Castelli Squadra Stretch Jacket - Yellow Fluo / Gray

If you’re like Castelli, there’s a reason you’re not using your old-style wind jacket more. With waterproof jackets like the Idro being lighter and more compact than ever, Castelli felt it was time to reinvent a classic. In reality, the Squadra Stretch Jacket is very different from your flappy old jacket that either didn’t protect you or didn’t breathe.

This jacket is an impossibly light layer that keeps the wind off the front of your body while allowing ample breathability through the mesh side panels. But what you’ll really appreciate is how they use the stretch panels in the sides and on the back of the sleeves to make this jacket fit like a second skin: no flapping fabric, no cold air circulating inside the jacket, no more looking like a throwback to the Armstrong era.

This jacket is light and warm enough to wear for the entire ride in mild conditions, but if you do want to take it off it folds into a side panel pocket and stuffs away in minimal space in your pocket or seat bag.

The Squadra Stretch shell keeps the wind off on cool-weather rides or long descents, while the stretch panels keep the jacket fitting close to body and eliminate flapping fabric.