Shorts research - small body, big legs?

[GLC1968]

I've been trying to find this out by searching, but I'm not having a ton of luck. Perhaps because I'm *that* unusual? :(

I have a small body with large arms and legs (actually, I have a long body with short arms and legs...but the end result is small body girth and large appendage girth :p ). Any suggestions for shorts brands that might work? I wear a small in my PI's so that the chamois stays put over long rides, but the leg bands are quite uncomfortable....even the longer styles. I know there are lots of 'pear' shaped ladies, which I always thought I was...but I don't have big hips or wide sit-bones...just big legs. Grrr..

I've tried Terry - but the styles are all too big in the body/waist. I've tried Shebeest, and the sprint shorts are ok...but mostly because they are quite stretchy. The chamois is too thin for much over 30 miles, though. I haven't tried the SSS yet, but I'm not sure they will be my best option.

When it comes to jerseys, I have to go up to mediums to fit my arms, and the bodies are always way too big. On shorts, I was trying to do the same thing but quickly learned that it won't work.

Any ideas for this MaryLou Retton knock-off? ;)

Thanks!

[Velobambina]

LOL, girl, you are my lower body twin in terms of having a petite frame and big strapping leg & glute muscles. I don't have problems w/the PIs in terms of being too binding in the legs (microsensor shorts) and the Louis Garneaus seem to fit good, too. Have you tried the LGs? For me, Castellis are probably the worst shorts in terms of too tight in the thigh area. Agree completely with you about the Terrys, but the Bella shorts are cut smaller. They are a little snug in the legs but aren't to the point of discomfort. Better than a flapping chamois from too loose in the waist/hips, though.

[short cut sally]

I am very pear shaped, my shorts either fit me in the waist/butt, but are soo tight in the legs that it looks like they could burst the seams at any second or they fit me perfect in the legs but look like i'm wearing a sagging diaper filled with....you get the picture. I struggle here to find shorts, tried lots, sent them back. I know I will probably be boo'd for buying from the wal-mart of bike clothes, but i wear the performance brand elite and their ultra brand of shorts and don't have a problem. Hope this helps, and if you do find another pair that fits, keep me in mind, im' always up to shopping and trying on new items. Good luck.

[weathergal]

I'm also very pear shaped, and I have to second what shellyj said. Performance shorts seem to fit me pretty well. I really don't care if they are looked down upon by some, comfort matters more to me.

[Bikingmomof3]

I've tried Shebeest, and the sprint shorts are ok...but mostly because they are quite stretchy. The chamois is too thin for much over 30 miles, though. I haven't tried the SSS yet, but I'm not sure they will be my best option.


I wear a small in Shebeast's SSS shorts. I really love the chamois and find them to be a great fit. I have "thunder thighs" :p and these shorts fit nicely. The waist/hips/thighs all fit quite nicely and the chamois stays where it should. :)

[Crankin]

I am somewhat pear shaped and I like a lot of lycra to hold the thighs in.Otherwise, I am very petite. I really like the Terry Bellas. I wear the x small, which seemed tight at first, but they fit like a dream. They are flattering, flat waisted, and have a lot of lycra.

[Kallisti]

I'll say this first; I haven't tried them yet.
Until recently, I was an asst clothing buyer for a bike shop, so I understand "theoretically", that these could be an answer. I'd be very interested to hear any experience with the Domestiques.

For myself, I'm slender with big legs, and I have a tendency to run cold, so I wear SheBeest Pedal Pushers a lot. They come down below my calf, which keeps my knees warm, and give a "slimming" line. With no elastic around the fleshiest part of my thigh, I don't have any gripper discomfort (or sausage leg for that matter). They have the same chamois as the SSS shorts (the Shelastic), which is one of my all-time favorite chamois.
Exte Ondo Sann bibshorts are another favorite of mine. They just seem to make the thigh gripper larger in circumference than other brands. The chamois is very similar to the Shelastic. They were very comfortable for Tour de Palm Springs, which means a 100 miler chamois.