Jersey/Shorts Fit Question

[surgtech1956]

I've never work a cycling jersey or shorts before. I read that you should buy the smallest size shorts you can fit into, is this correct? What about jerseys, should they be snug, a little loose? What about wearing men's cycling jerseys/shorts? I don't like alot of womens shirts because they are too short(maybe its just me?). Thanks

[OakLeaf]

I've had shorts that were too small. You don't want the chamois to be taut - that will chafe just as much as shorts that are too big.

They should fit like a second skin. Like pantyhose. Some women get along fine with men's shorts - if you can wear men's jeans, then men's cycling shorts will probably fit you fine, and vice versa. Personally I'm not even CLOSE to being that shape. :p

How snug you like your jersey is more personal preference. They'll flap if they're too loose (all over or just in places), but some people prefer that to a snugger fit. Different brands are different lengths, so you should be able to find a woman's jersey that fits you if you want one. PI jerseys seem to be extra short, but I don't really know which brands are extra long.

[kermit]

You'll find a pair of shorts you love, everybody's different, take a look at the thread on favorite shorts. As far as wearing mens stuff, I don't know if I'd wear mens chamois they are cut differently. I have found success with men's jerseys, specifically Cannondale, nice and long and fit well. Good luck.

[zoom-zoom]

PI jerseys seem to be extra short, but I don't really know which brands are extra long.

Except for that one cheap PI jersey I have that is so long that it hangs nearly to the middle of my butt and catches on my saddle when I get back up from a stop--and I am long-torso'd. the rest of my PI jerseys are a lot shorter, though. I think my shortest jersey is a Louis Garneau...which is odd, since I swear I'd heart that theirs tend to run long.