Can you help with my Jersey survey?

Hey Ladies- I've decided to embark on what I've always wanted to do which is clothing design. I'm ambandoning the dreams of Paris and keeping it simple to just cycling and maybe running jerseys. I still have to keep my daytime job right now (which is nothing right now but working on it.:D) I'm in the process of seeing if there's even a market for what I would like to do. Right now I just need opinions and am just thinking..thinking.

So far TE members have the following peeves.
1. Jerseys that grip too tight in the sleeves and waist
2. Jerseys that are too short in the back
3. Shorts that grip too tight in the legs
4. Not enough long jersey's for taller women (5'7 and over)
5. Jerseys that are feminine to the point of being downright girly.
6. Partridge family type trends (is that the high on acid look)- can we define that look?

Is there anything you would like to see emerging in ladies designs? Colors, cut,etc.) Do you have any peeves that chaps your hide regarding your cycling wear? If you can assist that would be great.

BTW- my personal peeve with shorts right now is the number of low-rider type knickers and shorts. I thought the whole point of a longer jersey was to keep my "bum" covered.:confused:
Also- why are there so many slate greys, browns, blacks that blend into the asphalt and sunset?

Some of the comments here might be helpful

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24327

(You might get more feedback if you actually posted a checklist type survey) tokie

and Jerseys that ride up because they don't fit your hips.

1. Jerseys or shorts that don't have enough pockets
2. Jerseys or shorts that don't have big enough pockets
3. Jerseys or shorts that don't have enough zippered pockets
4. Jerseys or shorts that have pockets that gape open too much (not secure enough pockets)

The only reason I will buy a bike jersey at all (rather than just a regular fitness shirt) is that it presumably offers good pockets. I know pockets are rare in bike shorts but I will often wear triathlon shorts that do have them. Easier to reach for the shorts pockets than the jersey pockets.

Pet Peeves: Jerseys that run too short in the smaller sizes (i.e. they assume if you wear a size S you are also very short, this isn't just a problem for tall women, I am 5'4.5" and its often a problem for me).

Jerseys with poor quality zippers that fail. I've had this happen more with full zip jerseys. I wish more jerseys were full zip too.

Jerseys with pockets not large enough for my stuff.

Short sleeve jerseys with arms that are too short (so the zippers on my PI vagabound II jacket chafe when the sleeves are zipped off).

My favorite fabric for jerseys is the drilite type fabric that shebeest uses in their retro jersey. I find the fabric conforms nicely to one's shape.

I LOVE garments with princess seams, again very flattering on me.

I've never had the gripping problems you mention.

I LOVE screaming pink rather than screaming yellow for visibility.

My main peeve--finding jerseys that fit us more "generously sized" women that isn't cut for someone 6' tall! I have to buy larger sizes--because I'm still overweight but I also have a large bust and extremely broad shoulders for a woman. But then everything I buy is cut way too long and hangs down to my mid-thighs or so. I tried to buy women's stuff but gave up and just buy men's jerseys now. It stinks because there are some great looking women's jersey's out there I'd love to have but the sizing just doesn't work for me.

The same goes with regular clothes too.

• High quality zippers
• a jersey that could be used for both running and cycling - it would need to have some elastic around the waist but it absolutely can't ride up on my waist!
• some reflective inserts or piping would be kewl.
  or a way to attach a blinkie.
• and a way to carry the keys that does not allow them to make jingling noises while running.

Jerseys:
• Full zip
• Large pockets, pref. with angled openings (like Assos)
• None or light elastic on sleeves
• Racer designs/colors
• Great fabric (see EO's Dibu jersey)

Shorts:
• Bibs, not too low cut in front
• Thinner, non-diapery chamois
• Multi-paneled designs

First requirement, high quality fabric, construction, and closures.

Jerseys

• Full or 3/4 Zip
• No elastic at bottom or on sleeves
• Princess Seams
• Roomy back pockets
• Agree w/Bluetree---check out the EO jersey fabric both for winter and summer jerseys. Also, highly visible colors w/some light reflective strips, perhaps worked into the seams so they aren't distracting

Shorts

• BIBS!
• Flex-type chamois
• High quality fabric (EO's Sbaren Bibs are wonderful)
• Mid-thigh length

Good jersey trends: full zip, roomy pockets, longer length, venting - particularly on the arms of long sleeved.
Bad jersey trends: What is with just 2 back pockets???? :confused: short jerseys that ride up, "Euro" sizing and totally off the wall standards for sizing (why can I wear a M from one brand and have to get an XL from another??)

BTW...what, exactly, is a "Princess" seam??? Can someone show me an example of a jersey WITH a princess seam and one without??? Thanks.

Jerseys:
Absolutely NO elastic anywhere.
Full zip or close to full zip
I like them close cut, even though my body shape doesn't do well with the elastic/racer cut (See the Voler club cut style)
3 pockets

Shorts:
Have to have enough lycra to hold in the jiggly upper thighs
flat waist, no elastic waistband
slightly below the navel

Have both of the above in x-small. I buy my cycling clothes based on whether the company even has my size. Hence, I mostly buy Terry stuff because they always have my size! I have one Shebeest top and it's too big even though it's an x small.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tokie

(You might get more feedback if you actually posted a checklist type survey) tokie

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Thanks for the link. I thought I saw this post a while back. I'm in the process of developing the survey so I'm not sure what to include in the list. Also, I'm trying not to overwhelm users with a long survey right now. If you all are willing to do a 20 question survey I would consider posting the link to the forum.

i can do 20 questions. Yeah, zippers. We own these expensive Ibex jerseys, their zippers STINK.

Full zip rocks. Hard to find in womens' jerseys....

see, we're all different - if you want to make us happy, make each of us a supply of custom jerseys! :p

No more than 1/2 zip for me, and 1/4 zip is much preferred. There is little more irritating than sitting on the tail of a long front zipper. Happens all the time with short people and full zip jerseys. I want to be able to just yank my zipper open all the way for air on very hot days, without worrying about not opening it too far (flapping, not modesty, being the issue).

I wish there was MORE variation in size between shorts brands - then maybe I could find a brand that would actually fit me, rather than "small is too small and medium is too large"

I'll +1 on a three pocket minimum though. With good secure elastic at the top and no zipper.

LS jerseys need to be smaller in the upper arms and bigger in the forearms.

But I wants one zipped pocket for my keys *whine* *kicks Oakleaf* (j/k)

Hey guys- we've got a few issues I wasn't aware of. Ex: Full vs 1/2 zipper. Thank you all so much for your input so far.

Do you have any manufacturers you prefer for jersey or bib and why? Champion, Voler, Sugoi, Izumi, etc.

I'm inclined toward Voler for shorts- love their Chamois. Quality seems good.
Voler- Jersey (design and cut). Works well for tall, slender women who are not toothpicks.

I like the Voler chamois I bought last spring in the sample sale, but not their standard women's they have now. It's too wide.

I like either a full zip or close to it. As far as the tail of the shirt, I like the tail on the Twinsix jersey I have; similar to a shirt tail, and longer in the back.

1. I totally agree about pockets. Two pockets is not enough, and quite a few of my women's jerseys have overly small pockets. Also, a fourth zip pocket is very, very nice.

2. I am only 5'6" but I often find that jerseys are too short in the torso. It's actually more that the front is too short than that the back is too short. Whoever made the comment about assuming people who wear smaller sizes are shorter was right on. I have this problem with Pearl Izumi jerseys. M is baggy, but small is way too short. Length is an important factor in not riding up, imo. Cut (getting the curves right) also helps.

3. I like elastic in my jerseys actually. I especially like it when they have a silicone gripper. (Although the way that Castelli trims some of their jerseys in lycra, which is sort of halfway between elastic and no elastic, is nice also).

4. I like my Castelli shorts because they do not scoop too low below my belly button. Exposed belly does not look good with cycling clothes :eek:.

Help is on the way! I am the one who posted the original thread several months ago. I haven't been too active on the forum because I have been busy creating jerseys and shorts! As you all can see by the responses, it will be impossible to please everyone. However, I have taken all input into consideration and hopefully I have created something that will satisfy many of you. I plan to launch in Spring 2009 so be on the lookout! I look forward to the day when Team Estrogen will carry my brand.

In the mean time, continue to get out there and ride, even if it's windy, raining or snowing...OK, maybe you can take those days off. But when you do venture out, you inspire those who sit on the sidelines. Your strength gives others courage. It may sound corny but it's true. Plus it's just fun to ride. But there is something that you need before you go battling the elements, before you go inspiring other women to ride, before you go nurturing your own soul, and that is a kick a$$ jersey! he-he ...coming soon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl

Pet Peeves: Jerseys that run too short in the smaller sizes (i.e. they assume if you wear a size S you are also very short, this isn't just a problem for tall women, I am 5'4.5" and its often a problem for me).

Jerseys with poor quality zippers that fail. I've had this happen more with full zip jerseys. I wish more jerseys were full zip too.

Jerseys with pockets not large enough for my stuff.

Short sleeve jerseys with arms that are too short (so the zippers on my PI vagabound II jacket chafe when the sleeves are zipped off).

My favorite fabric for jerseys is the drilite type fabric that shebeest uses in their retro jersey. I find the fabric conforms nicely to one's shape.

I LOVE garments with princess seams, again very flattering on me.

I've never had the gripping problems you mention.

I LOVE screaming pink rather than screaming yellow for visibility.

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Yea... I like all of that. Thx for saving me some keystrokes. ;):D
The hip grippers are an issue sometimes if you are more curvy--rides up. Only 5'5" here, but loooong torso.

Summerweight, long sleeve jerseys with SPF 50!!! I've just about worn my Boure jersey out and it looks like the newer ones have only SPF 35 (which is still better than nothing).

This is the one I have (although the 2006 version, which was SPF 50): http://www.boure.com/8604Wa.html

Also, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE summerweight full-length SPF 50 tights WITH CHAMOIS. Instead, I end up wearing my CW-X summerweight full-length SPF 50 tights OVER my cycling shorts with chamois -- what a pain.