While the cycling world may be bemoaned and mocked by the general public for embracing Lycra, there are few more practical and comfortable ways to make clothing for performance cycling. 

Unlike the old woolen jerseys that got heavier and heavier the more a rider sweated, the lightweight, close cut, quick-drying Lycra gear riders use today is perfectly tailored to the demands of bike riding.

The first Lycra cycling shorts used for racing were introduced by Castelli in 1977, with that also leading to the first coloured cycling shorts available to the public.

Castelli also pulled a stunt at the 1981 Giro d’Italia, equipping a selection of riders with turquoise shorts – this was back when only black shorts were allowed. The riders arrived at the start line wearing leggings, removing them just before the start of the stage resulting, as you might imagine, in a media frenzy around the product. Castelli were fined for pulling such as audacious stunt, but the publicity was invaluable and Lycra shorts were suddenly thrown into the minds of Italian public.