Cycling clothing just not a good look

[Jen12]

Today I was doing a large ride--they said about 3000 riders were registered. I was people watching when I finished and I reflected on the fact that cycling clothing is just not flattering for most body types. Unless you're very slender, it just doesn't work. I think men have it the worst. The tight pants show off everything and any man with a bit of a belly is...well...again, the jerseys are not forgiving. Then again, I can't feel too sorry for them because men have the advantage most of the time when it comes to clothing! ;)

[VeganBikeChick]

I completely agree. That's one of the reasons why I don't wear cycling clothing. My lumps and bumps are definitely not esthetically pleasing when encased in spandex :D

[Crankin]

I think that it's more important that they are out there, riding, being healthy, and trying to be fit. Who cares? I've ridden with many, guys, especially, who look like you describe, and they are super strong, fit people. Cycling clothes are what you wear cycling, to be comfortable. Maybe I have a certain lack of modesty, but I never worried about what others thought about me in cycling clothes, even when I started and was a bit bigger. And as far as cycling shorts "showing everything," well, they are men, and we all know what parts they have.

[Eden]

+1 Crankin. I don't get out there on my bike to care who looks at me... I do it to train, compete and stay fit. If you don't like my lumps and bumps don't look.

[jessmarimba]

Took me awhile to get used to it, but I think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now :)

[Jen12]

I think that it's more important that they are out there, riding, being healthy, and trying to be fit. Who cares? I've ridden with many, guys, especially, who look like you describe, and they are super strong, fit people. Cycling clothes are what you wear cycling, to be comfortable. Maybe I have a certain lack of modesty, but I never worried about what others thought about me in cycling clothes, even when I started and was a bit bigger. And as far as cycling shorts "showing everything," well, they are men, and we all know what parts they have.

I'm not criticizing the people by any means. I was just making a comment about the clothing being functional as opposed to stylish. Bowling and weighlifting shoes are equally as unflattering. It is what it is.

[tangentgirl]

took me awhile to get used to it, but i think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now :)

+1.

[Crankin]

Well, I think cycling clothes are stylish for cycling. It seems as if I spend more $ on athletic apparel of all types, as opposed to my regular clothes, so whoever is marketing this stuff, it's working with me :).

[Owlie]

Took me awhile to get used to it, but I think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now :)

+1

I have a bit of a belly, but I will quite happily wear lycra. Black is slimming. ;) I got used to it, though I won't wear the skin-tight jerseys. (Someone in my university's cycling club mixed up my order and got me a "race cut"...I don't wear it very often!)

[bmccasland]

I didn't worry too much about the "scenery" when I was drafting behind a big guy on a long ride. Usually that rider could ride circles around me. Sometimes they tease me about being "little" when it was my turn to pull - I'm not skinny.

There are some people who shouldn't be seen in spandex - they're usually the ones not on a bike route. If they're on a bike - Go rider go!

[malkin]

I base my fashion taste on what doesn't itch.
Gilda Radner

Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.
Coco Chanel

It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion.
Yves Saint-Laurent

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.
Oscar Wilde

[radacrider]

At this point in my life, I am a "to each their own."

Way back, I only wore cycling specific shorts and tops. Now, I wear what is comfortable, which is usually not cycling specific, but is wicking, stretchy, loose on top, or the occassional halter cycling top. Mostly what is comfortable for commuting 6 miles one-way, which might occassionally include athletic shorts (no chamois) over a skirt/dress; sometimes cotton tops, my jeans, capris. So I am sure I get evaluations from all sides of the cycling communities.

[zoom-zoom]

If I gave a rat's behind what I looked like I'd be one of those chicks at the gym in a perfectly coordinated outfit with full makeup and not a hair out of place who would never do anything to break a sweat. And I would avoid the weights, because I'd be afraid that I might get bulky (I wish!). And staying fit would be miserable. And I'd probably hate myself. And I might be judgemental towards men and women who are flinging sweat around and getting smelly and enjoying their dose of endorphins, even if stuff jiggles on their bodies. And I'd probably be secretly envious of and annoyed by that woman carrying an extra 20#s, yet pounding out an hour or more on the treadmill because the roads are icy, the windchills are in the negatives, and she's training for a big Spring race...

[redrhodie]

I love my cycling clothes. I wear mostly wool jerseys that are simple and flattering. I would wear them on the street, if I weren't afraid of getting stains, as I'm prone to doing. But then again, I also like really obnoxiously colorful kits as well. They're fun.

[Biciclista]

While I agree that an obese person looks terrible in bike duds, I can't say that is true for everyone. Some people look terrific in bike clothes. I love the wonderful colors and designs you can get in the jerseys, I SO appreciate POCKETS that are even to be found in WOMEN'S jerseys. I like seeing healthy people out on their bikes. In lycra, cotton, wool, whatever. And I don't care what others think really if they don't like looking at an old lady in lycra, is it really any worse than walmart people???

[Blueberry]

I have to chime in since this thread is under my skin a little.

I'm not thin. According to BMI charts, I'm technically obese. I've been working hard on losing weight for a long time, sometimes with more success than others. Looking at me, most people would probably think that I dine on McDonalds cheeseburgers and milkshakes and sit on the couch. What you wouldn't know is that I cook most of my own foods (and I've had a nutritionist look through them), and that I exercise a LOT (biking, elliptical, weights, etc).

Some days, I'm embarrassed to get out there on my bike in bike garb. I feel like others are saying just what people are saying in this thread - that it looks terrible on me, that it's not a good look, that it's unattractive, that i shouldn't be wearing it. It might. But, for long rides, I'm just not comfy in regular clothes. I try to find loose clothes that hide what others might not want to see, but those are hard to find (particularly in something other than teeny tiny sizes). Which means the choice is to ride in clothing that others might judge me on or to not ride (because, lets face it, riding in uncomfortable clothes just isn't gonna happen). Some days, the insecurities still win out.

I try not to care, I shouldn't care. I just wasn't expecting to see comments here re-affirming what the negative voices in my head tell me. :( My issue, but still - hopefully another perspective.

[OakLeaf]

If I gave a rat's behind what I looked like I'd be one of those chicks at the gym in a perfectly coordinated outfit with full makeup and not a hair out of place who would never do anything to break a sweat. And I would avoid the weights, because I'd be afraid that I might get bulky (I wish!). And staying fit would be miserable. And I'd probably hate myself. And I might be judgemental towards men and women who are flinging sweat around and getting smelly and enjoying their dose of endorphins, even if stuff jiggles on their bodies. And I'd probably be secretly envious of and annoyed by that woman carrying an extra 20#s, yet pounding out an hour or more on the treadmill because the roads are icy, the windchills are in the negatives, and she's training for a big Spring race...

Hear, hear. Hear. Hear. Hear.

And it's true if the person is carrying an "extra" 20# or an extra 200#. (Define "extra," anyway. Would they be happy if I had 12% body fat or would I be okay with 16% [not that I'm anywhere close to that, either]? What about 16% but with cellulite [yes there are plenty of those people, especially as we age]?)

I'm sure every one of us could find something to nitpick about every one of each other's appearances if we have nothing better to think about.


ETA: and thank you Blueberry for reminding all the posters that people with greater than 16% body fat are still real people who have feelings.

[Biciclista]

Bottom line, obese person looks better on a bike than they do on a barcalounger.

When I see a portly person puffing up a hill (or walking bike up a hill) I cheer!! That's someone trying to get healthy. and that's grand.
Really, who gives a @#$@%$ what others think. you're on that bike for YOU. It would be silly to cover up with sweatpants when someone has designed clothing perfect for riding on your bike!

[maillotpois]

Bottom line, obese person looks better on a bike than they do on a barcalounger.

When I see a portly person puffing up a hill (or walking bike up a hill) I cheer!! That's someone trying to get healthy. and that's grand.
Really, who gives a @#$@%$ what others think. you're on that bike for YOU. It would be silly to cover up with sweatpants when someone has designed clothing perfect for riding on your bike!

Love this. Yes.

[jessmarimba]

Hey, guys? I know this is a personal subject to a lot of you. But she spelled out that her intent was not to judge the people, just the clothes. And if you're new to pretty much any activity, the clothes are usually the most visually obvious aspect of that activity that you have to adjust to. Personally, I think football uniforms look pretty weird and unflattering. But the uniforms are functional, and I bet if I played football, I'd eventually come to see them as normal. And obviously some people find them attractive.

I think we can maybe lay off her a bit? She was being honest, something TE generally encourages. And for people who don't like to be judged, we sure seem to be judging her.

[Biciclista]

Good grief, I didn't get the impression that anyone was judging, just adding helpful angles.

[redrhodie]

Heh, at least cycling clothes are better than wrestling uniforms. At least I think so. Not to offend any wrestlers. ;)

[snapdragen]

Bottom line, obese person looks better on a bike than they do on a barcalounger.
When I see a portly person puffing up a hill (or walking bike up a hill) I cheer!! That's someone trying to get healthy. and that's grand.
Really, who gives a @#$@%$ what others think. you're on that bike for YOU. It would be silly to cover up with sweatpants when someone has designed clothing perfect for riding on your bike!

Quote worthy!! ;)

[OakLeaf]

Still judgmental.

Doesn't an obese person have the right to rest (and eat too, which is a whole 'nother can of worms)?

Is trying to change her body, the only acceptable activity for an obese person?

Is it okay for a thin person but not an obese person to be on the Barcalounger?

[Jen12]

Hey, guys? I know this is a personal subject to a lot of you. But she spelled out that her intent was not to judge the people, just the clothes. And if you're new to pretty much any activity, the clothes are usually the most visually obvious aspect of that activity that you have to adjust to. Personally, I think football uniforms look pretty weird and unflattering. But the uniforms are functional, and I bet if I played football, I'd eventually come to see them as normal. And obviously some people find them attractive.

I think we can maybe lay off her a bit? She was being honest, something TE generally encourages. And for people who don't like to be judged, we sure seem to be judging her.

Thanks Jessmarimba, for your defense, but I'm not taking the rage personally. I've seen people on this forum get deeply offended over several things. Sometimes I think that people specifically haunt these types of places just looking for something to get bent out of shape about. Recently I was referred to a discussion on another forum about whether tattoos look professional in certain career fields. You wouldn't believe how many people attacked people with opposing viewpoints. So what if someone disagrees with you? Most of us should be at a point where we can deal with an exchange of ideas. Unfortunately, all too often emotion fuels the exchanges. In the case of this issue, there is our society's obsession with weight, which I wasn't thinking about when I made the post. I rarely think about it, myself having been a wide range of weights and pants sizes over the years, as most people have. I made an observation about clothing, that's all. It wasn't intended to be an insult to anyone's figure.

I'm sorry if people are offended by the fact that I feel that cycling clothing is not flattering to humans. That has nothing to do with the heart or soul or brain of the people wearing the clothes. It is a simple opinion of how I process a visual image. I don't like it, and had no idea that stating that I don't like it would lead to such scandal. I've probably made hundreds of fashion mistakes over the last few decades, very few with the functionality of form fitting shorts with protective padded crotches and jerseys with useful pockets. I GET the look. I don't find it aesthetically pleasing, Yet I wear it myself because it is useful. Don't take it so personally.

[Jen12]

Still judgmental.

Doesn't an obese person have the right to rest (and eat too, which is a whole 'nother can of worms)?

Is trying to change her body, the only acceptable activity for an obese person?

Is it okay for a thin person but not an obese person to be on the Barcalounger?

I don't think she's intending to insult anybody's choices. Rather to applaud physical activity. Ever been to a little kid's T-ball game? It's nothing to do with losing weight, but most of us would rather see children playing sports than playing video games, right? It's no different for adults - get out and see the world instead of sitting in your den. EVERYBODY looks better being active than sitting still.

[Jen12]

heh, at least cycling clothes are better than wrestling uniforms. At least i think so. Not to offend any wrestlers. ;)

:) lol

[redrhodie]

I really don't see the rage that others are seeing. I see this as a totally normal and civil thread. :confused:

[azfiddle]

When I started cycling, I wore a t shirt or an inexpensive technical t shirt - eventually over bike shorts. I used to joke I was in the "t-shirt club" and I wasn't one of the "cool kids". I didn't understand why a jersey was worth buying, although I did get that the shorts were a good investment.

2+ years later, I love the functionality of bike clothes. I don't ever look at someone else and think about the clothes/ fit if they are carrying extra pounds. Speaking as someone who has worked hard with my bike to lose weight, I just think it's great that they are out on their bikes. I sometimes cringe at the fat roll that just won't melt off my midsection, wish that jerseys were more flattering to my bust, and envy women who actually look great in a jersey and shorts.

I understand for long rides, shorts and the other cycling paraphanalia are probably the best solution. The bright colors do make us more visible, and yes, I LOVE the pockets in the jerseys. Wish more shorts had a little side pocket for few bucks or a key though. I am at the point where I find cycling clothes attractive- and tease my DH that I like the view better when he wears the regular shorts and not the mountain bike shorts....

Like any activity that has specialized clothing - I think you get used to the look over time.

[jessmarimba]

I really don't see the rage that others are seeing. I see this as a totally normal and civil thread. :confused:

Not rage. But everyone who considers themselves to be even slightly less-than-perfect in bike gear seemed to take offense to the original comment and the commentor, and it was quickly becoming a defensive thread about how no one should care how people look or judge others for what they choose to wear. Which is true. BUT, the original thread was just about the style of bike clothes, not about the people who wear them. And I don't think it's unusual for someone new to cycling to find bike clothing to be funny-looking. No need to judge Jen for thinking bike clothes look funny, no need to judge anyone for how they look in any clothes.

Just looking out for Jen, who is obviously newer to cycling, and I would like her to feel welcome here despite a post that was apparently taken in an unintended manner.

[trista]

Well, I'm not that new to cycling anymore and I STILL think the outfits are not a good look. Sure, functional, but I personally think that it is not flattering on any body type. My husband is a very fit, 6' 180 lb man who looks great in just about anything he wears but I think he looks ridiculous in spandex. And me? OMG my BUTT IS PADDED. How is that attractive!? I never wear cycling clothes anywhere but ON the bike, I think they look so silly. And this has nothing to do with body image, weight, or size.... the spandex with padded butt is just not a good look to me.

[OakLeaf]

Speaking for myself and no one else, it wasn't the OP that I found offensive.

But whatev'.

[Blueberry]

Speaking for myself and no one else, it wasn't the OP that I found offensive.

But whatev'.

I agree. And I truly apologize if anyone was offended by what I wrote or thought that I was being judgmental. I was just trying to offer my own perspective - which I freely admit is my issue. I ride, I will keep riding. And for the most part, I won't care what others think. Maybe the comments got me at a bad time - some of the ones that bugged me I *know* were not intended to be offensive.

[redrhodie]

If I was going to choose a sport based on the uniform, I'd choose baseball. Who doesn't look good in jammies? And so comfy.

[jessmarimba]

If I was going to choose a sport based on the uniform, I'd choose baseball. Who doesn't look good in jammies? And so comfy.

Hahaha :) Hmm...I'm going to have to think on what I'd prefer...

To be honest I always wanted to figure skate just so I could wear the costumes! It was the secret princess-fantasy that I always hid.

[Crankin]

Ha!
I was a figure skater in elementary school and now, when I look at pictures of some of my "costumes," I wonder how much my parents spent on that? I loved my outfits then as much as I love my cycling, running, and snow sports gear now.

[OakLeaf]

I suppose this one has been so viral already that no one thought we needed to link to it on TE, but this thread is a good place for (Ann Arbor) Pinckney High School's homecoming queen (https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/sports/homecoming-queen-and-winning-field-goal-on-same-night.html):

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/10/05/sports/05kicker-1/05kicker-1-popup.jpg

[Bethany1]

Bike clothes do look funny. Loud colored jerseys and spandex would make anyone laugh and look twice. I look at myself and wonder if anyone that passes me on the road is laughing really hard at mine. Then I see others cycling down the highway to Lincoln and think about how cool they look on their bike. I aso wonder how they got to be in the middle of nowhere on the highway 50 miles out from Lincoln and hope they can get back.

[Biciclista]

Bike clothes do look funny. Loud colored jerseys and spandex would make anyone laugh and look twice. I look at myself and wonder if anyone that passes me on the road is laughing really hard at mine. Then I see others cycling down the highway to Lincoln and think about how cool they look on their bike. I aso wonder how they got to be in the middle of nowhere on the highway 50 miles out from Lincoln and hope they can get back.
I've been wearing bike duds so long now they seem normal to me. HOWEVER, sometimes we'll go to a little market in some tiny town far far from home in our bike duds (because we RODE there) and I can see how the people in the little store look at us... and I can see we look kinda fruity to them. :p
but then my DH starts talking about how many miles he's ridden this month and then I see expressions change.

[lph]

I get what the OP is saying. I used to think that professional bike racers looked completely bizarre. Lean and athletic and hot as can be, but dressed in the most eye-jarring, garish, weird gear, and then these cute little matching gloves and shoe covers... And this is coming from someone who has worked as a jockey.

I still think racers look a little strange, but I no longer think they look like aliens. The look grows on you.
As for flattering - I agree there are clothes out there that are more flattering, to almost every body type. But like most of you, on the bike I just don't care, neither for my sake or for others. The bike itself is so flattering :D

[OakLeaf]

I tell you what, the hi-viz yellow jersey attracts a whole lot more eyes than the padded black shorts.

Great on the road. Not so much in the grocery store. :rolleyes: