Better quality clothing?

Since my decade-long hiatus, I'm no longer sure of what brands of cycling clothing are considered better quality. Of course it's about finding what fits me best, but in terms of lasting, good quality... what brands have that reputation now? Back when I rode, I wore mostly Trek and Sugoi shorts and bibs and liked them for their grip (around the thighs) and that they held their shape even after years of use. The chamois was actual chamois. Can you even get that anymore, or is it all synthetic padding? What are some brands I should be looking at now?

As for jerseys... I don't even know if they make these anymore, but for regular, daily rides, I really liked cotton blend jerseys, not the polyester ones. Do they still make them, and if so, what brands do so? Any other thoughts on jerseys?

Sorry for such basic questions, but I feel that I'm back at square one and need lots of help. TIA!!

Thank you, Muirenn! Excellent information. Giordano was one I remember wearing. I am not very tall, 5'4", but in the past, shorts have not been too long in the inseam for me. I am longer waisted, though, than my height would indicate, so in the past, I've worn a lot of bibs, although I prefer shorts. I'll have to check out those Louis Garneau. And the smartwool. Thanks!

Real chamois chamois is probably available, but I'm not interested in going back.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Thanks Velo! I edited a lot to add links, just in case you haven't refreshed the page. :) FYI, I'm 5'7'' with a long inseam, and the shorts are only about four inches above the tops of my legs. Incredibly long shorts. Great to prevent sun exposure. :rolleyes:

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Thanks again. Yeah, I like the shorts to come about 4 -6" above the top of my kneecap, so I should check out the shorter inseam. I still have some weight to lose before I buy any gear that I plan on using long-term. I picked up a jersey and a second pair of shorts (that will fit me right now) over the weekend and that's all I'm willing to spend until I'm back to a size medium. I wanted to start doing my research now, so that when it's time to buy, I'm well-informed.

Malkin - why would you not want to go back to real chamois? Right now I have only 1 pair of shorts that I'm wearing and it has real chamois. Do you think the synthetics are the way to go? What advantages do they have? (Like I said, things have changed SO much since I last rode!!) Thanks!!

If I were you, I'd just start perusing Team Estrogen's website to see what's on the market. They carry just about every quality/major brand and hit a lot of pricepoints. I, personally, wear mostly Sugoi bottoms. I have their RS and Evolution shorts and a variety of their winter tights. I've been mostly happy with the quality. As for jerseys, I have some now aging Shebeest jerseys that I like, along with some Terry sleepless halters and, most recently, a Canari SPF jersey in a bright orange that I love. I mostly look for fit in jerseys. I like them to be relaxed and have no elastic on the hem or arms. That really narrows it down. I'd not that Shebeest lost it US distributor last year and won't be available again--if I understand correctly-- until next year. I think TE still has some older items in stock though.

Gawd, I love those red Sidis. I've got them in white though, so I'm not allowed to buy a new pair of shoes.

It's easy enough to start building a whole wardrobe of biking gear for mood, weather, distance, ride intent, etc. but I've definitely been building mine based on taste. I have a shebeest jersey (black with fleur de lis design) and I've got a pair of shorts from BornFit. I lie the jersey, the shorts are better for short rides. I also have some pearl Izumi shorts that are working well for me now, but I plan on getting some of those LG neo shorts, and some longer Capri length leggings, as I hate hate hate sun exposure (I'm very fair and tend to have allergic reactions to too much sun). I have a TwinSix jersey which fits really nicely, and it doesn't have elastic around the waist or sleeves, so it breathes and moves nicely. T6 also has some cute kits (I'm dying for the Vixen kit, which would go beautifully with those red Sidis. You should buy all of it, lol).

Chatnoire, have you tried any of the white arm skins to deal with sun exposure? I have a pair of Pearl Izumis that I bought on the fly in Moab before a very sunny three-day tour in Canyonlands and just love them. You might also take a look at Canaris various SPF offerings.

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Originally Posted by velo

Thanks again. Yeah, I like the shorts to come about 4 -6" above the top of my kneecap, so I should check out the shorter inseam. I still have some weight to lose before I buy any gear that I plan on using long-term. I picked up a jersey and a second pair of shorts (that will fit me right now) over the weekend and that's all I'm willing to spend until I'm back to a size medium. I wanted to start doing my research now, so that when it's time to buy, I'm well-informed.

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The Neo Power Shorts are highly compressive and many end up buying a size larger than their usual size. I am very short--about 4'11" and use the shorter inseam. They only come about 2-3 inches above my kneecap so they might work for you. I love the shorts, I wore them on a very hot ride of 2.5 hours yesterday and it was like they weren't even there.

You are size large right now? I lost a lot of weight over the past year. I might have some size large Pearl Izumi shorts around if you are interested. They are not the quality of the Neo Power shorts but certainly are serviceable and not well worn.

You'd be hard pressed to find shorts made with real leather chamois these days. As a former racer back in the 80s, I would not want to go back to real leather chamois and wool shorts. Shorts have come a long way, thankfully, as have saddles.

People have their preferences. I like Craft, Pearl Izumi, and Sugoi. YMMV.

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Originally Posted by tulip

People have their preferences. I like Craft, Pearl Izumi, and Sugoi. YMMV.

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I love my Pearl Izumi shorts, and most of their other offerings are pretty nice quality. Some brands of jerseys I really like are Cannondale, YMX, Sugoi, and Bontrager. I love Primal Wear designs, but the fit is too snug across my middle, and a bit broad shouldered. Some Louis Garneau jerseys are too short in body length for me, though I do have a couple of cool weather jerseys of theirs that fit and are very nice quality.

Gore, Pactimo, Sugoi and Pearl Izumi also make very nice jackets.

I buy almost all Terry brand cycling clothes, although I have my favorite Shebeest shorts and am patiently waiting for them to reappear next year. I can't wear their jerseys, though.
I also love Voler jerseys and I have a pair of Sugoi shorts that are OK, too. I have Sugoi tights, as well as a wind jacket. My base layers are from Craft and I also have a couple of Smart Wool ones that i wear x country skiing, too. I need to wear things that are made for small women, and some companies don't even make x-smalls. My arm warmers, knee warmers and leg warmers are all women specific, all different brands (Sheila Moon, Sugoi, Shebeest).
I can't wear LG, as they are made for tall people. I once tried on jerseys at their outlet in NH and they came down to my knees. Gore chamois is painful for me, although I do have a Gore winter jacket I bought off of someone on TE.

I really like PI, Cannondale, Gore and Giordana. The one company that's consistently failed in terms of quality is Castelli. I've had such bad luck that I won't buy them anymore. In terms of high end stuff, I like Capo and Asoss, when it's on sale. I wear bibs and my favorite are Pearl Izumi's Drop Tails. I've washed them a million times and they still look/fit like they did the day I bought them.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

One item you don't have to wait for to splurge.

I'm dying to get them, a TE exclusive color. Alas. I wear size 43.5 in Sidi's.

But if you do purchase, post pictures so I can live vicariously!

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Those are really nice shoes!!

I second Crankin's endorsement of Terry cycling clothing. Terry products are well made of quality materials and are shaped for real women rather than 20 year old professional racers, (not that there's anything wrong with young pro racers but I certainly can't fit into their clothes;))

My favorite Terry products for summer are the Bella shorts, Breakaway jerseys, and Sun Goddess jerseys.

I like Primal Wear for jerseys. Nice deep pockets. I also like SmartWool for cool-to-cold-weather under layers. Shorts...I have Sugoi, Castelli and Primal Wear shorts. I don't like the Castelli chamois, and they haven't held up well for how much they cost. My Sugoi shorts are three years old and are awesome. I can't tell how well the Primal shorts will hold up because I've only had them for a few months. Slippery fabric, but the chamois is good for long rides.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Chatnoire, have you tried any of the white arm skins to deal with sun exposure? I have a pair of Pearl Izumis that I bought on the fly in Moab before a very sunny three-day tour in Canyonlands and just love them. You might also take a look at Canaris various SPF offerings.

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Yep, I have the PI sleeves, and have been considering the leggings as well. I love them! They're also AWESOME if you're hot, and you soak them in water. Instant evaporative cooling effect.