Gift of the Gabba

More weather-proof than a standard jersey, yet lighter and better fitting than a jacket, the rain jersey is the new must-have, and it’s mainly thanks to one brand…

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Castelli should be blushing all the way to the start line. Its Gabba blurs the boundaries between jacket and jersey, being both windproof yet breathable, heavy duty yet lightweight and water resistant yet wicking. It’s hard to know whether the Gabba is an outer shell or an inner layer. Either way, it’s caught on in a big way since its release in 2013, to the point where no self-respecting manufacturer will be seen without one in its clothing line-up.

‘The Gabba was the first garment of its sort on the market,’ says Ali Katir of Parentini, which makes the fluoro Mossa jacket pictured here. ‘We followed in the Gabba’s footsteps, and we believe the Mossa does everything the Gabba sets out to do. It’s a rain cape, gilet and medium-season jacket all in one garment.’

It’s a bold enough claim, but one that will be repeated for any of the Gabba-esque garments shown here. Quite simply, a Gabbastyle jersey is a must have in any cyclist’s wardrobe, perfect for dealing with all but the harshest of conditions. Whether or not the original can be beaten is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure, Castelli isn’t complaining.

‘We invented a new category in cycling clothing,’ says Castelli’s Rich Mardle. ‘If other people are emulating that, that’s great. After all, it’s only a sign of credibility that others should feel the Gabba is a garment they need to have too. That’s the biggest form of flattery.’

So there you have it. Whether you plump for the original or another manufacturer’s take on it, the Gabba concept is the gift that just keeps on giving. See p208 for stockists