jersey fashion & age

[Miranda]

I know this is trivial in the big picture of riding:o. But, it seems like when there is snow on the road in winter it gives my brain time to ponder some mindless riding questions:rolleyes:...

Do you think like street clothes, that there comes a certain age when one should not wear certain things? Meaning, jerseys with bold prints or graphics.

I hit my 40th recently, and I have felt like I'm stuck with what to wear clothes wise. The juniors department jeans fit my body from being physically active. But I have sense enough to not wear the cute teenage prints of hearts, skulls, etc. If it's not plain/appropriate enough looking, I don't wear it regardless of fit.

I was in my lbs cleaning up on some half off sale jerseys left over in my size the other day. A couple of them when I tried them on at full price, I thought "nah... I'll buy the solids for the money" (eventhough I did think they were fun at first glance).

Then after I got home, I thought "maybe I should not be wearing 'this' at my age, even to ride?". I have heard that if you have to ask, then you know the answer already... which should be... don't wear it.

Example...
The Primal Wear brand is usually very bold and trendy. One of the sale jerseys is also sold here on TE. It's the "Puppy Love" jersey... http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPW_PUP1J50W.html

Now mind you when I first saw the puppy love jersey in the shop, my yellow lab dog was still alive (she became ill and I had to put her down later in the summer, I have a black lab pup now). Seeings how I love my dog, it caught my eye as "awe, there's by beloved dog". Then, I talked myself out of it as too much bling for full price. But, for half, well, it is a good made jersey with wicking fabric, visible color, etc... and it has my dog breed I love. So, I said "scr*w it" and bought it.

*sigh* I hate this waffle stuff of "being inbetween". Give me 16yo tube tops and skull pants, or give me great granny Maxine cartoon character clothes (whose graced on to not give a rip about anything).

I'd wear the puppies out by myself, but I just don't know if people would laugh at a group ride or what? Bawahaaa... look :eek: at the old broad that doesn't know when to give it up!

[lph]

nope. i think it has everything to do with your personality, and to be perfectly honest, your body type. i have heavy shoulders, no boobs and obvious biceps, and very girly things with ruffles and stuff just look dumb on me, and have done so since i was 25 (i'm 39 now). for the same reason i shy away from cute prints, they look about as cute on me as on a guy.

but if i were petite and more the cute type i'd wear cute prints until i was 80. :D

i'd wear skulls though!

[7rider]

An "old broad" at 40?? Good grief. Where does that leave me???

As with LPH, I've never been one for cute prints. They just look goofy on me. But for cycling jerseys, I've always gone for ones that "speak to me" (well, except when I get the team jersey from my LBS...then it's just peer pressure :rolleyes:). If it's a "gotta have" then I get it. Bright, bold, prints, are sometimes the most obvious from a visibility perspective, and that's what's good about them. Regardless of your age, visibility is a good thing on a bike.

[OakLeaf]

One of the guys in my club wears a Primal jersey that's a replica of Pink Floyd's "Division Bell" album cover. This guy wasn't all that young when the album was released...

My jerseys are all hi-viz yellow, hi-viz yellow and hi-viz yellow. :rolleyes:

I do still wear the skateboarder T-shirt that I bought 20 years ago at the LBS when I'd neglected to bring a top for an indoor training session. It has cockroaches all over it. I'll still wear it next year when I'm 50, too.

[Zen]

I like that puppy jersey.

I've been looking for a black helmet with orange flames and if it was the right price I'd wear a skull and crossbones jersey in a minute. my avatar is an actual photo of me ;)

Get out of that mindset before it drags you down. If I worried about what people thought I looked like I'd never leave the house.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am turning 28 next month so I guess I am young enough to be wearing those jerseys but if I was turning 58 I wouldn't care. I have a Mighty Mouse t-shirt my husband bought me several years ago, I love it. At least once every few months someone comments that they think I am about 20, not closer to 30 maybe that is why I get away with it. Or maybe that is why they all think I am so young but no I also dress age-appropriate and get it. If you like the crazy primal wear stuff get it, if you like solids wear 'em. I feel like I am limbo on juniors vs. womens and I shop in both. I don't wear brand names, I guess I am blissfully unaware of what I need to be doing!

I am put off by 50 something's dressing too provocatively for their current figure, not age necessarily. You know the person wearing clothes she could have when she was a trim, thin 20 year old but just looks like she is trying too hard now. I have never even thought a thing about them wearing a flashy jersey.

[bmccasland]

I think for cycling kits - wear whatever you like! I'm pushing 5-0 and PLEASE don't tell me I have to look at "sensible" solid colors. GAAAAK! I see so many cute jerseys.... and then there are socks! :D

For street clothes, I think there is some general age and body type guidelines - good sense - that some people don't seem to get. Thus the need for "What not to Wear". I don't want to dress like a matron, but I know I'm not a teenager either.

[derailed]

Wear the clothes which make you happy. Don't second guess, if the jersey makes you smile, and every time you are thinking about it, you smile, you will be "the happy lady in the cute puppy shirt".

I wear things on the bike I could not wear on the street, I'm going fast enough not to hear any giggles, and it makes me happy!

My sympathies on your loss, and many happy years with your new pup.

[Thorn]

Wear the clothes which make you happy. Don't second guess, if the jersey makes you smile, and every time you are thinking about it, you smile, you will be "the happy lady in the cute puppy shirt".

Excactly what she said!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm 54 and I wear whatever i like, what works for my activities, and what just makes me happy.
Anyone who thinks of themselves as old at 40, 50, 60, or more is selling themselves short and may be missing out on some of the fun of life.

When I hit 80 I'll probably finally see myself as 'old'....but I'll still wear whatever I damn well please. I know lots of women in their 50's and 60's and 70's who wear all kinds of wild, colorful, and yes sexy clothing and they wear it wonderfully. Their vital elegant style blows other women out of the water. :D

Personally, I think I look best in short skirts with tights or leggings, and I wear that a lot for every day stuff. I won't think twice about wearing it when I'm 60 or 70...if it makes me happy. :)

The nice thing about getting older is that you care less and less about what you think others are thinking. :p

[beccaB]

I don't like to wear designs that accentuate my bra size which strangely large. Isn't the grass always greener on the other side of the fence? But I will wear whatever designs I like as far as my bike clothes go, but dress conservatively elsewhere. I'm 47 and comfort is more important to me than design, but I do have some pretty bright colors. One is that Rwanda coffee jersey, which is eye-popping, but I have had a lot of favorable comments on it. I'm a little too statuesque to wear anything "cute" but if I like it I wear it!

[Tokie]

Ow LPH - I see you hit more than your elbow, one-handed typista! Hope you're resting better as you heal from your fall! Tokie PS wear whatever you want to! There's something for everyone - if we all looked the same, it would be boring! But I know what you mean. I have a teeny waist. But now (53) I suddenly don't care to bare my midriff at the gym. Those tops are going to goodwill. Just what makes me comfortable. Tokie

[Biciclista]

no, i think it's more like Jewelry. Old broads that can afford to wear bracelets encrusted with diamonds wear them.

Old broads who can afford the newest brightest jerseys wear them too. Like me, at 57.

Wear what you want with pride. They're only going to laugh at you if they can see your butt crack through your worn out shorts.

[PamNY]

They're only going to laugh at you if they can see your butt crack through your worn out shorts.

Do you mind if I steal this sentence? I want to embroider it on a pillow.

Pam

[lph]

Do you mind if I steal this sentence? I want to embroider it on a pillow.

Pam

in beautiful flowing script, i hope. :D hee-hee :D


i have a doormat that says, in neat block letters, "GO AWAY".

[aka_kim]

I'm 48 and love my Curious George jersey, but then I've pretty much let my inner child take over anyway.

[Kalidurga]

I really hope this doesn't come across as snarky 'cause it's not intended that way, but I can't get over the number of posts in which people wonder whether it's ok to wear this or that, or ok for their bar tape to not match their saddle, or ok to have mtb pedals on their road bike, or...

If it works for you, do it. Unless it's a "square peg in a round hole" sort of situation in which doing so will cause some sort of damage to you, your bike, or to someone else, in which case seek knowledgeable advice. Otherwise, allow yourself the freedom to wear what you want to wear and have whatever gear you want to have on your bike.

:D

[Biciclista]

I really hope this doesn't come across as snarky 'cause it's not intended that way, but I can't get over the number of posts in which people wonder whether it's ok to wear this or that, or ok for their bar tape to not match their saddle, or ok to have mtb pedals on their road bike, or...

If it works for you, do it. Unless it's a "square peg in a round hole" sort of situation in which doing so will cause some sort of damage to you, your bike, or to someone else, in which case seek knowledgeable advice. Otherwise, allow yourself the freedom to wear what you want to wear and have whatever gear you want to have on your bike.

:D
yes, exactly. You're over 40 now, you're in charge, take control of your life and quit worrying about what others are going to think.

[maillotpois]

They're only going to laugh at you if they can see your butt crack through your worn out shorts.

DH has a friend in his early 70s who can kick anyone's butt on a climb, and he wears shorts that have clearly seen their last thread. You can really see TOO much when you are behind him in a paceline. He says "The ladies like it!" and it's actually pretty funny when he says it; he's fairly cantankerous.

And lph - yowza! What a face! Hope you heal quick!

[Biciclista]

Do you mind if I steal this sentence? I want to embroider it on a pillow.

Pam

no, not at all i just want you to know that whenever I think about this, an image comes forth which is permanently BRANDED on my brain of someone who was too cheap to buy new shorts... and I rode behind him a long long ways. :confused::confused::eek::eek::eek::eek: (talk about Trauma!)

[lph]

I really hope this doesn't come across as snarky 'cause it's not intended that way, but I can't get over the number of posts in which people wonder whether it's ok to wear this or that, or ok for their bar tape to not match their saddle, or ok to have mtb pedals on their road bike, or...

If it works for you, do it. Unless it's a "square peg in a round hole" sort of situation in which doing so will cause some sort of damage to you, your bike, or to someone else, in which case seek knowledgeable advice. Otherwise, allow yourself the freedom to wear what you want to wear and have whatever gear you want to have on your bike.

:D

weeell - i think what they're asking is often tongue in cheek, as in "will the style police throw rotten food at me if do x" not seriously as in "will this bar tape make them laugh at me". a lot of cyclists are fashion conscious about their bikes and clothing, but still know that it's just unimportant details.

ps. the black right eye is due to a piece of firewood that rose up and smote me when i was chopping wood two weeks ago. goes nicely with the cast but is not painful and i just fprget about it :-) dark left eye is just what i look like,

[DebTX]

I empathize with this question. In my teens, 20s and 30s I cared a lot about what "other people thought". The most beautiful part of turning 40 for me was watching that angst disappear.

I work in a conservative industry and have a closet full of navy/black/grey suits.

So when I'm looking for cycle clothes I gravitate to things that make me smile (dh has a Led Zep jersey). Especially as a new rider who is sometimes discouraged, I use anything as motivation to get on the bike more often (the socks pictured below are my absolute favorite).

I have a big chest, so I'm careful to avoid jersey designs that accentuate that in unpleasant ways, but other than that, if its useful, affordable and makes me smile, its a keeper (I just bought a cycling jacket on serious clearance at REI because it matches the colors of my bike - yikes!)

I have to be "serious" a lot of the time in my life. One of the things I've found I like about cycling is that I get to be a bit silly again -

And what I discovered after turning 40 is that "everybody else" is too busy worrying about themselves to give a hoot about what I'm doing...

[Aggie_Ama]

Love the socks! I wear what I want and I do not think it is indicative of my age, I have always just been a "who gives a darn" type. Since I am young, I assume this is something I will carry until old age. My 90 (91 next Monday) year old Mammaw is completely confident, I hope to be her one day. She seems to never look for approval and never has in my life. I was floored to hear straight from her mouth she really struggled to move along when her husband died, she seems so together I figured she just rolled on because life required it.

I do have days where I care what people think but more often than not I care what makes me happy.

[Crankin]

I was very conservative in my dress for a long time. Then, when I started cycling, I became a little wilder in my dress at work, at home, etc. I've moderated a bit, mostly because although I feel young, I am not, and nobody wants to see a 55 year old trying to be 25. I mean, I think that I don't look 55, but I certainly don't look 25, either. This seems to be a bit more acute right now, as I am going to school with people mostly in their 30's, with a good sprinkling of 20 somethings. The other older students look old to me...
I don't wear any "revealing" cycling clothes, but my jerseys do have some wild prints. I have the Terry hula girl jersey and the city girl one, too. Always a good conversation piece. But, I also have solid jerseys. On the other hand, I wear longer shorts because I don't think anyone would want to see me in short shorts.
And Mimi, I have been behind a "see the crack in the ***" person more than once...

[Miranda]

Wow, thx for the number of posts thus far to my question! I appreciate the feedback, and support of "just be and ride happy":).

I think it has struck a cord in a couple ways for me...

In terms of my life in general, being 40, I do most certainly care less about what others think (sometimes not at all, as long as it's not purposefully hurtful). I think it comes from experience in living, and knowing how you feel in your heart alone at the end of the day is what matters. To the wind with the rest.

However, with my riding, I have definately made progress, but still feel very unsure and insecure in ways. So maybe that makes me of adolescent age in that respect? I'm breaking away from mom and dad to be independent, but still need some reassurance "is this ok" sorta thing.

As mentioned, there are definately riders who have very strong opinions about fashion and gear for the road on "looks" (regardless of age). I don't really know where that comes from originally?

I think I won't worry about it, and just ride my heart out. If I get ditched by the bike fashion police, I'll have my yellow jersey puppies to keep me company;).

[PamNY]

However, with my riding, I have definitely made progress, but still feel very unsure and insecure in ways. So maybe that makes me of adolescent age in that respect? I'm breaking away from mom and dad to be independent, but still need some reassurance "is this ok" sorta thing..

That's a very insightful comment. I have wondered, if I do some club rides, will I HAVE to wear conventional bike clothing? That would annoy me no end, and I'd want to show up in evening dress. (I'm talking about casual riding on a hybrid). Will it be high school redux?

Yes, biking is a whole new activity; it's very public in some cases, and the need to discuss attire/appearance is quite understandable. I think Miranda's original question is perfectly sensible. Bike jerseys are downright peculiar if you aren't used to them.

I do think women in general tend to assume, sometimes wrongly, that questions of this type reflect underlying insecurity. If I mention that I want to paint my bedroom, someone will chime in, "But it looks fine!" Yes, it does; I just want it to be different now. If I mention losing 5 pounds, which for me is fairly easy, someone will say "You're not fat!"

I still don't know if I will ever waltz through Grand Central Station in tights (that's my route to country biking). I suppose time will tell.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My grandmother was a sweet but rather conservative woman, clothing-wise.
Many years ago, my mother would tell me how her mother (my grandma) would always ask her opinion on some outfit just before they were going to go somewhere. Grandma would always say to my mother "Do you think I can get away with this?"...referring to her outfit. She was always impeccably dressed and that's why my mother and I had a good chuckle over the thought of some fashion police arresting my grandmother in the street and dragging her off to the pokey.

Well, years later, Grandma was long gone and my mother was now in her 60's and she started saying the very same thing to me if we were going somewhere together- "Do you think I can get away with this?"- then she'd catch herself and we'd have a good laugh over it and I would say something like "I'll go your bail if you get caught." or something similar.

It was all so silly really, and funny. :p


PamNY- knowing Grand Central station fairly well, I can assure you that if you wore your biking lycra there you'd be better dressed than half the people there. :cool:

[shootingstar]

Off the bike I've been fairly conservative dresser..and for the past decade, it's probably because I've become more lazy /oblivious to current fashion trends.

And because I'm small boned and small up top, the older woman trying to show cleavage, etc. syndrome...will never apply to me.

So I will turn 50 in 2 wks. ..at this moment I am wearing a long-sleeved poly-kayak like bright blue pullover top with little high neck collar and little "BARE" floral logo festooned across my tiny covered up chest. It is not tight-fitting top on me. And a mini lycra cycling black skort.
It is 80 degrees F. I can't be bothered to tan my arms...especially after 2 hrs. of fab. whale-watching at sea this morning!

Even here in Hawaii, I won't be wearing a crop tank top nor bikini top. I know my beauty limits and what I don't look good in. :o

[Tuckervill]

I don't like to wear designs that accentuate my bra size which strangely large. Isn't the grass always greener on the other side of the fence? But I will wear whatever designs I like as far as my bike clothes go, but dress conservatively elsewhere. I'm 47 and comfort is more important to me than design, but I do have some pretty bright colors. One is that Rwanda coffee jersey, which is eye-popping, but I have had a lot of favorable comments on it. I'm a little too statuesque to wear anything "cute" but if I like it I wear it!

Um, if that's you in your avatar, I don't see anything "strangely large". Look pretty normal to me.

Me, I was a C cup when I was 15!

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

Um, if that's you in your avatar, I don't see anything "strangely large". Look pretty normal to me.

Me, I was a C cup when I was 15!

Karen

I was a B/C by 9th grade and a full C all through high school. Now I am a D and honestly hate having my breast complimented most days. To me they just are there, make it hard to fit a dress that fits my waist, make things that shouldn't be revealing borderline indecent. I guess when they were dropped on you starting in late elementary school they don't always seem like a gift.

Funny thing is mushed in a sports bra they don't bother me, I have never worried about a jersey and my chest. That comment was the weirdest one of the thread to me, not the age appropriateness of a jersey!

[Biciclista]

Off the bike I've been fairly conservative dresser..and for the past decade, it's probably because I've become more lazy /oblivious to current fashion trends.

And because I'm small boned and small up top, the older woman trying to show cleavage, etc. syndrome...will never apply to me.

So I will turn 50 in 2 wks. ..at this moment I am wearing a long-sleeved poly-kayak like bright blue pullover top with little high neck collar and little "BARE" floral logo festooned across my tiny covered up chest. It is not tight-fitting top on me. And a mini lycra cycling black skort.
It is 80 degrees F. I can't be bothered to tan my arms...especially after 2 hrs. of fab. whale-watching at sea this morning!

Even here in Hawaii, I won't be wearing a crop tank top nor bikini top. I know my beauty limits and what I don't look good in. :o

ha, look who's bragging about being in Hawaii!!
:D:D

[OakLeaf]

That comment was the weirdest one of the thread to me, ...!

I'm fairly small busted but there are definitely tops I can't wear. Rectangular prints is what comes immediately to mind. IMO, few things look more ridiculous than a trapezoid that's meant to be a rectangle, all stretched out on top and skinny at the waist.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hey Miranda, wear what you feel happy in.

I seem to have spent most of my life worrying about what other people think, from parents to husband etc. Once I hit 50 and met my current partner, I suddenly felt free.

My favourite attire on my bike in the summer use to be a vest top, shorts, flip flops and no helmet.........DON'T SHOUT, I always wear a helmet thanks to you guys and trainers.

I love 'mad' shoes, my favourite boots are a pair of Dr Martens, that are black with white blobs, just like a dalmation dog!

I suppose the one thing I would not wear is anything too short, as I have gross legs.

Clock

[beccaB]

Um, if that's you in your avatar, I don't see anything "strangely large". Look pretty normal to me.

Me, I was a C cup when I was 15!

Karen

I'm large enough to be somewhat uncomfortable doing things like..running.. although I did that for years and had to wear 2 bras.(DD) I usually wear a major masher bra, so some of that is hidden. I find myself wearing athletic bras all the time, because I hate to take off clothes and put other clothes on to workout in. And a COLD underwire bra is a very bad thing!

[beccaB]

I was a B/C by 9th grade and a full C all through high school. Now I am a D and honestly hate having my breast complimented most days. To me they just are there, make it hard to fit a dress that fits my waist, make things that shouldn't be revealing borderline indecent. I guess when they were dropped on you starting in late elementary school they don't always seem like a gift.

Funny thing is mushed in a sports bra they don't bother me, I have never worried about a jersey and my chest. That comment was the weirdest one of the thread to me, not the age appropriateness of a jersey!



Another thing is that even women's jerseys are not accomodating enough for women that are well endowed, but fairly thin. I don't like to feel mashed, because I'm already being mashed by my bra.

[bikerHen]

They're only going to laugh at you if they can see your butt crack through your worn out shorts.

I've seen that! On a hairy guy. It's not pretty. :eek:

I'm turn another year older, to a matronly 53, in a couple of weeks. While I do find myself slighty more conservative about street clothes. I don't care all that much about my biking clothes. I avoid cute in all things, but love bright, bold and funky. I figure I can get away with the bright and bold for saftey reasons. And anyone who really knows me understands the funky. As for the rest of world; when I turned 50 I decided I don't care about the rest of the world. :p bikerHen

[Miranda]

I'm large enough to be somewhat uncomfortable doing things like..running.. although I did that for years and had to wear 2 bras.(DD) I usually wear a major masher bra, so some of that is hidden. I find myself wearing athletic bras all the time, because I hate to take off clothes and put other clothes on to workout in. And a COLD underwire bra is a very bad thing!


Another thing is that even women's jerseys are not accomodating enough for women that are well endowed, but fairly thin. I don't like to feel mashed, because I'm already being mashed by my bra.



I was so happy to see TE start carrying some of the recent bra brands for larger bust. A bra I own in every color from this web site is that CWX d/dd support bra. I wear a 34D in it. CWX is a great brand (sports spin off of Wacoal, wonderful quality regular bra). The internal strapping support is awesome in the CWX.

I have such a long torso, the Enell is a challenge for me. The Enell is like the freakin straight jacket of sports bras if you can get it to fit right. Unfortunately it needs a wee bit more vertical length for me. I have the beautiful pink Hope version of it in a TE order at home. It's so lovely, I want to keep it, though I know I should send it back *sigh*.

Another brand I love is Shock Absorbers. It's a UK brand. I buy it from FigLeaves.com. A site that is just as wonderful with selection and customer service as TE. The best thing is that the brand offers a wide range of small band and larger cup size combo bras. My "usual' bra from SA has vertical length adjustment--in a racer back. That's tough to find. I can't imagine trying to ride in the drops without a racer back type of bra.

As far as jersey fashion, the bustline does make a diff. Though maybe not age specific I guess. My shoulders are broader for being thin. That, plus the girls, jerseys can be too tight, or graphics popping out in ways you don't really want them to. Well... I suppose it could be age looked upon by some people... like tight stuff is not so appropriate for a woman of age. But, I figure it's just the way you are, and the jersey is suppose to be fitted. If people's minds go to the gutter that's their own doing.

One example is a Cannodale jersey I ordered recently from TE, "Sprout" jersery. I love Cannodale cuz it's longer for my torso. But one thought before seeing it in person was "hmmm, I wonder if that sprout flower graphic is going to be right over my bewb". It wasn't, btw. Just the zipper is funky. Too bad, cute fun bright jersey otherwise.

OH... my puppies, btw, are above the girls... so actually I think they balance things out:).

Last of the long wind :rolleyes: about busts in jerseys is bra color...
I have really wanted just a plain all white jersey for a while (my road bike is mostly white). But, I worry about the white becoming see through with sweat... and a white bra. I have really thought about wearing a black bra under the white jersey. That's not to say "woot hoot, look at my sexaaay black bra", BUT... the black would not become see through when wet.

Maybe the print bling would go without question then in comparison:p;).

[Miranda]

Thanks ladies for those of you that chimed in some more:).

Gheez, women have our challenges to work around in our clothes besides the posts about the hairy guys whose shorts are worn out.

Lordy, I was pondering if I was too old to wear something. These boys aren't even thinking if 'their boys' are covered from the rear view.

I have never witnessed that to date. The very thought just makes me want to stick a tire lever in my eye:eek:.

Btw, not to be of insult to our male friends here... I'm sure that t'aint a pretty sight trying to ride behind a woman either.

[OakLeaf]

But, I worry about the white becoming see through with sweat... and a white bra.

FWIW, I sweat like... well, as I said in another thread, I get in the shower to dry off. I have yet to have a bra that has any supportive value whatever become "see-through," and I have several plain white ones. The supporting fabric is just too heavy to be transparent.

[Miranda]

FWIW, I sweat like... well, as I said in another thread, I get in the shower to dry off. I have yet to have a bra that has any supportive value whatever become "see-through," and I have several plain white ones. The supporting fabric is just too heavy to be transparent.

Thx Oakleaf, that's good to know.

It's bad enough with road rage drivers, but then there's the occasional ones that "woot hoot, hey baby, nice (whatever)" while they pass. A couple times I've had the car turn around. That freaks me out to ride straight towards the nearest house etc.

A male friend commented that he thought the drivers were even meaner the nicer dressed you are (meaning, more stylish jersey, etc.). I just think about the "woot hoot, hey baby" cars in a wet t-shirt type contest jersey/bra situation makes me go ewwwe, oh no.

You are right. The good support bras are usually good material.

[Zen]

I've seen that! On a hairy guy. It's not pretty. :eek:

Thanks for that mental image :eek:
I'll probably have nightmares tonight.

[beccaB]

Miranda,
Sounds like I'm built kinda like you. I need wires in my bras though, and a lot of them don't have that. Title 9 has some that work well for me. I know this isn't what this origional thread was about, but in order to get the bra to do what it is supposed to, it cuts into the flesh around my rib cage and under my arms, and looks quite unnatractive on me, especially with a form fitting bike jersey. Wild designs actually help to hide that. I wasn't always as muscular as I am now, and a few years ago I lost some weight FAST and then put some of it back on and redistributed almost everything on me. It's weird, but I weigh A LOT but am fitter than I have ever been. I just hate the way the bras cut into that flesh.

[ilima]

All's fair in love and bike jerseys.

There is no upper age limit for wearing loudly patterned jerseys.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I am way less conservative than when I was in my 30s. Got my nose pierced on my 45th birthday last year. I'm a college librarian. I certainly don't fit that stereotype! And I feel awesome flying along at 18, 25, 40 mph in my bright jerseys. At 30 I was homebound and breastfeeding. At 45 I'm fit and free!

[shootingstar]

To answer on the jersey style for self only:

Tend to prefer solid coloured jerseys. If there is a design or logo, make it 1 logo or a design that is not too huge nor cluttered. On a small person, it just looks cluttered and overwhelming on me.

Though I do avoid solid pink jerseys, it is possible I could consider something on the cute side, if small design. It's a cycling jersey, not to be worn in the board room. And I'm not out there to race anyone.

Most likely I probably look more "cool" in cycling gear vs. my street clothing.

[Miranda]

Miranda,
Sounds like I'm built kinda like you. I need wires in my bras though, and a lot of them don't have that. Title 9 has some that work well for me. I know this isn't what this origional thread was about, but in order to get the bra to do what it is supposed to, it cuts into the flesh around my rib cage and under my arms, and looks quite unnatractive on me, especially with a form fitting bike jersey. Wild designs actually help to hide that. I wasn't always as muscular as I am now, and a few years ago I lost some weight FAST and then put some of it back on and redistributed almost everything on me. It's weird, but I weigh A LOT but am fitter than I have ever been. I just hate the way the bras cut into that flesh.

Omg those bra wires just sux!

I really need a bra with a wire, but I have a rib injury issue with some unhappy scar tissue/nerve type pain that is RIGHT where my bra band goes. The wires give me total agony. Pretty much the only bra I wear is a soft one.

Wacoal's "Everyday" bra that's soft cup fits like a sports bra and has an internal sling system and nice wide band for support. It's pretty ugly basic looking but very comfortable and supportive (fits wide range of sizes). It's needs to come high up to fit "right". First I owned it in a 34D and felt pain discomfort from lack of support. Then in the proper size, I wear it in a 34DDD. I really don't look that big. Most store clerks guess me at a B/C depending on my outfit top.

I do get that Title 9 flyer too and have thought about their bras. The funny thing I found is that they don't list the actual maker. The Enell is on there. So is the CWX. (both non-wires) I have just never odered from them as I am very comfy with how things work at TE and FigLeaves.

I feel for you. It should not hurt to wear a bra. If Wacoal ever quits making the "everyday" bra I don't know what I'll do (and believe you me I have tried A LOT).

On the jerseys, I agree the prints hide stuff. My new hairdressers rides some and sews well as a hobby. She has even made her own bike shorts. I'm going to get some tips from her on alterations (I can sew just a lil) and might dive into altering my stuff to fit better. If you knew of someone that could sew, that might help.

I think most professional racers get their stuff custome altered? Sometimes as I'm frustrated trying on jerseys that don't fit in the lbs I wonder if there's a market for alterations. If I could sew well enough, I'd ask the owner to put up a biz service contact for any takers on alterations. Some guys would probably like that..."oh yea, I have my own personal seamstress taylor fit my gear" :rolleyes:. Just my imagination working OT:p;).

[Chile Pepper]

My jerseys are all hi-viz yellow, hi-viz yellow and hi-viz yellow.

This is my approach too. I don't care what I look like on the bike, as long as the drivers can see me.

Oakleaf--what are your favorites?

[Biciclista]

http://www.bikejournal.com/images/raleighdonIMG_5161.jpg

speaking of visibility, check this out: this is my husband, a shot i took this morning. He is buying me one of these sashes. how's that for visibility?

the first stripe on his back is his rainy pass raincoat, in screaming yellow orange which you can hardly see, but you can see the reflective strip.
The next stripe is from a sash that the Seattle Randonneurs sells, and I will have my own soon.

[OakLeaf]

Oakleaf--what are your favorites?

I have some Brooks NightLife long sleeve jerseys and some Voler Night Bright short sleeve ones. Both of those have some reflective material as well as the screaming yellow color, but they could definitely have more IMO.

I also have a PI short sleeve jersey (some years they offer them in screaming yellow, some years not), but it's not one of my favorites - too short, no reflective accents, and only two rear pockets. (With only two pockets I have to carry at least two gels even on a short ride, just carry them, to balance my phone. :rolleyes:)

[Chile Pepper]

I also have a PI short sleeve jersey (some years they offer them in screaming yellow, some years not), but it's not one of my favorites - too short, no reflective accents, and only two rear pockets.

That's exactly how I feel about the Exte Ondo I bought this year. I like the fabric and the fit (other than the length), but I'd like to try something else. And the shops never have them when I'm in the US, so I'm stuck ordering online.

[Zen]

http://www.bikejournal.com/images/raleighdonIMG_5161.jpg

speaking of visibility, check this out: this is my husband, a shot i took this morning.

What kind of lights is he running (and why not red)?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What kind of lights is he running (and why not red)?

All those glowing white things you see there are not lights, but are reflective patches of one kind or another, as seen when car headlights shine on them. (The two big lower ones look to me to be reflective triangle patches on the backs of his panniers?)

Screaming yellow is good for daytime biking, lights and reflective patches are good for riding after dark.
Here's what a screaming yellow top does for you in the daytime, visibility-wise:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3196670861_b7f8a3cdf3.jpg

[Skierchickie]

Okay, I've gotta weigh in on the original question. I am 43. I tend to dress pretty casually / quietly. Usually plain, with no patterns (almost NEVER any prints). HOWEVER, bike jerseys are a great place to go crazy! I don't go too crazy, but I do go for more fun colors and designs than in my regular clothes. One of my favorites is a sleeveless Primal Wear Don't Bug Me jersey (black with green vines and ladybugs all over it, with a little orange VW Beetle hidden among them). I guess most of my others are a lot plainer than that, but still more fun colors than my street clothes. Every once in a while a jersey just calls out to me, and if it isn't too expensive, I'll get it. I'm more concerned about appropriate fit than colors.

In my opinion, age has nothing to do with print and colors in bike / running / skiing clothes. Don't worry about it - dress fun for having fun.

My most outlandish article of clothing? A Hot Chillys ski race suit that is plain black on the lower half (like tights), and black and white fake snakeskin on the top half. I love it, but never wear it because it is kinda snug these days, and it is one piece (hard to deal with in those last-minute porta-potty stops). The weirdest part is the crotch zipper - I've always been afraid the nylon zipper will a) suddenly give way in a crash, or b) be way too noticeable to people lined up in the row behind me. If it were two-piece, I'd wear it in all my ski races.

[Biciclista]

My most outlandish article of clothing? A Hot Chillys ski race suit that is plain black on the lower half (like tights), and black and white fake snakeskin on the top half. I love it, but never wear it because it is kinda snug these days, and it is one piece (hard to deal with in those last-minute porta-potty stops). The weirdest part is the crotch zipper - I've always been afraid the nylon zipper will a) suddenly give way in a crash, or b) be way too noticeable to people lined up in the row behind me. If it were two-piece, I'd wear it in all my ski races.

pictures please?

and Zen, Lisa is right; those are his panniers. He does have red lights, one on his helmet and one on his bike. They clearly aren't reflective though.

[Brandi]

I love funky clothes and don't care what people think. As a matter of fact i think people expect it from me. But I am an artist too so i can get away with being a little funky. I love unusual tee's. I have great collection. I wear jeans and an out there tee a lot. With a cool necklace and black sued chuck tailor like tennis shoes or my red keen sandles. It makes me happy!

[tantrumbean]

I agree, wear whatever you like, whatever your age. Dress codes are bad enough when you have to stick to them at work, so might as well have some fun on the bike. I like cool jerseys, hate most of the girlie frilly ones I have to admit, but fortunately, being 6 foot, a small men's tends to fit me perfectly. Really like the fosca ones, this one is next on my shopping list (AND it matches my water bottles!!! ;)):

http://www.foska.com/acatalog/Pirate_Road.html

[malkin]

Wear what you like; like what you wear.

[Skierchickie]

Okay Mimi - you asked for pix.

[Zen]

Ooh! I like that!

[salsabike]

I had to go running in the neighborhood at night last week, and I borrowed Chris' Randonneur sash--just like the one you see in the pic above of Biciclista's husband. I was SEEN by every car. It was very reassuring. I broke my own rule of never wearing something you don't do/haven't earned (read: ride shirts), but boy was it useful.

And, PS, I think people should wear what they like. Life's too short to not have fun with that kind of thing. And I LOVE the snakeskin-look ski suit.

That being said....I am a pretty quiet dresser on the bike, myself. Personal inclination, I guess.