Question I hate to ask...

[Roadtrip]

OK. I'll come out as ask it. When wearing a jersey, it shows off.. the.. ummm.. flaws of my mid-section a little more then I'd like. Is there anything I can do (I'm working on the weight loss) so I don't feel so on display in a jersey while out riding.

I'm seeing all sorts of figure slimming clothing and some of the compression apparel, but not sure what works best on and off the bike.

Thanks,
Shannon

[JennK13]

In what way? Is it too tight or too short? I have one jersey that's too short so I don't wear it, and unisex or men's jerseys don't fit me as they're too tight in the waist and ride up. So I wear women's cut jerseys that are long enough and not too tight. Although I don't have any, I hear bibs are good for "muffin tops"

[Kiwi Stoker]

Umm I think all jerseys are not going to look too great on a bike. Unless you are super stretched out you will always have a bulge in the belly. <sigh>

On a slightly different note, I had a friend who I mentioned that you don't normally wear underwear underneath cycle shorts. Turns out she had been wearing "tummy tuck" underwear and felt really uncomfortable on the bike.

I have decided that I will forget what I look like while cycling- if anyone thinks otherwise well I am out exercising and having fun and they are probably in their car. Who's better off in the long term?

[Roadtrip]

Fits fine in the chest and shoulders, if not a little loose, it's the tummy area I am having issues with, so I'm a little self conscious, but even the xxl jersey hugs me tighter then I'd like in the middle!!

I normally wear a little bit of a larger shirt cause I've always wanted to "hide" my belly fat/love handles. LOL. Freaking spandex offers NO forgiveness and allows NO places to hide those extra pounds you've picked up over the years. OY!

Shannon

[tulip]

Roadtrip, I'm have some photos of me in bike clothes that I would rather were not taken! The cold, hard truth is that clothes are not going to fool anyone. So just keep riding and try not to be self-conscious about it (easier said than done, I know!) Now that it's getting colder, you can wear a jacket or sweater over, so that might help you feel more confident. But really, the best thing to do is keep riding, eat an apple a day, and keep moving forward with your healthy actions. Try to focus on the idea that you are strong and beautiful, and that your body does amazing things by taking you on bike rides that are so much fun even though they are alot of work.

[ny biker]

Roadtrip, I'm have some photos of me in bike clothes that I would rather were not taken! The cold, hard truth is that clothes are not going to fool anyone. So just keep riding and try not to be self-conscious about it (easier said than done, I know!) Now that it's getting colder, you can wear a jacket or sweater over, so that might help you feel more confident. But really, the best thing to do is keep riding, eat an apple a day, and keep moving forward with your healthy actions. Try to focus on the idea that you are strong and beautiful, and that your body does amazing things by taking you on bike rides that are so much fun even though they are alot of work.

+1

Look for jerseys that are "club cut" which is looser than "racing cut." Other than that, like any other clothes you will find that one manufacturer's clothes will generally fit better than another, and that there is even variation within one company's jerseys. So try on different jerseys to see if you can find some you like better.

But mostly, just have fun and be proud of your accomplishments.

[DarcyInOregon]

Roadtrip, a female cycling friend had this problem before she lost weight. The suggestions I gave her worked out well for her, and that is: 1)the Terry jerseys in a size 1x or 2)the Voler mens' jerseys in a size XL or XXL. Terry has a longer length and more room around the middle. Voler fits tight, but the longer length hid her belly, and they really make awesome jerseys.

Suggestion: try buying some used jerseys on eBay for a modest amount until you find the maker you like.

Another suggestion: If your cycling bottoms are too tight around the waist, fat will spill out over the top and be obvious in the jersey. If you wear cycling bottoms that are actually a bit too large around the middle, the waist will go higher and no fat will spill out, and the middle section will be compressed, making you look slimmer.

In reality, nobody sees you on the bike, except when you get off the bike. So don't worry about it too much. Focus on burning the calories and it will no longer be a problem.

[Owlie]

What Tulip said. I've got one or two jerseys that I don't think I should be wearing in public, but no one but me cares.

That said, look around for looser-fit jerseys. Foska has some "freeride" jerseys, which are cut kind of like t-shirts, as far as I can tell. I'm not sure on the sizing, though. (Their selection is limited, they're not exactly cheap to begin with, and the shipping's a bear because it's based in the UK. If you register and log in, you get a bit of a discount, though.)

The jacket thing (why are we getting snow over Thanksgiving?) gives you another layer too.

[JennK13]

I also like Skirt Sports jerseys - they are longer and more fitted for female bodies.

[OakLeaf]

I agree that it's just part of it, and not the most pleasant part by any means. The thing about cycling is that you're breathing from the belly and NOT using the abs for rotation the way you do with running or swimming - on the bike, your abs are pretty much completely relaxed, and that's not necessarily the prettiest sight from the side. Look at pictures of the pros some time. Body fat around 12% (women), and their bellies are still sticking out, because that's where their diaphragms are.

I think the bottom line is that you need to understand that you, looking at your pictures, are the only one looking at your belly from that angle. Everyone else is admiring your powerful legs. :)

[indysteel]

+1

Look for jerseys that are "club cut" which is looser than "racing cut." Other than that, like any other clothes you will find that one manufacturer's clothes will generally fit better than another, and that there is even variation within one company's jerseys. So try on different jerseys to see if you can find some you like better.

But mostly, just have fun and be proud of your accomplishments.

I avoid any jersey labeled as having a race cut. For the most part, I stick to Terry jerseys and those from Shebeest's "S cut " line.

When in doubt, call up the fine people at TE and ask for specific suggestions or feedback on how a given jersey fits. They're happy to help and have road tested many of their product offerings.

[redrhodie]

Design wise, look for solid colors, or designs with a more vertical print. Horizontals emphasize width. Avoid elastics on the bottom of jerseys. A lot of the jerseys on TE have a contrasting color or print on the sides, and that kind of design is very slimming.

I think most everyone feels self conscious in cycling clothes. There's no where to hide, and a lot of the things that make our rides more comfortable are not very flattering. Who looks good in a padded chamois, I ask? :p

[hebe]

<snip>That said, look around for looser-fit jerseys. Foska has some "freeride" jerseys, which are cut kind of like t-shirts, as far as I can tell. I'm not sure on the sizing, though. (Their selection is limited, they're not exactly cheap to begin with, and the shipping's a bear because it's based in the UK. If you register and log in, you get a bit of a discount, though.)

The jacket thing (why are we getting snow over Thanksgiving?) gives you another layer too.

Foska have a sale on winter jerseys and jackets at the moment. Watch the sizes though as US womens sizes are 1-2 sizes bigger than the same UK size (this has caught me out a couple of times).

I agree with adding a jacket. Personally I struggle far more than I thought I would with wearing cycling tights, a Terry wrapskirt over the top has been a revelation. If you can find a solution that you're happy with then that's one thing less to distract you from your ride. I'm sure this won't be a long-term problem anyway, with the great job you're doing on weight-loss.

[bhashiguchi]

I just got a few new pairs of shorts and found that they helped me feel better about my midsection also. My first pair was a Gore brand pair that have a relatively short inseem (7"- though thats somewhat long for women's shorts, I guess)- hitting me mid-quad and making them look (fat)big. They were also a little lower rise, which made me feel like my belly was spilling out everywhere!

I just got a pair of Terry euro shorts and Voler peloton (sample) that both have longer lengths and higher rises, and I feel so much more comfortable in them, regardless of what top I wear.

Beth

[bcipam]

I was going to say... shorts with a higher rise seem to help. Terry use to make a high rise short and I bought several. Not certain if they are made anymore or not. Terry does make jerseys that are not fitted at the botton (ie have no elastic) and that seems to help.

All I can say is I'm glad its fall and I can start wearing a vest (which hides my tummy) again!!!!

[sarahkonamojo]

ok pet peeve. Cycling tops with elastic at the bottom hem. These jerseys ride up emphasizing both lower belly and mid-belly fat. Mostly I acquire these jerseys from event rides. They have a little bit of sentimental and pride value. I believe they are all just men's jerseys anyway.

So, I take the elastic out of the hem. They look ok or much better than they did with the elastic hem. My suggestion is that you try some men's jerseys (club cut) and have them altered. (Or do it yourself.)

Also, it is usually the pockets on the back that make the belly area tighter. You might look for jerseys that have a single zippered pocket on the back. MTB jerseys. Storage capacity is lost, but courage is won.

Good luck with finding the right fit. I avoid looking at the photos of myself in cycling clothes. Instead I focus on the beauty of the ride!

[featuretile]

If it's not too hot out, you could wear a his vis vest over the jersey. It's safer anyway. I bought one that is a jacket with removable sleeves that stuff in the back pocket. Unless, it's a real heat wave, I wear this all the time. Your midriff is covered up and you are more visible.

[DarcyInOregon]

ok pet peeve. Cycling tops with elastic at the bottom hem. These jerseys ride up emphasizing both lower belly and mid-belly fat. Mostly I acquire these jerseys from event rides. They have a little bit of sentimental and pride value. I believe they are all just men's jerseys anyway.

So, I take the elastic out of the hem. They look ok or much better than they did with the elastic hem. My suggestion is that you try some men's jerseys (club cut) and have them altered. (Or do it yourself.)


Oooh, the jerseys you described are my favorite jerseys, the uni-sex size jerseys. I love the elastic at the hem. I love the length. I love the pockets on the rear being a bit lower down than the women specific size jerseys. The jerseys don't ride up on me. And I don't show any stomach bulges or fat rolls because the jerseys fit well on me.

The trick is purchasing the correct size. Most of the makers, the size should be one size larger than a person's unisex t-shirt size. However, some makers, like Canari and Free Spirit are the same size as the unisex tees.

[chicagogal]

ok pet peeve. Cycling tops with elastic at the bottom hem. These jerseys ride up emphasizing both lower belly and mid-belly fat. Mostly I acquire these jerseys from event rides. They have a little bit of sentimental and pride value. I believe they are all just men's jerseys anyway.

So, I take the elastic out of the hem. They look ok or much better than they did with the elastic hem. My suggestion is that you try some men's jerseys (club cut) and have them altered. (Or do it yourself.)



I'll have to give that a try. I have soooo many of this type jersey with the horrible elastic at the bottom!!! HATE THEM! But it's my only choice for team kit :-(

They ride up and bulge and look (and feel) horrible!

[AnnieBikes]

I am not fat, but I take the elastic out of every jersey! I have large hips and the jerseys always ride up on me. I like Shebeest, too, and they fit well and often don't have elastic at all.

Just think, as you ride, you lose weight and then the jersey issue (which is really not an issue, unless you think it is! :( ) will become much less of an issue!!!

Keep on riding!!!

Happy Thanksgiving all.

[Crankin]

I have never worn a jersey with elastic. I hate it, it rides up horribly. I can't blame fat.. I weigh 106 and I'm 5' 1". Maybe it's because my hips are not like boys' hips? I have a couple of long sleeved, full zip thermal pieces with silicone grippers that are OK, though.
I used to wear Terry jerseys exclusively, but now I really like Voler's women's jerseys. They fit tightly, like race cuts, but no elastic. I tried Shebeest, but, the top part of the jerseys are just too big on me and often they are just too baggy.
I couldn't wear a men's jersey if I had to. It might fit over my hips, but the rest would be huge.
I think Terry jerseys would be a good solution for those who are looking for more stomach coverage. Some of their styles are looser (the tourer jersey), but not baggy. They also come in a large range of sizes.

[JennK13]

I have never worn a jersey with elastic. I hate it, it rides up horribly. I can't blame fat.. I weigh 106 and I'm 5' 1". Maybe it's because my hips are not like boys' hips?

I hear you! Though, I can blame fat :) Went to a team meeting to pick out kits, and all they had for sizing were men's jerseys, which was being pushed - some women were okay with them. I had to speak up and ask for women's jerseys as I'm so NOT built like a boy!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

ok, I'll say something no one else has....

There is no actual law requiring you to wear a 'cycling jersey'. :cool:

Though I like wearing cycling tights or knickers for practical reasons, i prefer to wear comfy tops that aren't really intended for cycling per se. Typically i wear very lightweight merino easy-fit base layers during Spring, Fall, and winter. I wear other layers on top of that depending on the weather, but rarely anything very form fitting on top. One favorite combo i wear is a lightweight Smartwool pullover long sleeve merino wool top with a neon-hi-vis relaxed fit windbreaker vest with full zipper and pockets. That keeps my core warm but allows for breezy ventilation. Lightweight windbreaker vests or loose light jackets are great!
Polyester jerseys always smell funky after one short ride! This never happens with my other tops or with my merino.
I have a nice saddle bag on my bike and thus I don't need the weird back lumpy pockets on jerseys anyway. :D

[Crankin]

I don't always wear cycling jerseys under my jacket in the winter or fall. But, unfortunately, I do need my pockets, as my bag broke this summer and the one I have is even smaller than the one that broke (not a lot of bags fit on my bike). I don't have any problems with "stink," though.

[nscrbug]

I too, will often wear non-cycling jerseys especially in the colder months. On chilly rides, I usually will opt for either a merino wool long-sleeved baselayer top by itself or coupled with an Under Armour Cold Gear top. I rely on my jacket for pockets and my top tube "feed bag" for storage.

In the summer months, I generally stick with Terry or Shebeest sleeveless jerseys.

And I agree with the comments about "rise" on shorts. I simply cannot wear anything "low rise", due to my ample pot belly. :mad: And drawstrings just exacerbate that problem even more, so I try to avoid shorts/tights that have drawstrings...or I just pull the drawstring out completely. I love wearing bibshorts to eliminate the dreaded "muffin top"...it just feels SO much more comfortable not having an elastic waistband digging into me. The only issue I have with my bibshorts...is that I'm not too fond of the chamois in them (PI P.R.O.'s).

I also have another issue that nobody has mentioned here...the dreaded "back fat spillage" that explodes out of the sides of my bra near the armpit area. :eek: That unsightly mess is an even tougher problem to mask than a muffin top.

Linda

[jelee1311]

I feel your pain. I can only imagine my physique is not what I want it too look like on a bike yet. I decide to own it when I broke down and bought my first pair of spandex shorts.I cant to find a jersey that fits right and flatters cuz my boobs are too big to make most jerseys fit right in length anyhow. Its kinda like unicorns, I hear they are out there but I havent found them. I finally realized it doesnt matter what I wear its how I think about my body. I don't let my chunk affect me in a negative way I just ride longer, faster, burn more. Good luck

[jelee1311]

I feel your pain. I can only imagine my physique is not what I want it too look like on a bike yet. I decide to own it when I broke down and bought my first pair of spandex shorts.I have yet to find a jersey that fits right and flatters cuz my boobs are too big to make most jerseys fit right in length anyhow. Its kinda like unicorns, I hear they are out there but I have yet to find them. I finally realized it doesnt matter what I wear its how I think about my body. I don't let my chunk affect me in a negative way I just ride longer, faster, burn more. Good luck

[stephanie1129]

Empire waisted tops! I have two of them and always get complements on how cute and feminine they are. One is a general workout tank top by New Balance. The other is a cycling specific jersey by Novara http://www.rei.com/product/794927. I use them for running, tennis, bikram yoga, cycling, etc.