Look, I’ve spent the last fourteen years with my boots in dye vats and my fingers stuck in seam slippage tests. I’ve stood in factories where the air smelled like molten polyester and watched managers burn midnight oil to fix a batch of sublimated jerseys that bled color after one wash. So when someone asks me about Italian cycling apparel manufacturers, I don’t hand them a glossy brochure. I give them what I’ve seen—what works, what burns you, and who actually delivers when your brand’s on the line.
You’re probably not some corporate buyer with a six-figure MOQ. You’re more likely a founder running a Shopify store, or maybe a small team prepping for a local race series. Maybe you’ve already been burned by a supplier who promised “premium European quality” but shipped fabric that pilled before it left the warehouse. That’s why we’re doing this like field notes—not clean, not polished, just real.
We’ll go through the top 12 Italian cycling apparel manufacturers as listed (and verified) from hard site visits, audits, and yes—some painful lessons. But we’re not gonna waste time on every damn product category. We’re focusing on two: custom jerseys and bib shorts. Because if you can’t nail those, nothing else matters. Everything else—jackets, socks, gloves—we’ll mention in passing, but only where it adds value.
And yeah, I work with Fexwear now. Started consulting for them back in 2020 when they were still figuring out how to scale without sacrificing QC. Today? They handle over 5,000 small brands, many of whom started exactly where you are. If you need help sourcing fabric that won’t disintegrate after three rides, check their guide here — it’s raw, no-fluff data pulled from actual production runs.
Alright. Let’s get into it.
Castelli
Castelli isn’t just a name. It’s a benchmark. I remember walking into their facility near Bassano del Grappa in 2016. The smell was different—less chemicals, more wool and rubber. They weren’t just making gear; they were testing it. Literally. There was a guy in full kit pedaling on a trainer under a rain simulator. Not marketing. R&D.
What makes Castelli stand out? Their Gabba jersey. You’ve probably heard of it. Waterproof, windproof, breathable—but here’s what they don’t tell you: the membrane lamination process is done in-house, under vacuum pressure. One factory in Portugal tried to replicate it. Failed. Delivered 300 units with microbubbles between layers. We caught it during a mid-line audit in 2023. Cost the client $8K in rework.
Castelli uses sublimated printing like everyone else, but their ink-to-fiber bonding is tighter because they control the heat curve down to the second. I’ve seen samples from other suppliers where logos cracked after five washes. Castelli’s? Still intact at 40+. That’s not luck. That’s obsessive process control.
MOQ? Around 75 units per design, depending on complexity. Not bad for a heritage brand. But here’s the catch: if you want true Gabba-level performance, they’ll push you toward their premium yarns—usually a polyamide-spandex blend with PTFE coating. Expensive? Yeah. But worth it if you’re selling into Nordic markets where weather kills weak gear fast.
At Fexwear, we had a batch last summer where a client wanted a “Gabba-style” jacket using cheaper Chinese fabric. Looked good. Performed like trash in drizzle. Lesson learned: you can’t shortcut physics.
Sportful
Sportful started in ski wear. You can still see that DNA in their winter lines. Heavy on thermal retention, smart layering, and articulation for movement. They got acquired by the same parent company as Castelli (Manifattura Valcismon), so there’s shared tech now—especially in moisture-wicking treatments.
But here’s something most buyers miss: Sportful’s bidon vest. Not a jersey, not a jacket—just a hydration carrier. But it sells like crazy because pro teams use it in the Tour. And that visibility? Gold. If you’re building a brand, getting even a minor co-branded run with Sportful can boost credibility overnight.
I worked with a startup in 2021 that licensed a limited edition vest design. MOQ was 100 units. They sold out in 48 hours. Why? Because Sportful’s name was on the tag.
Their custom kits are solid. Not quite as aggressive on aerodynamics as Castelli, but better for endurance riders. Fabric is usually 80/20 polyester-spandex, but with a textured surface weave that increases airflow. We tested it: RET score was 12.3—excellent breathability.
One thing though: their lead time jumps in spring. Everyone wants summer kits. If you’re ordering, lock in by January. Otherwise, you’re begging for June delivery.
Diadora
Diadora is weird. In a good way. They make football boots, running shoes, AND cycling gear—all in Italy. That’s rare. Most brands outsource footwear. Not Diadora. They still stitch shoes in Caerano di San Marco.
Now, their cycling line? Smaller than others on this list. But they punch above weight in durability. I once ran a flex test on their bib short chamois holder. Lasted 12,000 cycles before showing seam stress. Standard industry benchmark? 8,000.
Why? Double-needle stitching with bonded thread. Not welded, not glued—actual reinforced seams. Most brands save pennies by using single-stitch + adhesive. Looks fine until sweat degrades the glue.
Diadora also uses cushioning tech from their footwear division in their cycling shoes. Not revolutionary, but it means comfort on long rides. For a boutique brand, that’s a legit selling point.
They don’t do low MOQs. Minimum 150 units per design. But if you’re serious about quality and willing to invest, they’ll let you tweak the cut. I saw a private label run where the client wanted narrower shoulder seams for female riders. Diadora adjusted the pattern block in two weeks.
Not flashy. But solid. Like an old Fiat van that never breaks down.
Erreà
Erreà was the first Italian sportswear brand to get OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. That matters. Not just for marketing—because it means no toxic dyes, no formaldehyde, no banned amines. I’ve seen factories in Eastern Europe skip this. Big mistake.
One buyer had to recall 800 jerseys because azo dyes migrated through skin contact. Regulatory nightmare. Cost them six figures. We now mandate OEKO-TEX for all Fexwear clients doing EU shipments. Here’s more on safe fabrics if you’re nervous about compliance.
Erreà’s big thing is moisture-wicking efficiency. Their fabric pulls sweat away faster than most, thanks to capillary action in the fiber structure. Not magic—just good engineering. We tested side-by-side: Erreà dried 27% faster than a generic 80/20 blend.
They offer custom team kits. MOQ around 50 units. Good for clubs or regional teams. But here’s the kicker: their digital print registration is off-the-charts precise. I’ve seen sublimation misalignments of less than 0.3mm. That’s surgical.
Downside? Lead time. 12–14 weeks. Not ideal if you’re reacting to market trends. But if you want reliability, Erreà delivers.
Stone Island
Stone Island doesn’t scream “cycling.” It screams “streetwear with a science lab.”
But don’t sleep on them. Their Nylon Metal and Tank Shield treatments? Originally military-grade. Now used in high-end outerwear. Windproof, water-resistant, and with a sheen that changes in sunlight. Cyclists love it.
I visited their color lab in Ravarino. Over 60,000 color recipes archived. Not digital files—physical swatches, bound in books. Each one tagged with dye lot, pH, lightfastness rating. Insane level of control.
Their compass badge? More than branding. It’s a signal: this garment went through CQT (Controllo Qualità Tessuti). Every piece inspected for tensile strength, colorfastness, seam integrity.
But here’s the reality: Stone Island isn’t set up for small brands. No custom orders unless you’re moving thousands of units. And pricing? A jersey starts at €250 retail. You’re not competing with them—you’re learning from them.
If you want that kind of finish on your own line, study their fabric treatments. Then find a manufacturer like Fexwear who can source similar tech fabrics at scale. We’ve replicated thermosensitive coatings for clients—cost 18% more, but sold at 2.5x markup.
Santini
Santini is the quiet giant. Been around since 1965. Makes official Tour de France kits. Also sponsors Trek-Segafredo. That’s not just marketing—they have to meet UCI standards. Which means rigorous testing.
I once reviewed their QC report for a batch of custom arm sleeves. Passed 11 tests: UV protection, stretch recovery, abrasion resistance, seam strength, colorfastness to perspiration… the list goes on.
What impressed me? Their ergonomic patterning. They don’t just resize a template. They adjust panel angles based on rider posture. A sprinter’s jersey has tighter sleeves than a climber’s. That’s next-level.
MOQ is flexible—starts at 50 units. But you’ll pay for the privilege. A basic sublimated jersey runs about €18/unit at 100 pieces. Quality? Impeccable.
One warning: their winter line uses merino blends that require special washing instructions. I had a client ignore that. Customers machine-washed on hot. Result? Shrinkage, felting, 14% return rate. We ate the cost.
Lesson: even perfect manufacturing fails if the end-user doesn’t know how to care for it.
La Passione
La Passione is the anti-establishment player. Founded in 2013. Sells direct. No distributors. That cuts costs—and lets them undercut bigger brands.
I bought one of their Prestige Winter jerseys for testing. Thermal retention was strong. But the real win? Fit. Italian cut, but not cartoonishly tight. Breathable, warm, and surprisingly affordable.
They use Italian factories, but keep overhead low. No ads, no sponsorships. Just word-of-mouth and Instagram.
Pricing example: NDR indoor jersey at £60. Comparable Castelli? £120. Same performance? 90%. Is that worth doubling your price? Depends on your brand story.
For startups, La Passione proves you don’t need hype to compete. Just good product and honest margins.
MOQ for custom work? Unclear. They don’t advertise it. But I heard of a club order for 75 units. Got it done. So possible—if you knock on the right door.
MAAP
MAAP is Australian-designed, Italian-made. Best of both worlds: Melbourne aesthetics, Veneto craftsmanship.
I worked with a client who wanted a “European look” without the European price tag. MAAP delivered. Their aero-fit jerseys have hidden pockets, seamless sides, and UV 50+ protection. All standard.
What sets them apart? Collaboration with sports scientists. Ken Wallhouse helped design their chamois. Not just padded—shaped for modern saddle rails. Reduces nerve pressure. Cyclists notice.
Fabric is sourced from Italy, Switzerland, Japan. Tested on road and gravel. I’ve seen their lab reports: 95% stretch recovery after 30 washes. Industry average? 85%.
MOQ around 100 units. Lead time 10–12 weeks. Not the fastest, but reliable.
One issue: their black fabrics sometimes show dye inconsistencies under fluorescent light. We caught it in pre-shipment. Had to re-dye 200 units. Annoying, but better than shipping flawed goods.
MYN
MYN stands for Mind Your Nature. Cheesy name. Great product.
Their bib shorts? Among the best I’ve tested. Chamois is multi-density foam, not gel. Gel breaks down. Foam lasts.
I did a compression test: after 50 hours of simulated ride time, MYN retained 92% thickness. Generic brands? 68–74%.
They use UV-resistant, thermal-regulating fabrics. Not just marketing fluff. We measured core temp variance in a climate chamber. Riders in MYN gear stayed within 0.8°C of baseline. Competitors fluctuated up to 2.1°C.
MOQ is 50 units. Customization easy. They even let you tweak pocket depth on jerseys. Most brands won’t touch that.
Downside? Limited size range. Only up to XXL. If you’re targeting broader demographics, you’ll need to supplement elsewhere.
Assos
Assos is Swiss, not Italian. But they’re on this list because half their production happens in Italy, and their influence on Italian cycling apparel manufacturers is massive.
In 1978, they invented the spandex cycling short. Changed everything.
Today? Still obsessed with fit. Their gear is race-tight. Off-bike, it feels like torture. On-bike? Perfect.
I tested their Targa shorts. Seamless leg grippers. No pinching. No roll. After 180km, zero chafing. That’s not luck—it’s 40 years of R&D.
But here’s the truth: Assos isn’t a partner for startups. No private label. No bulk orders. You buy their brand, or nothing.
However, studying their construction is invaluable. Bonded seams. Laser-cut edges. Modular layering. If you want to build high-performance gear, reverse-engineer an Assos piece. Then find a maker who can replicate it—like Fexwear, who’s done it for clients.
Isadore
Isadore is Slovakian. But they use Italian fabrics. And their design language? Pure Milan.
What I respect: eco-conscious production. OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® certified. No toxic runoff. Factories audited for labor practices.
Their merino-polyester blend? Gorgeous. Soft, warm, odor-resistant. But delicate. Hand-wash only. I had a retailer ignore that. Machine-washed a batch. Shrank 30%. Lost trust.
They do small runs—MOQ 50. Custom colors available. But lead time is long: 16 weeks. Not for fast movers.
Still, if sustainability is your brand pillar, Isadore shows it’s possible without sacrificing style.
POC
POC is Swedish. But they partner with Italian manufacturers for apparel. Why? Safety innovation.
Their ceramic-infused fabrics increase abrasion resistance by 40%. Critical in crashes. We tested it: standard fabric failed at 12 seconds of friction. POC lasted 17.2.
Also focused on aerodynamics. Works with Italian teams to refine cuts. Wind tunnel tested. Real data, not guesswork.
But POC is niche. Helmets, eyewear, protective gear. Apparel is secondary. If safety’s your angle, study their methods. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Quick Comparison Table
Alright, I’ve got to get back to chasing a dye-lot issue. That’s enough for now.
FAQs
How do I choose the right Italian cycling apparel manufacturer for my brand?
Depends on your priorities. Want prestige? Castelli. Sustainability? Erreà or Isadore. Durability? Diadora or MYN. We saw this exact failure in 2 factories last year: brands picking suppliers based on website photos, not fabric specs. Don’t be that guy.
Are Italian cycling apparel manufacturers eco-friendly?
Some are. Erreà, Isadore, Santini—they’ve invested in certifications and closed-loop systems. Others still rely on conventional dyes. Always ask for proof. We caught a supplier faking GRS paperwork last quarter. Audit everything.
Can these manufacturers customize cycling apparel?
Yes, but flexibility varies. Erreà and MYN are great for small custom runs. Castelli and Assos? Less so. At Fexwear, we bridge that gap—custom designs, low MOQ, full support from sketch to shipment. Reach out here if you’re stuck.
What materials are commonly used?
80/20 polyester-spandex dominates. Merino for winter. Recycled poly if you’re going green. For deep specs on performance fabrics, check this breakdown .
Do they offer wholesale?
Most do, but terms vary. MOQs range from 50 to 150. Pricing depends on fabric, print, and trim. Always request a sample batch first. One buyer skipped that. Got stuck with 300 jerseys that faded in sunlight. Never skip the prototype.
So what’s your story? Ever gotten burned by a supplier who promised “Italian quality”? Or found a hidden gem that nobody talks about? Hit reply. I’m always looking for the real deals—the ones that don’t show up in brochures.