Best street clothes brands for cyclist musculature

[sydney_b]

OK, so I've been putting some mileage on the bike and have had some body changes. My thighs and behind have added muscle and my pants aren't fitting the same. What are the best street clothes brands for acommodating this muscle development without getting bigger everywhere else?

[CorsairMac]

Old Navy and Gap make a Loose Fit or Baggy Fit jeans that is fitted in the waist and ankle but looser through the hip and thigh.

Levis 550s and 560s (if you can still find them) are also a loose fit jean.

Dockers and Lees khakis were very comfortable for me during my trip - fit very well in the waist but again looser through the hip, thigh, and calf!

[caligurl]

express is doing the same thing in jeans (curvy, slim, regular i think)

[DirtDiva]

Argh. I can't tell you how much I hate trying to find jeans I like that fit too. Kinda need another pair at the moment, but I just can't bring myself to spend that much time shopping - I suffer from retail-induced ADD. :rolleyes:

[CorsairMac]

Argh. I can't tell you how much I hate trying to find jeans I like that fit too. Kinda need another pair at the moment, but I just can't bring myself to spend that much time shopping - I suffer from retail-induced ADD. :rolleyes:

ROFL - which is why I was able to give you Exact brand names. I HATE shopping so I go to the Old Navy store - grab my size off the shelf and go home! :rolleyes:

[caligurl]

yep.... all my jeans come from: gap, express, or old navy (gap and express are my mostest favorite...)

i have read at the fitness boards that victoria secret makes nice fitting jeans! and in multiple lengths! i haven't gotten around to trying any on yet!

[ACG]

Maybe you don't care about this, or you know this already Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic are all owned by the same company....One would think, though I haven't tried this that the sizes would run the same as the other store...

Once I find a brand of jeans that works, I always buy that brand. I don't wear jeans too often so I'm about due. Mine current jeans are TOO LOOSE! YEA!

[caligurl]

i knew that... cuz i can use my gap and old navy cards at either of the places (and the gap card is a must have cuz i get coupons for buying! woo hoo!)

even within each store... the different lines fit differently! at the gap.... long and leans fit one way.... flares are close to long and lean.... ultra low ride fit a different way.... once i try them on... i can just grab the sze....

at express each of their 3 styles fit differently.. then they have the "fashion" jeans....

same with old navy... and they aren't the same names at old navy and gap (i.e. no long and lean at old navy)... i don't get to banana republic much cuz it's away from the mall and closes earlier than the other two stores!

[RedCanny]

OK, so I've been putting some mileage on the bike and have had some body changes. My thighs and behind have added muscle and my pants aren't fitting the same. What are the best street clothes brands for acommodating this muscle development without getting bigger everywhere else?

I have the same problem, and have done well with Abercrombie men's jeans (at least when they are not in mega-distressed styles that look like they will last 2 days, anyway) in the past. Lately the Gap has had jeans that accommodate my thighs and caboose pretty well.

Has anyone else noticed a strange trend with some of those retail stores (Banana Republic and J Crew in particular) to not even stock (or sell?) size 14 pants? And sometimes not even size 12? I've seen a similar trend in lingerie recently, too. I have read that size 12 or 14 IS the average American woman's build, but evidently retail doesn't get it?

[Veronica]

I like LL Bean jeans. The relaxed fit ones have enough space in the butt and thighs for me and the waist actually fits.

You can return anything that doesn't fit for $5.95. They even give you a label.

V.

[sydney_b]

I just can't bring myself to spend that much time shopping - I suffer from retail-induced ADD. :rolleyes:

:p

Yeah, me too. That's why I had to ask. What I'd really like to find are non-jeans, 33 inseam, throw in the washer, but still look OK at work pants (office casual). Is that really asking too much? Thanks for all your suggestions!

[Veronica]

LL Bean Bayside Twills ($29.50) are pretty much wash and wear - only the inseam choices are 32 or 34. They are pretty much what I wear through the winter or the non denim jeans. I just got a pair today of the wide legged jeans. The inseam is a little longer than advertised. The 30s have always fit me great. I'm hoping they'll shrink just a tad in the wash.

V.

[Trekhawk]

I like LL Bean jeans. The relaxed fit ones have enough space in the but and thighs for me and the waist actually fits.
You can return anything that doesn't fit for $5.95. They even give you a label.
V.

I love LL Beans range of comfy clothes and the fact that you can get them in petite size. I have had enough of taking up pants to fit and Im not that short 5 feet 4.

[trickytiger]

:p

Yeah, me too. That's why I had to ask. What I'd really like to find are non-jeans, 33 inseam, throw in the washer, but still look OK at work pants (office casual). Is that really asking too much? Thanks for all your suggestions!


My best solution to this is the Express Editor pants- they are decently cut (lower rise but not so much they show crack or gap in the back
:eek: ). I'm 5'8 and need a 33 inseam- these come in regular (which are actually pretty long, I get the chino version if I'm wearing flat shoes which is most of the time) and long (fancier black pants to wear with heeled shoes). Sometimes you even get a good deal- and once you know your size and cut you can grab whatever fabric version/color/weight you're looking for.

[Selkie]

I'm with Veronica---the LLBean jeans actually fit well for those of us with smaller waists and muscular legs. LLBean has free shipping til 22 Dec or thereabouts, so there's some incentive! Lands End's relaxed fit jeans have fit OK and they recenty resized their boot cut jeans (before they made them for women w/stick legs--I had bought them and had to return them). I can usually do fine with Land's End petites because with some pants, you can select the inseam length.

[jobob]

Over half my wardrobe is from LLBean :rolleyes: What can I say, I hate clothes shopping, even now that I've gone down a couple of pants sizes.

Love those relaxed fit jeans & pants from LL Bean, & the bayside twills. Plus, their med/tall inseam is just the right length for me. LLBean is carrying jeans right now in a brushed cotton material they call moleskin, very soft & comfy - they might be a good alterative to blue denim jeans.

I also like the Lee relaxed fit pants (yes, I know, I'm wearing my husband's name on my butt :D ) but the medium length is a bit too short for me and the long length, on the rare occasions I can find it, is too long.

[Veronica]

Good to know you like the moleskin ones. I've been thinking about getting them for the winter, just for variety but wondered what the material was like.

V,

[DeniseGoldberg]

LLBean has free shipping til 22 Dec or thereabouts, so there's some incentive!

I'm another happy LLBean shopper, and I discovered something a while back that you might find helpful too.

You can get an LLBean Visa card that unbelieveably enough has no annual fee, and if you order from Bean using that credit card then ground shipping is free. You still need to pay shipping for returns, but I love the free shipping to me!

Info about the credit card can be found at http://www.llbean.com/bin/oap/indexSource.cgi?sc=LNK1&mc=A000001UNQ&pid=llb&feat=hp

--- Denise

[caligurl]

i have a small waist... but my jeans never... NEVER go all the way to my waist! mom jeans! lol! those are the ones that come to your waist! all mine are low rise or ultra low rise! NO MOM JEANS (i need to find the article that shows the makeover of a lovely lady who used to wear mom jeans.. they put her in an updated low rise (not ultra low.. just slightly below the waist) style.. the transformation was amazing! she looked wonderful!

UGH! i can't find the article :mad: :mad: :mad: i did get reminded of another jeans brand: lucky

i don't have any lucky jeans.. but they (jeans) have been discussed EXTENSIVELY at one of my fitness forums.. and lucky comes up a lot!

[wabisabi]

For those of us who can't always wear jeans or casual pants to work, I love the Eileen Fisher clothes--loose, natural fabrics, simple. Yes, they are expensive, but eBay has great deals, that is usually where I find them.

[Googlie Wooglie]

Lucky Brand ... there are no other jeans. I wish I knew what model I wear but I'm not wearing jeans today. But the waist is nice, low rise but not too low, the thighs are ample enough to cover cycle-thighs without being loose, they don't flare like little-girl bell bottoms, and they make my bum look terrific!

Cailgurl -- there's a Lucky Outlet out your way in Cabazon ...

[caligurl]

Cailgurl -- there's a Lucky Outlet out your way in Cabazon ...

i know!!!!! i get coupons in email for them all the time (sweaters and stuff too! not just jeans!) i just haven't stopped at the outlet mall in eons! i really need to!!!!! i could use a few more pair of jeans :rolleyes:

but one can NEVER have too many jeans!!!!! i now have a mission (and we'll be going by the mall saturday... may just HAVE to stop!!!!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Agree heartily with Denise on the LL Bean credit card - it's a no-lose situation. She didn't even mention that they offer "Bean bucks" back on every order - 3% back from orders from Bean (tho' they're offering double bucks through this month!) and 1% on all other purchases.

I order a lot from LL Bean; they carry fitness clothing, a limited amount of cycling clothing, hiking and paddling clothing and gear, travel clothing and gear, as well as "normal" clothing. They have recently added a lower-rise, boot cut silouette (how do you spell that?!) to their womens pants and jeans lineup, which is the only cut I will wear. It's not ultra low-rise, by any means (I'm 44, after all!), but is a much more modern cut (just say no to high waists and tapered pants legs!!!) Lands End has added this cut too, but since I don't get free shipping from them (or Bean Bucks!), I don't order from them as much.

Just ordered from Bean this week (to get my double bucks!), some of the new "vintage cords" in the modern cut as well as some twills and can't wait to get them. I'm pretty curvy in the bum and thighs for my size (petite), and Bean's clothes fit me very well!

Emily

[Hammer]

I tend to have *decent* luck at JC Penny's with Levi's jeans. I'm currently wearing a pair of 505s. I love them. But, they're getting a little baggy for me. I have a small waist and wide hips, so I have to wear jeans that hug my hips. Belts are mandatory too.

I have a pair or two of Z. Cavareichi's (can't remember how to spell). The pair that I love hugs the legs from my hips with a little flair below the knee. That pair is starting to show signs of a looser fit. But, since it was snug to begin with, it'll be awile before I have to trade the pair in.

I've purchased pairs of St. John's Bay jeans... but I don't really like how those are cut anymore. I like a closer fit around the hips and butt, to give that area the illusion of shape while I'm building it myself, but mostly I like everything else to be a bit of a loose fit. Levi's rock.

I have a short attention span when it comes to shopping for jeans. UGhhh.... I have to go and do that right away, or it's a lost cause.

[jobob]

I tried some slighly low rise jeans and I felt really weird in them, like I was trying to dress like a teenager :o

Since I'm basically old enough to be a grandmother, I'll be sticking with the Mom Jeans :rolleyes: :p

[SadieKate]

But that's no Mom figure!

[jobob]

Aw, you're a sweetie {{hug}}

- jo "still chuckling over the concept of Mom Jeans" bob

[Veronica]

I don't think I have a low risable figure. Every pair I have tried is too tight through the thighs and gaps at the top in the back.

V.

[Trek420]

....and they are made in the USA, or some parts are made in the USA, or the little tag in the back is or something :)

[caligurl]

just cuz you are certain age (i.e. "grandmother" age) you don't have to dress like a grandmother! nor do lower rise jeans automatically mean teen style either!

here is a link of a gorgeous lady with some before wardrobe shots and several VERY tasteful after shots (including a before "mom" jean and several after low rise... NOT ultra low rise jeans! she looks grandmother age to me... but she's gorgeous and had GREAT fashion sense! pics (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8158506&uid=1083587&members=1newwindow)

i'm not trying to tell anyone how to dress.... but showing that low rise jeans are very nice looking AND stylish!

[sydney_b]

I don't think I have a low risable figure. Every pair I have tried is too tight through the thighs and gaps at the top in the back.

V.

I have some moderately low rise, and some that are quite a bit lower and both have terrible gaps in back. I suppose that's so one can show off your t-back if one were so inclined (i'm not and thankful to be seeing less of that). I like the lower rises because they help me look more proportional since I'm short waisted, but i've yet to find non-gappers. I suspect it's the tush issue. lol

[SadieKate]

I too am short-waisted. I also need a low rise in the front, a long rise in the rear and space in the thighs as all this solves the gap problem on the back. I found some nice twill slacks from Liz Claiborne last year and a few capris from Talbots this year, but it requires trying on many, many pairs of pants. It's ridiculous. I had good luck with Eddie Bauer jeans several years ago but my last pair is dying, disentegrating on my body. I'm going to have to subject myself to the humiliation of shopping for jeans. I hate it. Not to mention I HATE MALLS!

SK

Thanks for listening to me vent. Oh, one last thing -- Body and Bathworks already set up their Xmas decorations! Boycott!!!! And I'm out of their Juniper lotion, whimper. :(

[caligurl]

Not to mention I HATE MALLS!

[/SIZE]

*GASP*




*hyperventalating*




AIR! I NEED AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



ok.... disclaimer.... i do hate malls and stores at one particular time of the year! yes... christmastime! UGH! and never.... NEVER.... NEVER EVER EVER go to macy*s (the one on herald square) on the saturday before christmas..... even the most addicted shopper (me) is appalled at the people! *GASP*

[Blueberry]

I had good luck with Eddie Bauer jeans several years ago but my last pair is dying, disentegrating on my body. I'm going to have to subject myself to the humiliation of shopping for jeans. I hate it. Not to mention I HATE MALLS!

SK

Thanks for listening to me vent. Oh, one last thing -- Body and Bathworks already set up their Xmas decorations! Boycott!!!! And I'm out of their Juniper lotion, whimper. :(

Eddie Bauer is one place I'm not frequenting again. My 16 petite self went in the mall looking for a new pair of my favorite jeans from them - the sales guy looked at me, handed me a catalogue and said "we don't sell sizes that big in the store." GRRRRRRRRRRRR...... :mad: :mad: :mad:

Good news for those who hate malls on the Bath and Bodyworks front, though. They've added online ordering for most of their proudct on their website. Yay! No more crowds! :o

[bikerchick68]

cali you crack me up... a woman after my own heart! I have one friend who I call a triathlete shopper... we know it's been a good day when we have lunch AND dinner at the mall! :eek: :D

I'm gonna have to look into Lucky brand jeans... I have never once had a pair of jeans fit me and be even vaguely loose thru the thighs... even prior to cycling I had great "birthing" hips as I was told as a teen... apparently that was supposed to make me feel better about having a large azz and legs... :rolleyes: LOL :D

[caligurl]

oh BC... PUHLEASE! BREAKFAST... lunch.... and dinner at the mall!

:D :D :D :D
:p :p :p :p

i'm gonna try to convince hubby i need to stop at cabazon on the way home tomorrow! i can't think of any other places i "need" to go.... so it may be easier to convince him if we leave straight from redlands and hit cabazon then go home! wish me luck (hmmmm i may have to promise NOT to go to the gap outlet though... not sure i can do that :confused: )

[SadieKate]

Good news for those who hate malls on the Bath and Bodyworks front, though. They've added online ordering for most of their proudct on their website. Yay! No more crowds! :oWell, this being Davis, Bath and Bodyworks is in a collection of about 4 stores and 2 restaurants right on the bike path. I can't use the mall excuse but I can use the unseasonably early, crass and commercial Xmas decoration excuse.

Eddie Bauer -- Nice!! I think I would have discussed his diplomacy skills with his manager. I do not understand why it is so hard to find these sizes in stores. Look around! Size 6 is not the average size woman. A client of mine from years ago would say "real women wear a double-digit dress size." :D

[SadieKate]

One other thing with all this discussion of low-rise, BEWARE OF MUFFIN TOP!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[caligurl]

*STOMPS FEET* but i AM a real woman *stomps feet* again for good measure while pouting!

we had this discussion on the fitness board a while back concerning the gap.... several women said that the gap is the same way (i've always meant to check when in one.. but i'm usually too intent and focused on finding what i want and forget!)

a few women were told the same thing about the gap.... adding that they wanted the store to have a "certain clientel" (spelling)...

"funny" thing is... our local gap... has a few not super thin people working there! you would think if they weren't going to have certain sizes.. they would have the workers also all be small (like abercrombie & fitch :rolleyes: :rolleyes: )

i'm going to make it a pointed effort to remember to look for jeans in different sizes if i make it to the gap on sunday!

regardless... i find it atrotious that they don't stock ALL the sizes they sell!

[bikerchick68]

OMG! I have never, ever heard it called Muffin Top but what an apt description! HAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!! :D

[caligurl]

One other thing with all this discussion of low-rise, BEWARE OF MUFFIN TOP!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

what is a muffin top???????????????????

(is that related to back fat in any way shape or form?)

OH... and another disclaimer.. since i have stated i wear both low rise and ultra low rise.. you NEVER NEVER NEVER see my undies peaking out of my jeans! ICK! YUCK! GROSS! nor do you ever see a plumber's crack :mad:

[caligurl]

OMG! I have never, ever heard it called Muffin Top but what an apt description! HAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!! :D

WHAT IS A MUFFIN TOP????????????/

*feeling really dumb, here*

[bikerchick68]

cali... muffin top is the roll that hangs over low ride jeans on women that wear shirts that are too short and too tight... so you get the nice "muffin" bulge look... ;)

all my weight is in my butt so that's never been an issue for me... lord help me if Dolphin shorts ever come back in tho... those were the nightmare days! :eek:

[caligurl]

OHHHHHHHHHH so THAT"s what all those young girls have cuz they combine their ultra ultra ultra low rise jeans with short shirts!

DON'T GIRLS HAVE MIRRORS IN THEIR HOUSES??????????????????

yes... one must choose carefully the shirt they wear... depending on the jeans or shorts (or depending on how much ice cream or tommy's one has consumed recently! :eek: :rolleyes: ) (or just now own a mirror... as seems to be the case a LOT lately!)

uhm.... what are dolphin shorts (i feel really out of it here! and i thought i was such a fashionista!)

[bikerchick68]

Dolphin shorts were the shorts popular in the 80's that were super short and came up in a split at the outter thighs... runners still wear them I think... but back then EVERYONE wore them... my thighs should not be displayed... ever... :D

midriff shirts I can do, short shorts are a no no...

[caligurl]

speaking of LL bean... i got a catalog from them in the mail yesterday! the splash on the front is "free shipping"... i meant to look for a coupon code... will do that and post it for those of you/us that don't have an LLbean card! (they had some cute sweaters and jackets and vests in there!)

[caligurl]

Dolphin shorts were the shorts popular in the 80's that were super short and came up in a split at the outter thighs... runners still wear them I think... but back then EVERYONE wore them... my thighs should not be displayed... ever... :D


ahhhhh ok.... hmmmmm sounds like the ones my mom used to say that i had to check to make sure my butt was "hanging out" before i could wear them... that short! ugh! :rolleyes:

ya... i think some of the nike and addidas runner shorts are still split (but just a little)

[SadieKate]

It's not the length of the garment that causes the problem, it is the fit.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/330221p-281994c.html

[Trekhawk]

It's not the length of the garment that causes the problem, it is the fit.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/330221p-281994c.html

Thanks now I know another reason why I dont wear low cut jeans. Yes I will admit it Im a mum jeans type. After having three kids in my mid to late thirtys the old stomach isnt what is use to be. I couldnt wear a shirt long enough to be sure that no poor bugger got a glimpse of my belly (I have my own body art its called stretch marks) and I think the really long shirt would probably rate as a fashion no no anyway. Having three boys Im constantly called upon to perform all sorts of duties including ones that put me in a most unglamourous pose. So even though I may be committing a jeans sin I will stick with a slightly higher waisted pair of jeans. :)

[jobob]

LOL, It took me a bit to figure out what SK was talking about - gah I AM old :p

[snapdragen]

My problem is I don't have a waist. At my skinniest (105 lbs.....I just heard jobob gasp) I looked like a boy with breasts. Now.....well, never mind. Let's just say if I get pants to fit my waist, I've got enough fabric around my hips to build a tent! :eek: Back to WW on tuesday....

[SimpleCycle]

DON'T GIRLS HAVE MIRRORS IN THEIR HOUSES??????????????????

This is a question I ask myself quite frequently.

Old Navy jeans fit me well, but I'm more of the no-waist, muscular thighs, no butt type. They have five different fits. I usually wear the "slightly below waist" fit. They don't have the gapping problem in the back but aren't "mom jeans". I haven't tried their new "boy cut" fit yet.

Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic pants all fit similarly, but I always wear a size bigger at the Gap and Banana Republic than at Old Navy. In addition, Old Navy's sizing is all over the place - I have pants in sizes 10, 12, and 14 that all fit me about the same. I actually have some 10s that are bigger than some of the 12s.

[DirtDiva]

Ha! that sounds just like the sizing at House of G. :rolleyes: Erm, I guess that's a bit of an obscure reference for a bunch of non-Kiwis - Glassons is a NZ women's fashion store very popular with 14 year-old girls and a reliable place for finding a cheap pair of black pants for work for the rest of us.

[Crankin]

I find this discussion fascinating. My problem is that I am short!!!! Has anyone noticed that in the last year that petite sized pants are now longer? I have very few places that I can buy clothes at; mostly i buy on line. Ann Taylor and The Loft are the only 2 stores that I can walk into and buy something that fits. I thought i was going crazy, but I finally noticed that J Crew (where I order a lot of clothes from) now lists petite pants as 30 " and they used to be 28 or 29. I wear low heels or flats at work; they are in style for God's sake, and the 30" pants are dragging on the floor. I do not want to spend more money to have pants hemmed (especially jeans!) when I am buying pants that are supposed to be for petites. This is not an issue in the summer, when I wear capris, but here in Boston, those don't cut it all year round. Skirts seem to be fine, no change there.
I am an admitted clothes horse and don't mind spending money for them, but i would LOVE to be able to walk into the Gap and buy a basic T shirt that wasn't too long (even the extra smalls).
As for the low rise, I am about to turn 52 and I wear low rise pants; not the ultra lows, but the 2-3 inch below the waist ones. I think it is much more flattering. I do have some hip huggers that i reserve for weekends, but i won't wear to work, since I teach those impressionable 12 year olds! You have to wear the right underwear (thongs) and shirts of appropriate length so you don't get the dreaded "plumbers crack." I guess that I feel that being able to wear these clothes at my age is my reward for all of those miles on the road. I don't wear anything ****ty looking, in fact, i dress pretty preppy looking, but I don't want to look like a grandmother, either (even though i am old enough to be one....)

[emily_in_nc]

I find this discussion fascinating. My problem is that I am short!!!! Has anyone noticed that in the last year that petite sized pants are now longer? I have very few places that I can buy clothes at; mostly i buy on line. Ann Taylor and The Loft are the only 2 stores that I can walk into and buy something that fits. I thought i was going crazy, but I finally noticed that J Crew (where I order a lot of clothes from) now lists petite pants as 30 " and they used to be 28 or 29. I wear low heels or flats at work; they are in style for God's sake, and the 30" pants are dragging on the floor.

That's interesting - I'm short too (5'2") and have always worn petite sizes, and I've been finding petite pants that are too short for me in several places lately! Sometimes Ann Taylor Loft petites are too short, sometimes just right. LL Bean are usually just right, but I have to have them 28.5" or 29" inseam, nothing shorter. Land's End have been too short for me recently (28" inseam). I think the longer length you're finding in stores is due to the flare or boot-cut leg being in style now. Those tend to be worn with more of a heel and need to be longer as a result. I guess that's why some of the pants I've tried on have ended up too short lately - I need more length to accommodate a shoe/boot with a heel. It can be frustrating!

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

here is a link of a gorgeous lady with some before wardrobe shots and several VERY tasteful after shots (including a before "mom" jean and several after low rise... NOT ultra low rise jeans! she looks grandmother age to me... but she's gorgeous and had GREAT fashion sense! pics (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8158506&uid=1083587&members=1newwindow)


cali ~ thanks for sharing the link. I loved it! She looks amazing! I love Ann Taylor Loft, and all her "after" looks. Her "before" looks are how I used to dress too, before cycling and a 15-lb. weight loss that resulted in needing a whole new wardrobe, much of which was purchased at Loft (with some LL Bean and Lands End thrown in for good measure). My old style was preppy to the extreme and very blah, frumpy, and definitely made me look fatter than I was. Now I try to dress more like her "after" pictures and feel like I look ten times better - and younger - even though I am in my 40s now and was in my 30s during the "before" phase. No more Mom jeans for me!! ;)

Emily