Your favorite plus size knickers or shorts?

[schnitzle]

I'm trying to find some padded knickers or shorts in I'm assuming about a 3 or 4x. I've never worn cycling shorts before. Has anyone had any experience with brands of plus size shorts?

I love the look of the Shebeest Boardrider Capri, but I see they don't come in the extended sizes...:o

[lauraelmore1033]

I actually have some 3x stuff that you could have. (if the thought of wearing used bike stuff doesn't totally gross you out...). I live in Everett, but visit the BG trail all the time, so it would be a breeze to get them to you.

[schnitzle]

That would be so great!! It is quite an investment and I'd hate to shell out $100 for something I didn't know would fit.

Congrats to you for not needing them anymore! :D

[oxysback]

The Terry Plus knickers are good. Also, check out the Top Shelf Shorts at www.aerotechdesigns.com. Good shorts and fairly economical. :)

[KnottedYet]

SusanO (the owner of Team Estrogen) is a goddess and has made a concerted effort to provide a wealth of plus sizes. http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/plus-size/c0-atspecialty_03.html

The staff at TE is amazing, you can call and ask about a particular piece of clothing and they will GO AND GET IT and describe it for you over the phone! They will measure it, they will compare it to other pieces, they are GREAT.

[schnitzle]

Thanks Ellen, wow aerotechdesign has a lot of clothes. Great link, thanks!
I like the Terry shorts on TE, they look comfy.

Knotted, thanks for letting me know how terrific the TE staff is :) I've been combing the site for the last week.
Edited to add that I just saw a pic of Susan on Flickr! I want a team estrogen jersey one day :D

Maybe if I'm worried about having sausage legs it would be best to get some lightweight padded shorts to wear under my current capris?

[sarahspins]

Maybe if I'm worried about having sausage legs it would be best to get some lightweight padded shorts to wear under my current capris?

You could also just wear a pair of unlined athletic shorts or knit shorts/capris over a regular (spandex) pair of cycling shorts if that makes you more comfortable.

I started riding wearing baggy (MTB) cycling shorts with a padded liner because I was afraid of how fat I would look in spandex.. but I honestly found them uncomfortable because the outer shorts material was not stretchy and it would bunch up, and I'd have to stop and "fix" my shorts, and I quickly got over it and just started wearing regular cycling shorts/knickers and not worrying what I look like. You shouldn't worry either :)

I prefer knickers to shorts, and bibs to anything with a waistband, but you'll find what you prefer over time.

I second the suggestion to shop TE - they are awesome :D

[schnitzle]

Great info Sara, thanks :) I didn't consider bibs, I can see not having that waistband cutting me in two being a big bonus.

You're right, I really shouldn't care what others think, but some friends comments got stuck in my head... I am really working toward that though!
I already told myself that I don't care that I'm the fattest cyclist I know ;)

A few years back I also squeezed myself into wet suit to learn scuba diving.
Had to do that with a class of people. One was a stripper (so great bod) and the rest were men!

[Trek420]

You want shorts to fit tightly, this cuts down chafing. So if you wear 4x you may want 3, 3x becomes 2 etc. If you were down to XL already I'd be sending you shorts. I have too many, some of which I've never worn.

You'll get there, keep riding and having fun.

[schnitzle]

You want shorts to fit tightly, this cuts down chafing. So if you wear 4x you may want 3, 3x becomes 2 etc. If you were down to XL already I'd be sending you shorts. I have too many, some of which I've never worn.

You'll get there, keep riding and having fun.

Ok good to know! I keep reading size charts that say 3x is a 42" waist, so maybe that's why? (to keep them tight,reduce chafing).

[lauraelmore1033]

So, I've looked through my stuff and I have a pair of Terry Knickers that are 3x (although they are marked 2x) that are like regular capris with a liner inside, and another pair of Terry Knickers that are more like tights (and could be worn under something. Both are very stretchy and I'm thinking they were a bit generous even when I had a 53 inch waist. I also have a terry skort that is a 3x(again, marked 2x grr). You could have all three if you wanted them. I am usually free all day tuesday or wednsday, and could plan a trip to the trail or some such southerly location if you would like to meet me and pick them up
Laura

[schnitzle]

Hi Laura! Well I'd love to try them since you're offering :D I can meet up any time Tuesdays or Wednesdays after 1pm. I'm familiar with Everett so I could meet you somewhere in your neck of the woods if you'd like.

I'm excited, no more hurt heiney from riding bike! lol :p

[Leesann]

If you were down to XL already I'd be sending you shorts. I have too many, some of which I've never worn.

Trek, I'm searching for my first pair of bike shorts, and believe I need an XL (I wear a 16/18 pant size) Is there a way I can contact you? I'd be grateful!

Lisa

[KnottedYet]

Trek, I'm searching for my first pair of bike shorts, and believe I need an XL (I wear a 16/18 pant size) Is there a way I can contact you? I'd be grateful!

Lisa

Leesan, I think Trek posted somewhere that she donated all the XL shorts she'd bought but never worn to the Berkeley high school MTB team.

[schnitzle]

Like the new photo Schnitzle!

Thanks Sheila! I was a bit embarrassed that I wasn't wearing a helmet in my other pic :o (it was my first practice rides with my bike and my dogs in a parking lot). I might have to take a new pic with my little dog though ;)

I can now say, thanks to lauraelmore1033 and fastdogs, that I really like the Terry brand and Junionia :) Thanks!!

[Roadtrip]

I too have been looking at plus sized clothing for riding, but a little shocked at the prices, and shopping online is fustrating because you can't touch/feel before you plunk down some serious coin for clothing.

I did find a pair of size 20/22 [ I'm a size 20, for now :) ] Trek bike shorts at the LBS the other day on (clearance even - 40% off) and bought them. I got them home and put them on and mounted my bike and REALLY felt like I was wearing a dang diaper between my legs. It was a little more comfortable while sitting on the bike so I'll keep them. Locally it's nearly impossible.

I like the idea of the mtn bike shorts. The ones I found here were $80 :(

I'll have to check out the TE plus size shop. Thanks for the heads up.

[schnitzle]

Roadtrip I agree, it's totally frustrating that no one local seems to carry plus sizes and so you can't check them out before you buy.

Thanks to TE members I've now tried Terry and Junonia and they both make quality items :)