve, sleeveless, full zip or no zip. You’re sure to find a jersey — or maybe several — to add to your summer collection.