Castelli has launched a brand-new jacket called the Do.Di.Ci., a garment which the brand states achieves ultimate breathability and comfort for higher intensity rides in cool yet dry conditions.
So far, so Gabba sounding? You’ll not be alone in thinking this, although the brand is quick to point to a significant difference. What is all-new is a performance claim which gives the Do.Di.Ci its distinctive name.
Use case and performance in focus.
At launch, we’re told that the Do.Di.Ci “blurs the line between a jacket and jersey”. Engineered to be worn in temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F), the garment’s Ristretto fabric technology keeps most of the wind out, yet still allows an optimal amount of airflow in to evaporate sweat, 12 times more effectively than the original Gabba jacket – hence its name (which translates to ‘twelve’ from Italian).
The Do.Di.Ci. achieves incredible air permeability of three cubic feet per minute, making it the most breathable jacket in Castelli’s Fall Winter 2025 range.
Castelli Global Brand Manager Steve Smith comments: “There’s never been a jacket like the Do.Di.Ci.. We see it as the spiritual heir to the Gabba for the way many people use the Gabba. The original Gabba was created for professional riders racing in the rain, but given its phenomenal success, we see that many cyclists use it in conditions that it wasn’t designed for: cool and dry. While the Gabba R provides the ultimate protection for racing in the rain while being as aerodynamic as a speedsuit, the Do.Di.Ci. excels in high intensity rides in cool dry conditions.”
A Ristretto for the road
Ristretto technology comes into its own when rain protection isn’t required. Besides being the name of a very short espresso, Ristretto translates to Restricted from Italian. Ristretto technology restricts the amount of air flowing through the fabric to create cycling clothing that is virtually windproof yet still evaporates significantly more sweat than waterproof membranes, keeping riders drier on the inside.
Fabric technology innovation partnerships
Castelli partnered with fabric innovators ITTTAI to develop Ristretto fabric technology, utilising their membrane and lamination expertise to create a new PFAS-free fabric which combines advanced stretch as well as unrivalled breathability.
Smith adds: “With water protection taken out of the equation, we’ve designed the Do.Di.Ci. to make performance cyclists more comfortable than they’ve ever been during high-intensity efforts in cooler, dry conditions.
“As soon as they start generating excess heat and sweat, our Ristretto technology will evaporate moisture at unprecedented levels, to keep their core body warmth stable. Quite simply, there’s no other jacket out there that works as well as the Do.Di.Ci. at keeping riders dry on the inside and at the right temperature. When it’s not raining, it cannot be beaten.”
Men’s and Women’s options
Available in both men’s and women’s versions, with a short-sleeved men’s option, the Do.Di.Ci’s Ristretto fabric is also extremely stretchy with an unparalleled, close-to-body race fit that doesn’t feel constricting. Additional features include:
- Minimalist construction for added speed and comfort
- YKK Vislon zipper for easy sliding
- Three rear pockets
- Reflective piping at the bottom of the pocket for visibility
In the UK, Castelli is distributed by Saddleback.
