Dress Like A Pro: What To Wear For The Giro d'Italia

It’s that time of the year again when the Grand Tours are kicked off by the Giro d’Italia. With the Giro now well under way, we took a look at some of the cycling clothing that’s fit for a WorldTour rider completing a Grand Tour.

You may not have mountains to conquer, at mind-boggling speeds, but that’s no reason not to look the part while trying!

Bib Shorts

As a barrier between rider and saddle, few items of cycling clothing are as important to a cyclist than bib shorts. The right pair of bib shorts can literally make or break a ride(r). In terms of being tried and tested, there’s few higher accolades for a pair of knicks than them providing comfort to a pro rider over the course of a Grand Tour.

Cushioning the derrière of World Road Race Champion, Julian Alaphilippe and the rest of the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl squad, Castelli’s Competizione bib shorts are a fine choice for long training days or racing. Anything worthy of a team as revered as Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, is good enough for us!

Kit for Team DSM is provided by iconic Italian brand, Nalini. With experience providing kit to some of the top riders in professional cycling, they certainly know how to produce an excellent pair of bib shorts. The Magnesio shorts, produced in conjunction with another Italian icon, Campagnolo, are intended for big days out on the bike. They’ve been designed with ergonomics in mind, and offer both comfort and performance over the course of several hours.

Image Credit – Williams, Zac – t/a Photography Hub Ltd

Jerseys

The cycling jersey is perhaps one of the most evocative pieces of cycling clothing in the sport. The Vuelta a España has the maillot rojo (red jersey), the Tour de France—of course—has the maillot jaune (the yellow jersey), and the Giro d’Italia the maglia rosa (pink jersey). The battle for the right to wear one of these jerseys is fierce and represents one of the highest honours in the sport.

Castelli, for the 2022 Giro, is offering a range of clothing specific to the event. The Competizione is designed to celebrate the great race across Italy. The 105 Competizione is offered in a number of colours, including the distinctive rosa giro. Offering a more relaxed fit than the pros wear in the race itself, it’s an excellent option for those long summer rides in the sunshine.

The Nalini Campagnolo Iridio jersey is another excellent garment from the Italian style icons. This is a race fit jersey, made from breathable material that will keep you cool on those warm competition days.

Sunglasses

Providing function and style, a good pair of sunglasses are one of the key pieces of clothing for any self-respecting professional cyclist. Not only do they add style to your ensemble, a good set of shades can provide clarity and protection on those sunny days.

Few sunglass makers are as ubiquitous in cycling as Oakley. Worn by professionals and amateurs across the world, they really are a class leader. At the Giro you’ll spot them on the likes of Mark Cavendish (Deceunick – Quick-Step) and Richard Carapaz (Team Ineos). It’s understandable why they are such a mainstay. Oakley produces some of the most distinctive shades around, as well as offering an excellent selection of lenses.

A fairly recent addition to the sunglass market, Scicon have quickly made a name for themselves. Their shades have framed the faces of champions of the sport Tadej Pogačar and Chris Froome, and you’ll spot Simon Yates in a set in the Giro.

Image Credit – Williams, Zac – t/a Photography Hub Ltd

Helmets

Helmets are not always the most fetching looking piece of cycling clothing, but they are arguably one of the most important. In recent times, few brands in the helmet space have produced as distinctive and divisive helmets as POC. Despite their controversial shape, thanks to their aerodynamic benefit, a number of non-sponsored riders have been spotted using them in recent years. In terms of endorsements for cycling products, there’s few as significant as a non-sponsored rider using your product. You’ll spot the Swedish company’s helmets on the heads of team EF Education-EasyPost.

You may not be able to rock the custom gold Kask Protone donned by Richard Carapaz, but you can have it in a variety of colours. Lightweight and well ventilated, it’s easy to see why it’s the choice of helmet for Team Ineos on those hot climbing days.

Image Credit – Williams, Zac – t/a Photography Hub Ltd

Accessories

Of course, what self-respecting Giro cyclist would be complete without a few of those extra flourishes. Castelli’s Giro d’Italia cycling cap is a classic. Available in a range of Giro themed colours it’s a real eye turner.

Lastly, there may not be a piece of cycling clothing as important to a cyclist as a crisp pair of socks. Castelli, once again, have produced a limited edition sock for the 2022 Giro. They’re adorned with subtle homages to the race across Italy and make the perfect companion for those summer escapades!