Santini for Summer 2026: Santini is amongst the world’s best cycle clothing designers and manufacturers, and is one of our man in the Spanish sun, Alastair Hamilton’s favourite brands. He looks ready for the summer in the Italian company’s offering for 2026, but the form is still elusive.
Ready for the summer
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Last summer I reviewed a lot of bike clothing, too many, so this year i cut it down to my favourite four manufacturers: Castelli, Assos, Pas Normal Studios and now Santini. All four are well made and designed and I found it hard to find fault with any of them, you probably have your favourites, but these are mine. Today I look at Santini’s collection for the 2026 summer.
Cool kit for a hot day
Unico Short Sleeve Unisex Jersey
What can I say? You will certainly turn heads this summer with the Santini Unico jersey. I don’t know how to explain the design, but I’ll try: It’s white with purple blotches all over it, something like that. It’s definitely different, but it grows on you. As will all Santini kit, it is very well made and designed. All the joints, seams, stitching and edging are perfect and the clothing should last a long time.
How to stand out
Starting from the top, there is no collar and the neck-line has been laser cut. The front panels are also the front of the sleeves and the side panels come up and under the arms. The back panel comes up from the pockets to the neck, which gives the jersey a close fit at the shoulders. There are rubber grippers around the sleeve cuffs to hold them in place. The full length zip is solid and double stitched and has a ‘Santini’ zip tab. The hem at the front has been laser cut and doubled over. There is also extra stitching at important points.
A unique design
The pockets on the back are a work of art. The three pockets are elasticated at the opening, but not on the pockets, there is an elastic strip on the inside of the jersey at the hight of the pockets. At the base of the pockets there is a wide elastic strip with gripper rubber and ‘santini_cycling’ built into the gripper. The middle pocket is slightly bigger than the middle pocket with zig-zag stitching between them. But there isn’t a small zip pocket for coffee cash/card.
Grippers at the rear and on the sleeves
There is ‘santini_cycling’ down the middle of the chest and a small black square with ‘Santini’ in the middle of the rear pockets, so all very subtle on the logos. The pattern on the jersey is not subtle, but that’s the whole point. You are going to get comments from your ride chums, but who cares, it’s a comfortable and classy jersey and for sure, it’s different.
The sun is out
Unico Edge Men’s Bib Shorts
Santini make one of my favourite bib shorts, this is due to the chamois/seat pad and the fit of the shorts. You can add to that the quality of the materials used and the workmanship put into their manufacture. The Unico Edge men’s bibs are quite different from last year’s ‘Ready to Ride’ bib shorts… let me explain.
No gripper for a smooth finish
Starting with the bib, it is made in one piece without any seams, joints or hems, all for extra comfort. The bib had been laser cut so it fits smooth against the skin and there is a gap on the spine for some ventilation.
Santini on the leg and back
The shorts have less panels than the ‘Ready to Ride’ bibs. There are basically two side panels which are also the legs, with just one seam at the back of the leg which is thermowelded. There are two panels at the rear which are also thermowelded at the edges, but double stitched at the top and middle. Those big side panels are shaped to fit your body and you have no seams giving smooth look to the shorts. The biggest surprise is the lack of a leg panel and silicone leg grippers. I thought they would either ride up or hang down, but they stayed in place and were ultra comfortable.
One of the best chamois/seat pad
The chamois/seat pad is also different, although I found the previous versions very good. There is still a lot of padding where you need it and less where you don’t. There are two continuous pads from the sit bones to the underside of the rider. The pads are feathered at the edges and thinner at the front. There is a new foam section stitched in at the front to look after the ‘little chap’ and keep him comfortable.
Laser cut but no grippers
There is a fuzzy ‘unico’ on the back of the bib, a black square with ‘Santini’, the same as the back of the jersey, on the left cheek and a multi-coloured ‘Santini’ around the left leg, nothing over the top. The Unico bib shorts are available in four colours and eight sizes.
Gripper on the jersey
UNICO Windproof Jacket
I’ve never had a windproof jacket to wear on the bike. I’ve had sleeveless gillets and nylon fronted winter jackets, but never anything like the UNICO windproof. It’s a very lightweight jacket that can easily folded up to fit in a rear pocket or saddle pouch. Very useful for a cold start or coming out of the cafe.
Windproof with pockets
The front of the chest and sleeves, shoulders and the high collar are nylon faced with a fleece interior lining. Most of the back, the stomach and the inside of the sleeves of the jacket are made of a black, sheer material that reminds of women’s stockings. Yes, I can just about remember the excitement of the feel of stockings…. anyway. There are three rear pockets and a full zip with a flap at the top and bottom and double zipper for opening from the top or bottom.
Warm arms and shoulders
The waist is elasticated and has broader strip with a silicone gripper at the back, under the pockets, the sleeve cuffs are also elasticated. As I mentioned, the high collar also has wind protection and fleece on the inside, which is great to keep your neck nice and warm. The wind protection material is in the Santini multi-colour design, which is not over the top and the logos are also subtle with a reflective ‘santini_cycling’ down the middle of the centre pocket and an even smaller logo on the front, low down on the left side. There is also a tiny ‘Polartec’ tab on the rear left side, which you probably don’t see at first look. As with all Santini kit, it is very well made with strong stitching and a great cut. The UNICO windproof jacket is a very handy piece of clothing in changeable weather.
Fleece where it matters
Lieve – Men’s Base Layer
The Santini Lieve base layer is a comfortable, but tight fit, like all good modern undervests. It is sleeveless and has a low neck-line, which fits well under any jersey if it is long or short sleeved. I’m a believer in an all year round undervest, modern materials used in jerseys means you don’t need a base layer in hot conditions. Personally I like the feeling of the sweat being taken away from the skin (wicking) and also you don’t want a chill on a descent.
Takes the sweat away
The material used for the Santini Lieve base-layer is very stretchy lightweight open weave that isn’t bulky. It adds that extra layer without you feeling anything. The undervest is very well made with double stitching at all the seams. The edging around the neck and arms is a flat shape, while the waist has a round edge. There is a ‘santini_cycling’ logo running down the middle if the chest.
A comfortable body hugging fit
Puro Socks
I’m glad to say Santini sent me white socks, although there are eight different sock colours available. The socks are high in the style of the moment, which would please Chuck Peña the PEZ sock guru. They are comfortable, no rubbing and there is extra material where it is needed and thinner, breathable material on the leg.
Nice and white
There is no gripper at the double cuff, but the socks do stay in place. The heel and toe areas are shaped for fit and comfort. The Santini logo is down the back of the socks, which you can hardy see on the white socks, but is more obvious on the coloured versions as the letters are in a contrasting colour, not white on white. A good, tight fit due to the elasticity of the materials.
Different materials in different places
How does the kit perform out on the road? As you would expect from a leading cycle clothing manufacturer, the kit feels great out on the bike, especially in the summer sun. My first ride was for just over an hour in temperatures between 18ºC and 25ºC, not fully hot for Spain, just nice. I wore the wind jacket for the first 15 minutes in the shade, but was soon warm. I did receive some admiring glances probably due to the jersey design, but it could have been at my obvious class on the bike (cough!). The jersey is slightly shorter than last year’s version, but it fits well and the pockets were no too high to get your hand in during a ride. Pity about no zip pocket. I’ve said it before, but the Santini chamois is very good, absolutely no complaints in that department. Having no grippers on the shorts was alien to me until I tried them and it works, as does the one piece bib. The socks didn’t fall down and there were no hot spots on my feet. Santini was the first piece of Italian cycling clothing I ever owned, many years ago, and will probably be one of the first kits I’ll turn to. Yes, I would spend my own money on Santini clothing, when that time comes.
The perfect day
Santini sez:
UNICO – UNISEX SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY – EU€120, US$144 and UK£120
The new Unico short-sleeve jersey blends sleek aesthetics with high-performance features, designed for riders who seek a minimalist yet technically advanced garment. Featuring a fresh new print and built with cutting-edge materials, it’s the perfect choice for those prioritising comfort and functionality without compromise.
The rear raglan cut follows the natural shoulder line to offer maximum freedom of movement, while the front kimono-style cut wraps the torso ergonomically for a precise, stable fit even under intense effort. Raw-cut details on the collar, sleeves and front hem enhance the clean design, reduce bulk and deliver an ultra-lightweight feel. Meanwhile, the new super-elastic, antibacterial and hypoallergenic inner silicone finish on the sleeves keeps the garment securely in place while riding, without feeling tight.
Unico ensures excellent breathability and moisture management, keeping the skin dry even during the most demanding rides. The back is designed for functionality and support, with an internal elastic to hold the jersey securely in place and a triple rear pocket with internal trim that is seamlessly integrated and always within easy reach.
This jersey features a shorter length and a more snug fit compared to the previous model.
- Slim fit
- Kimono-style front cut
- Rear raglan sleeves
- Raw-cut collar and front hem
- Raw-cut sleeves with inner antibacterial silicone
- External rear elastic
- Triple rear pocket with internal trim
- Made in Italy
Santini Unico Edge – Men’s Bib Shorts – EU€220, US$264 and UK£220
Unico Edge is an ultra-lightweight bib short engineered to deliver support, stability, and maximum comfort—even on your longest rides. Minimalist and featherlight, it’s designed for everything from daily training to extended outings.
Made from high-performance Italian microfibre, it offers a uniquely soft and barely-there feel on the body. Exceptionally elastic, Unico Edge provides gentle compression without restriction—so comfortable and light, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. The raw-cut finish ensures a flawless fit, keeping the shorts securely in place without the need for leg grippers.
Seams are minimised and thermowelded to eliminate chafing and enhance next-to-skin comfort. The bib construction is strategically designed with laser-cut, laminated fabric that’s lightweight and colour-matched on the inside for a refined finish.
At the core is our top-of-the-line C3 chamois, featuring a 3D ergonomic surface and shock-absorbing gel inserts, delivering exceptional protection and performance over long distances. A reflective detail on the leg enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
- High-performance Italian microfibre
- Raw-cut leg finish without silicone
- Thermowelded seams
- Laser-cut, lightweight laminated bib straps, colour-matched inside
- C3 chamois with 3D ergonomic surface and gel core
- Reflective leg detail
- Made in Italy
Unico Windproof Jacket – EU€160, US$160 and UK£140
The Unico windproof jacket is the ideal ally for windy autumn rides, designed for temperatures ranging from +5°C to +15°C. A blend of innovative materials ensures the perfect balance between lightness, breathability, and thermal insulation. The back and lower front panels are made from a stretch fabric that provides extreme lightness and an optimal body-hugging fit without constriction. The front and shoulder areas are crafted from windproof fabric featuring the distinctive Unico print, while the Polartec® Alpha
inner lining guarantees excellent insulation, keeping the body warm and protected — especially on descents. The jacket features a slim, performance-oriented fit and is equipped with a double-slider zip (openable from the top or bottom), a high collar, internal sleeve cuffs, and reflective details on the back for maximum visibility on the road.
Recommended retail price: 160.00€ – 160£ – 160$.
Santini Lieve – Men’s Base Layer – EU€35, US$42 and £31
The Lieve sleeveless base layer is designed to provide absolute comfort on every ride. Its elastic, close-fitting design follows the body without restriction, delivering a second-skin feel. The extended cut ensures optimal coverage and stays in place without discomfort under a jersey. Lightweight and comfortable, it offers quick-drying performance and maximum breathability, keeping your skin fresh and dry even during intense efforts. The ideal choice for a functional and high-performance base layer.
- Elastic, close-fitting design
- Quick-drying and breathable
- Extended cut for greater coverage
- Ideal to wear under a jersey
Santini Puro – Socks – EU€16, US$22 and £16
The Puro high-profile socks are the ideal choice for those looking to complete their cycling look with a touch of class. The design is clean and elegant, while the high profile ensures an unmatched fit, making sure the socks stay in place throughout the ride.
- Check the Santini website for more info and current prices HERE.
- The short videos were made using an AKASO 360, a full preview coming soon on PEZ. More info HERE and the AKASO 360 can be bought from AMAZON.COM.
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