Bike shorts, needing a little more "coverage"

No, this is not a thread on knowing when it's time to buck up and buy new shorts, but how to feel less exposed while riding and wearing Lycra.

I see lots of riders on the trail/road while I'm out and about happily wearing bike centric clothes, but there is this piece of me that just dreads the thought of others seeing me in a bike kit. Yea I have to admit I'm not the fittest of women and there are a few extra pounds on my bones.

Ironically the biking is helping with, plus in reality, I know other cyclists are doing there own thing and hardly noticing how others are dressed unless it's WAY out there. The ONE and only time I stepped out the house all clad in Lycra it was late winter and just above freezing and I had my wool base layer and was close to the most comfortable I've ever been on the bike as I didn't get all sweaty and gross feeling, even tho I was indeed working against a headwind.

I let a friend talk me out of buying a pair of trail shorts and bought a pair of cargo shorts off the rack at the big box store and figured I'd just wear my bike shorts under. Im not positive, but now I'm thinking these shorts were a part of my discomfot and chaffing on my last ride, coupled with a fairly new saddle.

So, anyone else out there not thrilled with the level of "exposure" bike shorts provide?

Shannon

I have a pair of Prana Asana Yoga knickers that are longer, fit well over bike shorts, and are extremely comfortable. I wear them when we are riding and going to stop somewhere for lunch or something. You can get bike liner shorts that aren't as hot as full lycra bike shorts, then wear them under capri exercise shorts.

Deb

Shannon, I felt the same way... especially that the typical lycra shorts are EXTREMELY unforgiving. I just invested in the LG 3K shorts which are made from a completely different material and it made a world of a difference. In fact, I think they're actually slimming! Try out some different materials, I blame it on the fabric.

If I'm going to a bike event where everyone else is wearing lycra - I'll just wear my lycra bike shorts.

If I'm biking with my brother or something like that, I've no desire to inflict my jiggly spandex clad butt upon him, and just stick on a pair of loose nylon shorts over my bike shorts. There are really some things you'd rather not see your family members wearing. I've got a couple of pearl izumi loose nylon short. I think they came with thin liner shorts, which I use when I'm on the trainer, and just replace with regular bike shorts.

I tend to get bike jerseys that are more casual looking. Loose longer ones that cover up a little are nice.

I think a lot of people go through this when they first start riding. Most people get over caring after a while. I used to wear big long T-shirts over my lycra shorts (mind you I was 14..... and teenage girls are usually pretty body conscious). The more I rode the more I got over it. As I started doing longer distances I started appreciating cycling specific gear more too - like the nice big pockets in the back of cycling jerseys (I've also shed a lot of stuff.... when I first started I had a rack and a trunk - now I don't carry more than what fits in a seat wedgie and my pockets)

Recently I've been riding to work - a distance I'd normally walk because its only about 2.5 miles, but bike to work month and now a continuing challenge from our transportation dept has got me riding it. Since its short I've been just wearing my work clothes and I wear skirts to work. The really funny thing I've noticed is that motorists seem to be much more willing to stay behind me.... I've got a funny feeling its men and they are hoping for a peep.... which is ironic because I usually wear opaque tights and I don't think that a glimpse of my tights and panties would show any more (perhaps even less) than my cycling shorts - which I wear openly....

Terry and other companies have skorts and wrap skirts. Maybe those would be preferable (but you are right--no one much gives a hoot except for you).

One other option is a skirt. TE has some cute oneshttp://www.teamestrogen.com/product/...1-c24-c28.html

I frequently wear capris over my shorts - those gramicci ones with the gusseted crotch work pretty well!

I had baggies but when the liner is fully attached they can tug and pull quite uncomfortably. If you go that route, I will painfully suggest ones where the liner just hooks on to a couple little snap things. Or you could always just do running/athletic shorts over the bike shorts.

I was like Eden. I was very self-conscious when I first started riding and wore long tops over my shorts. As time went on and I started going to more charity rides and cycling events, I noticed that everyone had the same attire and no one cared except for me. I eventually gave up the baggy tops and started wearing bike jerseys and now I even wear a tri suit in public and don't give a rip. I am still carrying extra weight that I need to lose but I figure the only people who would probably judge me are people that aren't active---you know, that overweight, impatient person sipping on their soda and smoking a cigarette that honks at you and yells an obscenity as they pass you in their car?

It's great that you are riding. You've been given some great alternatives to spandex but I think eventually you will feel more confident wearing bike shorts.

I've never felt weird about cycling clothes. Who wants to be sweaty and gross from long shirts or pants that aren't made for cycling?
Of course, I started riding many years after I had already been working in gyms or going there as a customer, so I was totally into lycra, and somewhat skin tight attire. I am not very modest, either. I was about 15 lbs. heavier when I started riding, but that wasn't enough to make me feel self conscious. My DH and son were serious riders when I started and it was like, this is what you wear, let's order some shorts and a jersey for you.
That said, if you are self conscious, there are several options that have been mentioned. I wear different clothes for casual rides, errands, etc. Terry skorts, Zoic knickers or baggy shorts, looser knickers. They are quite stylish and I wear some of the shorts/knickers without the cycling liner for regular casual wear.
But, you are right. No one is looking...

I don't worry about.

It's actually the top part of think about...if my headlights are showing. If you know what I mean.

Ironically when I did feel conscious about wearing lycra shorts with jersey, was cycling in some of the European cycling intensive cities where hardly anyone wore lycra.

I wrote up about how I felt when I was in Copenhagen, etc.

I starting road riding only a little over a year ago, so I am pretty much a complete newb. I was hesitant to delve into the whole realm of cycling apparel at all! I am always very self conscious about how I look and I hate all clothing! LOL. BUT, I wanted to be comfortable on my bike. I wanted to ride long distances. I want to get faster - and really that means dressing the part. There are good reasons why the cycling clothing is designed like it is. So, I made myself get over it. I now wear jerseys and shorts (oh, and I love the socks). I love the pockets on the jerseys. I can't imaging wearing more clothing to deal with. For those of you that said you wear more than one pair of shorts or something over the shorts :eek: It is true that most people don't give a fig about what you look like, so it is up to you to make yourself more comfortable. But the real truth is, if you don't like it that much, don't wear it. You don't have to.

We are worried about being self-conscious in lycra and spandex. There is always the other extreme.;)

Wear whatever makes you most comfortable and allows you to stay on the bike as long as you want.

If you do go the route of regular shorts with bike shorts and get "uncomfortable" on the saddle, try a different pair of regular shorts with your bike shorts. It can be something as simple as the cut or type of fabric. Might take trying a few a things but that's true of biking shorts too.

Keep riding!

dt

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

We are worried about being self-conscious in lycra and spandex. There is always the other extreme.;)

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Oh my.... you might want to put the NSFW label (not safe for work) on that one :rolleyes:

I wear really light nylon capris over bike shorts in summer. Also, as someone mentioned upthread, a gusseted crotch might be helpful.

I've worn virtually every kind of pants over bike shorts at one time or another with no problem.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

We are worried about being self-conscious in lycra and spandex. There is always the other extreme.;)

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Oh my, I had no idea there was such an event! :eek: I agree, it does need the NSFW label ;)

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

We are worried about being self-conscious in lycra and spandex. There is always the other extreme.;)

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Note to self: Do not buy a second-hand saddle from any of these cities...

I put a pair of regular athletic shorts (the knee-length ones, from Target) over my bike shorts when I first started riding. (And thanks for the link to the wrap skirt--I'm planning on biking to visit my very fashion-conscious sister next year, and I don't think she'd be caught dead with me in spandex.)

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Originally Posted by ivorygorgon

For those of you that said you wear more than one pair of shorts or something over the shorts :eek:

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It depends on why I'm riding and who I'm around. I'm perfectly comfortable with how I look in bike shorts, but that doesn't mean everyone at the grocery store needs to see me wearing them. Or my work, for that matter. Technically, we're forbidden in the employee handbook from wearing tight fitting athletic clothing (i.e. bike clothing) in the office. And sometimes I get tired of catcalls from men in my neighborhood (I can't even run here anymore). So :eek: yourself. Wearing less revealing clothing doesn't prevent people from getting better or going faster.

I will happily wear tightfitting lycra in all it's multicolour glory riding to work, past my co-workers up in my office, in stores, at the hairdressers, to a dr.s appointment, to my son(poor guy)'s school to see the teacher, or to the movies... Most times I even forget to take my helmet off.

But: come vacation time and we head for someplace laid back, and bring our bikes, I feel selfconscious as all get-out in lycra. I always bring it, but end up wearing it under baggy pants, with a plain wool top. Something about not wanting to look exercise-y and stressed citygirl-like... :p

A friend of mine wears a skort made for cycling. It's actually really cute and simple plain black.

My issue is with jerseys. I'm tall so women's jerseys are never long enough (plus, I don't like a lot of the prints or that so many of them are sleeveless). I also like them longer to cover up my wide behind, which apparently is a "fine piece of a**" according to some volunteer dude at a bike race a month ago. While it might be much tighter than it used to be, I'm still not thrilled with it and my thunder thighs being on display, however, I'm more concerned with my lumpy upper half.

If "exposure" is the issue, you could always go with knickers instead of shorts. Granted, they may be a bit warm to wear in the summer...but I've actually worn knickers when the temps started out cool and then rose into the 70's and I felt fine in them. I particularly like the one pair of Shebeest "pedal pushers" knickers...they're cute, comfy and they don't have any grippers on the calves...they have a small slit at the calves. I think REI carries them.

of course the other solution is to ride so fast that no one can see you long enough to tell what you're wearing. Of course this also means never stopping mid ride for an iced coffee or treat.:)

Mymother used to quote the Danish poet Piet Hein
"you wouldn't worry
what other people
think of you,
if you knew that
they seldom do."

I just hate it and despair when I hear someone commenting on someone else's physique and why they don't deserve or shouldn't be wearing what they are wearing. Such bigotry.

There is a huge man at the gym- He looks like he might be of Samoan or Maori descent. He was on one of the resistance machines trying to work out- which in his case was two repeats and a breather, two repeats and a breather. Some studly guy came bustling up, realized the machine was being used and stormed away muttering about the fat slob who should just realize he is a loser and go home and lie back down on his couch.

I can't stand that and I told the stud that at least the guy was there and doing his best but I fear it fell on a marble head.

People can be so mean. Ride your ride and wear what works for you.

marni

A local woman has a business called Sweet Spot Skirts - has a web page and facebook page. I just bought one of her skirts today at the PetalPedal event ride today. They sort of take the edge off wearing lycra. I wear mountain bike shorts (look like plaid bermuda shorts) that has a removable liner w/chamois.

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Originally Posted by Owlie

Note to self: Do not buy a second-hand saddle from any of these cities...

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lol!!! (I cannot imagine riding without something between my seat and me. Oog!! :eek: )

I wear biking shorts. If someone else cares, that's not my problem. My problem is chafing, and that problem is minimized/non-existent when I wear biking shorts. So though some may think my bike shorts should be printed with "wide load" across the rear (front, thighs...) -- I wouldn't disagree with them. I also won't let that stop me.

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Originally Posted by owlice

lol!!! (I cannot imagine riding without something between my seat and me. Oog!! :eek: )

I wear biking shorts. If someone else cares, that's not my problem. My problem is chafing, and that problem is minimized/non-existent when I wear biking shorts. So though some may think my bike shorts should be printed with "wide load" across the rear (front, thighs...) -- I wouldn't disagree with them. I also won't let that stop me.

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This! I am also experimenting with baggy shorts with liners. I have found one that I like. Another pair of baggies have a liner that isn't removable. I see a pair of scissors in my future...

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Originally Posted by Velocivixen

A local woman has a business called Sweet Spot Skirts - has a web page and facebook page.

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Those are so cute! Unfortunately her page isn't set up for ordering yet. I would love one! I don't mind wearing bike shorts, but I would love one of these for wrapping around my lycra capris after the gym.

Thanks for all the ideas and comments. I love those sweet spot skirts, tho not sure about some of the colors and how it'd go with my jerseys. Looking at the skirts at TE tho!! All my life I've been h€ll bent on not wearing a skirt, being more into jeans not the typical girly-girl, so some how I'm actually considering a skirt. Go figure!!!

Shannon

I'm a little late to the party, but may I chime in with one more suggestion? I find the Mt. Borah baggy short, sold here on TE, to be the perfect solution. I think they're awesome! Super comfortable, and they look just like a pair of regular ol' shorts. The chamois is sorta minimalist, but I prefer that, and have found it to be perfectly adequate for rides of any length (granted, I rarely do rides that exceed 25 or 30 miles). My only quibble is that the pockets are too deep! If I drop my cell phone or keys in one of the pockets, it really takes some digging to fish 'em out, lol.

I have a pair of Mt. Borah underliners, and they're nice, too, but I'm not crazy about having two bands of elastic (one from the underliners and one from the shorts) around my waist. That can get kind of uncomfortable after a few miles.

(Like loopybunny, I have a problem with finding jerseys that don't highlight every blob on my upper bod, but I guess that's a topic for another thread. :D )

I am also 'late to the party' as it where... I am used to wearing cycling stuff now and, after losing some 30 lbs, I bought tighter fitting jerseys. Big step for me (my jerseys were all baggy mountain bike jerseys).

Anyway, some days, when I am not in the exercise mode and just running errands, I like wearing some messenger cycling pants from Oregon Cyclewear. I learned about them in an old thread (thanks Trek420!). I cut the liner out. I can wear those over regular cycling shorts or, for errands, with normal panties and a t-shirt. They look nice, have some reflecting stripes and good pockets (with zippers).

I have been really pleased with the Shebeest Breezers I bought. The chamois is good for longer rides (I've worn it on a 54 miler). And the best part is this liner separates from the thing, quick-dry shorts, so you can wear those over any pair of padded shorts you like. I wish Shebeest sold the mesh liner separately, so I could have multiple pairs of those and just one pair of top shorts.