Assos Sizing

I hear they are on the smaller size, and people have said to order a size up. That would put me at a Small (I wear XS in everything else). But according to the Assos sizing chart, I am exactly where I should be... XS.

Anyone have experience with these?

I found a British site that is selling them for $130(US). With $15 shipping, it still makes it cheaper than the $170 list price you'd find here. Trouble is, if it doesn't fit it'll cost a bunch to return it... so I have to be extra careful about picking the right size.

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Originally Posted by Bluetree

I hear they are on the smaller size, and people have said to order a size up. That would put me at a Small (I wear XS in everything else). But according to the Assos sizing chart, I am exactly where I should be... XS.

Anyone have experience with these?

I found a British site that is selling them for $130(US). With $15 shipping, it still makes it cheaper than the $170 list price you'd find here. Trouble is, if it doesn't fit it'll cost a bunch to return it... so I have to be extra careful about picking the right size.

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Yep that sounds about right. I have a Assos jersey in large and I normally wear medium.:)

Which Assos garment are you considering? The Lycra bottoms run a size small. The tops are at least the same from what I have heard, but the Uma jacket may run tighter. The roubaix knickers - an XL might fit you. Maybe. They really screwed up the sizing of their women's bib knickers and tights made from the heavier roubaix fabric. For some reason, they managed to size the same items for men just like the Lycra items.

Sarah at cbike.com is very good at women's Assos fit and they stock most items, but sell at typical retail prices.

Oops, sorry, forgot to mention... it's the Assos FI Lady Half Shorts. $130 +$15 shipping for a pair of Assos shorts seems like a pretty good deal (tt would be even cheaper than the Specialized shorts I'm so fond of.)
Those Assos shorts NEVER seem to go on sale in the U.S. and even if some catalog company sends me a coupon, it always says in the fine print: "Not valid on Assos..."

According to Assos' size chart, the shorts are measured by the hip:
http://www.assos.com/en/sizechart/default_inches.aspx

My hips are 34" so it would seem an XS would be right. However, since hearing so many gals talk about "ordering a size up" now I'm a bit unsure. Even if it fits in the hip, does the waist pinch in?

EDIT: Here's the site: http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/store/assos/lady.html
Check out the model in the bibknickers... she's so thin her hip bones are jutting out. Gross!

Yes, you need to buy one size larger but IMHO the first pair should be purchased somewhere it is easy to try them on or return. Lots of places in the Bay Area probably have these.

Joy, order the size they recommend in the Assos chart, but then have all your superfluous internal organs (like your stomach for instance) removed like their model does. Then they will fit perfectly. :)

LOL, Lise...

Dang.. was quickly perusing topics and saw this one. YOu know at a quick glance it didn't look like A$$os Sizing!

Erp.. maybe it actually was tho..

I have the Assos half-short, the Uma jacket, the roubaix bib knicker & the bib tight. I completely disagree with "order a size up". I am a consistent size small across most European lines, and size small in Assos fits me perfectly. I ordered up a size in the half-short by going with medium, and it was a big mistake. It is baggy in the butt, and the leg openings are too big. The cut of their garments is very snug, because that is how it is designed to fit. A lot of people won't like that, so they won't buy Assos. But now that I have gotten used to it, I can't stand the looser fit of some of the American lines I had purchased previously. I don't like bike clothes to flap as I'm riding.

The arms & legs on the winter garments are cut narrow, and the wind-blocking fabrics are stiff, so it can be a challenge to pull the pieces on over base layers. But once they're on, they are great. Anyway, you're not looking at the winter garments. You're interested in lycra shorts. So you don't need to worry about too tight in the sleeves or legs.

For sizing, I have found the size charts posted on the web-sites to be inconsistent. So please, please, please, go to a store to try on before you buy. I am 5'2", weigh 107 lbs, have a 26 inch waist & 35 inch hips. Some of the size charts would put me in a medium, some in a small. I wear small.

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Originally Posted by koala

I am a consistent size small across most European lines, and size small in Assos fits me perfectly.

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This is the key. In general order a size up from American lines (PI, Sheebest, Hincapie, Terry). My husband and I have lots of Assos shorts. We both size up. Every customer at our LBS who has been trying on Assos while we're there sizes up. You have to know what you're comparing to when "sizing up." I'm also a longtime Castelli wearer and I don't size up for their shorts, but I do for their tops. Try on the garment or be prepared to return it. My husband sizes up for Giordana but I don't know for women. The one Giordana jersey I own had to be 2 sizes larger.

Hmmm.. thanks for the info.
Unfortunately, the stores in my area that carry Assos do not stock anything smaller than a size medium. They tell me there's no market for them.
Perhaps if they stocked more of them... I'd buy em! :rolleyes:

If your hip measurement does not exceed the XS guideline in the manufacturer's size chart, I would go with XS. My hips are 35", and their size chart says up to 36" for a size S, which is just right for me in Assos. Their cut is snug-fitting, so when they give a measurement there won't be extra fabric hanging around.

Just as a side-line to this sizing-up debate, I am a consistent small across the board. I wear small in PI, Sugoi, Shebeest, Castelli, Descente, Craft, Hincapie and Louis Garneau. I have not been able to get enough of me into an XS to say I tried it on, it's always been too tight.

There are a lot of fit issues that don't affect you if you are just looking at a pair of shorts. You don't have to worry about tight across the chest, or leg-length. The waist is very forgiving & comfortable in the Assos short. It is a single panel of lycra that stretches like a bathing suit.

That said, I would still probably order my first Assos garment from somebody state-side with a good return policy, either Colorado Cyclist or Lick Bike in Chicago. It is worth the extra $$ to have the peace of mind that you can return if it's a complete bomb on sizing for you. Once you know your Assos size you can order from anywhere you find a good deal. But for your first shot, the savings wouldn't be worth the worry & aggravation for me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bluetree

Oops, sorry, forgot to mention... it's the Assos FI Lady Half Shorts. $130 +$15 shipping for a pair of Assos shorts seems like a pretty good deal (tt would be even cheaper than the Specialized shorts I'm so fond of.)
Those Assos shorts NEVER seem to go on sale in the U.S. and even if some catalog company sends me a coupon, it always says in the fine print: "Not valid on Assos..."

According to Assos' size chart, the shorts are measured by the hip:
http://www.assos.com/en/sizechart/default_inches.aspx

My hips are 34" so it would seem an XS would be right. However, since hearing so many gals talk about "ordering a size up" now I'm a bit unsure. Even if it fits in the hip, does the waist pinch in?

EDIT: Here's the site: http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/store/assos/lady.html
Check out the model in the bibknickers... she's so thin her hip bones are jutting out. Gross!

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Why does the model in the Uma jacket remind me of Mick Jagger?? :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bluetree

Oops, sorry, forgot to mention... it's the Assos FI Lady Half Shorts. $130 +$15 shipping for a pair of Assos shorts seems like a pretty good deal (tt would be even cheaper than the Specialized shorts I'm so fond of.)
Those Assos shorts NEVER seem to go on sale in the U.S. and even if some catalog company sends me a coupon, it always says in the fine print: "Not valid on Assos..."

According to Assos' size chart, the shorts are measured by the hip:
http://www.assos.com/en/sizechart/default_inches.aspx

My hips are 34" so it would seem an XS would be right. However, since hearing so many gals talk about "ordering a size up" now I'm a bit unsure. Even if it fits in the hip, does the waist pinch in?

EDIT: Here's the site: http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/store/assos/lady.html
Check out the model in the bibknickers... she's so thin her hip bones are jutting out. Gross!

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I feel I would really like a pair of Assos, but without ever trying them on I don't think I could buy them. According to the chart, at hips I would be an XS (and I am NOT an XS on anything!); height I would be a M; and on most other brands I look at waist and I am a M to XL (appears I measure bigger in waist than in hips and I am 5'7" ... I must have a weird body shape!).

Hey Bluetree - let us know how the fit works for you when you get your Assos gear.

As far as sizing goes there is no way I would fit into a medium jersey in Assos, the Large is very fitted on me (nothing flapping in the breeze on this one). Im 5'4" 125 pounds apparently thats large by Assos standards.:(

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Originally Posted by Trekhawk

Hey Bluetree - let us know how the fit works for you when you get your Assos gear.

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Hey Trek

I saw another Assos sizing chart that was different from the one on their own site (go figure), and it said a small waist was 33-35". So here goes...I did get the Assos in Small and it did fit. YAY!

I loved the fit and the contour of the chamois - very nice garment. I sat on my bike with the shorts on and it was quite comfortable. Very tight to the butt, nothing sticking out and a nice curve around the crease area.

The inseam is a little long for my taste. I have short legs and the longer inseams make them look even stumpier, but the leg grippers were pretty secure. The waistband is terrific and unlike anything I've tried on before. Very comfy.

All in all, I think it's a great short. However, I would advise most people to stay away from the yellow or white.. unless you are very brave. Wow! Talk about see-thru. I had on my thong underwear when I tried them on and you could see EVERYTHING. Granted, the girly bits were covered by the chamois pad, but I'm not too comfortable wear transluscent shorts! ;) Wanna wear knee warmers discreetly underneath? Forgeddaboudit!

This one goes back. I'll exchange it for the red.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bluetree

Hey Trek

I saw another Assos sizing chart that was different from the one on their own site (go figure), and it said a small waist was 33-35". So here goes...I did get the Assos in Small and it did fit. YAY!

I loved the fit and the contour of the chamois - very nice garment. I sat on my bike with the shorts on and it was quite comfortable. Very tight to the butt, nothing sticking out and a nice curve around the crease area.

The inseam is a little long for my taste. I have short legs and the longer inseams make them look even stumpier, but the leg grippers were pretty secure. The waistband is terrific and unlike anything I've tried on before. Very comfy.

All in all, I think it's a great short. However, I would advise most people to stay away from the yellow or white.. unless you are very brave. Wow! Talk about see-thru. I had on my thong underwear when I tried them on and you could see EVERYTHING. Granted, the girly bits were covered by the chamois pad, but I'm not too comfortable wear transluscent shorts! ;) Wanna wear knee warmers discreetly underneath? Forgeddaboudit!

This one goes back. I'll exchange it for the red.

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LOL - good to hear you sorted the sizes out. The yellow and white sound a little scary:eek: . Red sounds like a much better choice.:)

I've got the complete winter outfit and if i was you i would not take any changes when saving a few $'s due to reasons you explained yourself.

The thing is with Assos that nearly every item runs rather tight along your body and the best thing to do is go to a dealer that has a large inventory and try several sizes.

I've had the Uma LL wintertight and when i wanted the the male's Airtight LL i was adviced to go a size smaller simply because it was made for males and it turned to be very true.

Allthough i truely understand your motivation this overseas choice could end up with a 'penny wise pound foulish' experience.

Good luck in your choices and 'have a good ride'.

Finally got my Assos shorts in (I ordered the red and black) and here's the review:

Love the relaxed waist band. Great chamois for riding with your hands on the hoods or drops. Riding with aerobars was a bit different, however. Not quite enough cush on the front part to keep the girly bits happy. They were feeling a bit "mashed" after only 20 miles in the aero position. My craft tri suit and Specialized Pro shorts feel way better when I get aero.

Also, I ordered both red and black shorts in a size small. Strangely, the red was too large. The black was only slightly so and I can live with that. (It was the black I took for the test rides.)

So, I'll keep the black ones and sell off my red Assos shorts if anyone wants them. They're brand new (had undies on when I tried them on) and still have tags. $140.