Group test: Women’s cycling gilets

By Rebecca Mews
Castelli and Sportful gilets_Rebecca Mews.png
Rebecca tests the Castelli Espresso Gilet (left) and Sportful’s Fiandre Pro Gilet
A gilet is an excellent cover-up on colder autumn or spring days that can easily be taken off and stuffed in a pocket when you warm up. Cycling UK senior project officer Rebecca Mews tested versions from Castelli and Sportful

1. Castelli Espresso Gilet

Price: £125
Sizes: XS, S, M (tested), L, XL
Colours: Hibiscus, light black, purple mist/deep purple (tested), deep Bordeaux
Available from: Saddleback

At the higher end of the market, I was amazed by how lightweight the gilet is when taking it out of the packaging. Its minimal material is also super handy if you need to take the gilet off mid-ride and store it in a saddle bag.

I was very impressed with how despite it being lightweight, it packed a lot of punch and was versatile. I tested the gilet within the recommended temperature range (12-20 degrees) and it kept me warm on the downhills of the Peak District. With being extremely breathable, it was also great on the hill climbs – something I’ve found lacks with lower-price-bracket gilets.

The central back panel is a soft mesh material which was great to wick the moisture away, leaving the gilet feeling bone dry at the end of a sweaty ride. There was clearly attention to detail when this gilet was designed as the material that sits behind your neck is also a soft mesh fabric which makes it comfortable to wear.

I like that on the inside of the hem there is a slip-proof material which helped the gilet stay in place and didn’t ride up when cycling. The elastic around the arm hole is flexible and stretchy, which made the gilet suitable for a short-sleeved jersey as well as good for a thicker long-sleeved one without it feeling too tight and restrictive.

Its double zip came into good use on the uphill climbs when I needed a bit more ventilation. The three back pockets aren’t as deep as other gilets I’ve worn. That being said my phone slotted in perfectly along with an innertube and pump, so no real complaints.

Its bright two-tone colouring gives it a feminine look without being too in your face girly. It also provided good visibility on those gloomy days.

Verdict: Although on the pricier side, I think this gilet provides value for money as it could be suitable for spring, autumn and cooler summers. An eye-catching versatile gilet which is a product of Castelli taking a lot of care and attention to both performance and aesthetic.

A woman is wearing the Castelli Espresso Gilet over a long-sleeved cycling jersey and shorts. She's wearing a cycling helmet and holding a water bidon

2. Sportful Fiandre Pro Gilet

Price: £120
Sizes: XS, S, M (tested), L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Pompelmo (tested), Black
Available from: Saddleback

Sportful wasn’t a brand I was familiar with so I was excited to try this one. With only two choices of colour, I opted for the Pompelmo as I prefer a brighter gilet especially for the autumn months.

It’s certainly bright and eye-catching and stands out on the road while still maintaining that feminine look. If bright isn’t your thing, however, your only other option is black so two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Its Polartec Neoshell material gave it a slightly thicker feel but without compromising its breathability and suitability to fold up into a back pocket. The back panel consists of more of a lighter mesh material to help with this.

The thicker material on the front and side panels was great in keeping my core dry in light rain and warm in windier conditions. It amazed me how a small piece of kit like this gilet can make such a difference in keeping your upper body warm.

It even performed well when I was stood roadside waiting for my partner to come and rescue me from a flat tyre! For me the extra weight of the slightly thicker material is outweighed by its ability to keep you warm when you need it.

I went for a size medium which had a feminine fit; however, when wearing a thicker jersey underneath, it felt quite tight under my arms as the elasticated hem didn’t have too much give. It lacked a double zip for extra ventilation, but I didn’t find this too much of an issue as it was otherwise breathable.

The back consists of three deep pockets which hold their structure well when packed with your ride essentials. The logo on the front is reflective as well as the back logo which I thought was a nice touch as you usually see only a back reflector.

Verdict: A bright, sturdy gilet which combines being both lightweight but also great in damp windy conditions.

 

First published in November 2024. All information correct at time of publishing.

A woman is wearing a red Sportful Fiandre Pro Gilet over a black long-sleeved cycling jersey. She's wearing a helmet.
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How to choose the best cycling gilet

Fit

A gilet goes over your jersey, so it’ll need to be roomy enough to fit with your jersey underneath. It’s a good idea to try them out with a couple of jerseys if you can.

Fabric

Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric. Water resistance can make for a useful cover in wet conditions. A mesh back aids ventilation but won’t keep out rain.

Weight

Thinner and lighter is better if you are likely to take it off during a ride and want to stuff it into a jersey pocket. However, you also want it to be warm enough to protect you from the cold – it’s a compromise!

Armholes

These should be big enough to fit over your jersey sleeves. Elastic will ensure a snug fit and keep out the wind, but if it’s too tight you’ll find it uncomfortable and difficult to pull on over your jersey. Similarly, an elasticated hem will help prevent draughts.

Further reading