The Castelli UPF Jersey is a decent summer option that does its job well. The UPF 50+ sun protection is the standout feature (although difficult to test in the UK) and the stretch and wicking are both good throughout.

It is weird, but not all cycling kit protects you from UV. Anyone who remembers the pictures of Chris Froome’s sunburn from a few years ago will understand exactly what I mean.

Castelli’s UPF jersey has been specifically designed to block UV rays, so you can safely wear it and not have to worry.

> Cycling survival — how to avoid sunburn and stay comfortable

Build and fit

The fabric is lightweight with four-way stretch that moves well and never feels restrictive. This is one of its strengths, as it means the jersey sits comfortably around all your lumps and bumps without feeling tight and it moves well with you whilst you’re on the bike.

There is a silicone band that wraps around the bottom of the jersey to keep everything in place even with loaded pockets.

2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-gripper.jpg
2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-gripper.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Castelli has also included a token reflective strip, which is about the width of a credit card and about 5mm long. This is positioned in a fold beneath the middle rear pocket, which means you can’t really see it anyway.

2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-pockets.jpg
2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-pockets.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The fabric looks like a solid, fairly dense weave – there’s no visible perforation and you wouldn’t expect it to breathe particularly well just by looking at it. In use though, breathability is surprisingly good. Even on harder efforts and warmer days, moisture moved away from the skin quickly and I never felt clammy – which for a jersey designed primarily around sun protection rather than ventilation is more impressive than it sounds.

On the bike

The full-length YKK zip runs smoothly and is easy to operate one-handed. Three rear pockets and a zipped valuables pocket cover everything you’d need for a standard ride. They are well-positioned and stable when loaded. Nothing unusual, but everything works as it should.

2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-collar.jpg
2026-Castelli-UPF-Jersey-collar.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

I was lucky that I could test the UV protection over a heatwave in the UK, if not quite in the most intense mid-summer sunshine. I was well protected though and have no reason to doubt its capabilities.

Value

At £129, the Castelli UPF Jersey is on the expensive side, and that price needs justifying against what else is available.

An obvious comparison is the Sportful Supernova Jersey which now has an RRP of £120. It has a similar fit and quality and also states “UV protection” as a feature – although the material is slightly see-through.

For £135, Michael felt the Assos Equipe R Jersey S11 was a near-perfect summer jersey for those that ride hard in hot weather.

For a little less money, there are plenty of options like the Santini Ready To Ride Jersey which comes in at £90. This offers similar performance and fit, although doesn’t make any claims about UV protection and Ben didn’t think it was suitable for truly hot days.

> The best cycling jerseys for hot weather — our favourite lightweight, breathable summer jerseys for every type of ride

Conclusion

The Castelli UPF Jersey is a solid, well-made jersey for sunny summer rides. The stretch is good, the wicking is impressive for a UV protective material and the UPF 50+ protection is genuinely useful for anybody who racks up a lot of miles in the sun.

It does exactly what it sets out to do, though at £129 you are paying a premium for the UV protection. If that isn’t a priority, there are cheaper jerseys that perform just as well.

Test Report

What does the manufacturer say about this product?:

Crafted from lightweight, breathable fabric, this jersey ensures optimal airflow to keep you cool and dry during hot summer rides. Featuring UPF 50+ protection, it shields your skin from harmful UV rays, allowing you to focus on the road ahead without worry. The ergonomic fit and four-way-stretch material allow for unrestricted movement, while the moisture-wicking properties maintain comfort even on the longest routes. With a full-length zipper for adjustable ventilation and three rear pockets for easy access to essentials, this jersey combines functionality, style, and protection.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:

UPF 50+ rated fabrics
Front fabric slightly perforated for better breathability
Raw-cut sleeve endings for comfort
Higher collar on back and longer sleeves for added sun protection
3 rear cargo pockets and additional zippered security pocket
Elastic at waist to keep jersey in place and support loaded pockets
YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy use

Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
8/10

Any further comments on quality?:

Feels well-made with an excellent choice of fabric that blocks UV and also wicks and breathes well

Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
9/10

Any further comments on performance?:

I did not get burned and felt comfortable throughout

Rate the product for value (1-10):
5/10

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:

A similar price.

Rate the product for weight:
8/10

Any further comments on weight?:

It’s a lightweight hot weather jersey – it doesn’t weigh much.

Rate the product for comfort:
8/10

Any further comments on comfort?:

It has a good amount of stretch in the fabric and impressive breathability, so it is very comfortable on the bike

Rate the product for fit:
8/10

Any further comments on fit?:

Loads of stretch meaning that you can have various lumps and bumps and it will still fit fine

Any comments on sizing? Did it size up too big or too small?:

It’s an Italian brand so it comes up smaller, but with that in mind it is what I expected in a large size.

Any issues with durability?:

None. The material seems sturdy and the zip feels durable to boot.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?:

Simple. Chucked it in at 30 degrees and line dried without any issues.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

A summer jersey that breathes well and keeps you protected from the sun – what more do you need?

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 38Height: 182cmWeight: kg

I usually ride: Orro VenturiMy best bike is: Specialized Diverge

I’ve been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: A few times a weekI would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: Gravel riding, Commuting, Club riding, Sportives, Fitness riding, Leisure riding