need help with jerseys

[cherinyc]

hello ladies - sorry to disappoint some of you but this thread WILL NOT include another one of my embarassing moments.....maybe the next one

This is however - a newbie question. I am really having a hard time finding a comfortable jersey, and I just don't know what I am doing wrong. I am a bit large in the chest (32DD) but small overall. 28 inch ribcage, 26 inch waist, 35 inch hip - and I am about 5'6". It seems like all the women's jerseys are just too short for me - or maybe that's how they're supposed to be?
It will be my first jersey (when I find one) and I tend to run a bit warm - so I am looking for a sleeveless one. Whenever I go up in size, trying to get more length, the sleeve holes get bigger, and the jersey gets baggier, but not longer. Also, I hate the tight elastic at the bottom. If a jersey is going to ride up - and has elastic - it's really difficult to pull back down when your riding. I guess I need something that's more fitted in the waist, less tight in the hip? less like a pillow case? I can't really tell anything form the info I see online - they don't usually post how many inches long the jerseys are.
Anyone got any helpful info for me? Oh - and I have tried a couple guys jerseys - and again, the arm holes are to big.

Need New jerseys in New Jersey.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I hate jerseys with elastic in the hem - so I look for brands without the elastic. My usual brand of jerseys (for just this reason) is Shebeest. I believe they have some with elastic though. I think that Terry is another brand that makes some jerseys without elastic.

I can't help with the sizing question, but when I've had questions like that (most recently with shorts) I've called TE and they were able to provide answers. I found it very useful to talk to someone who could pull the 2 brands of shorts and give me an actual size comparison. Of course I was also planning to place an order with them...

--- Denise

[CorsairMac]

I find the womens jerseys too short too - and I'm short. You might go to your LBS and try mens "race" cut jerseys, they're a more fitted jersey and may work for you. If you like the fit of the jersey and the length, find a seamstress and have her take the elalstic out of the hem and bring in the armholes.

[Veronica]

Do you use the pockets on your jersey? If not try a Capilene sleeveless top from Patagonia. They wick well and are very comfy.

V.

[SalsaMTB]

The best jersey I have found was made by shebeest. It's significantly longer than the others, no elastic at the bottom or arms, very flattering. Still tighter fitting (not loose like a t-shirt) but an awsome fit. It wasn't sleeveless though.

Now, the down side...

Not all of their jerseys are like that. I purcahsed another shebeest jersey because of the first one, it doesn't have elastic, but it's short, so I never wear it. It's hit or miss.

I also recently tried a Louis Garneau pro-fit jersey. It has the elastic, but it's a much looser elastic. It's pretty nice, but not quite as long as the Shebeest.

Maybe try to find a local Shebeest dealer and try some on. Or, ask about the lengths from under the arms to the bottom before purchasing. I can try measuring the one I like tonight, just to give you a reference.

Oh, and I have a very small chest, so I can't say it will be great in that department

[roshelleuop]

Hi New Jersey!

I definitely feel your pain, I am also big chested (34DD - people say we are blessed, but we really aren't!!!!) and it has been an awful struggle for me to find a jersey that fits my chest and also fits everywhere else. Unfortunately, I haven't found one yet so I have resorted to Under Armor t-shirts/tanks and my favorite, the riding style tank tops with the pockets in the back. The tanks work becuase they aren't fitted anywhere, they lay pretty loose, but don't flap in the wind.

Sorry I can't help. I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I'll definitely be checking the post replies on your thread to come up with ideas!!!

Sincerely yours,
-fellow big chester-

[cherinyc]

well roshelluop - thanks for feeling my pain. I was kind of surprised that I wasn't finding many threads on this subject. BTW I looked at your profile, and saw we are similar in other ways - my birthday is Sept 17 (we're both Virgos) and my bf is also an advanced rider (I am new).
funny huh?
SalsaMTB - As far as trying things on - it seems that the few stores around here all carry the same brands (2 or 3 maybe), and the women's size selection is pretty scarce. Something tells me they don't go out of their way to keep much women's stock.
Veronica - Plan B is definitely to go pocket-less, but it makes me jealous of those who are....pocketfull. I have been pretty much wearing aerobic type tops, or tanks over a sports bra.
I have the shoes, the (one pair) shorts, the bike - I just want a jersey gosh darnnit. And can someone please tell me why these are sooooo expensive? I used to be a clothing buyer for Macys, and have seen much better quality clothing items for much less $$$. Supply and demand I am guessing, but bad decisions can get costly - even if it's just shipping costs of buying, returning.
I assume also, that if I lived somewhere more outdoorsy (I am moving to Denver in November - YIPPEE!!!) I would find a better selection? Not so much here.

[Veronica]

Even when I have pockets, I try not to use them. I keep my current food in a Bento box and extra food in a small handlebar bag. I do have a ton of jerseys... I suggested the Patagonia stuff because it is tight fitting like a bike jersey and useful. I wear mine in the winter under my jerseys for extra warmth.

Good luck in your search.

V.

[cherinyc]

Even when I have pockets, I try not to use them. I keep my current food in a Bento box and extra food in a small handlebar bag. I do have a ton of jerseys... I suggested the Patagonia stuff because it is tight fitting like a bike jersey and useful. I wear mine in the winter under my jerseys for extra warmth.

good idea with the patagonia - I never thought of using them as layering pieces for the colder months. They're dual performers that way.
Are they expensive?

[miffy'sFuji]

I suggest looking at mountain biking jerseys. I got one made by zoic that is longer than my shebeest jersey. I also just got a mountain hardwear (it has sleeves though) and it is by far the longest. I'm 5'8" with a fairly long torso. I find that the shebeests are especially flattering to those who have a little more up top.

[cherinyc]

i have seen some of the Zioc jerseys - they look nice - definitely higher end.

[Veronica]

good idea with the patagonia - I never thought of using them as layering pieces for the colder months. They're dual performers that way.
Are they expensive?

I got mine on sale last year. I regularly check their web special page. I think regular price is in the $40 - $50 range.

V.

[HappyAnika]

I'm a 36 C and I have trouble finding jerseys that aren't too tight in the chest as well. I think that whoever is designing these things assumes that all women who are athletic wear a size A bra. Not true! Anyway, of my 3 jerseys, 2 fit better through the chest, one is from REI, its the Novarra brand. Its a sleeveless and the arm holes are perfect for me, not too big, not too small. The length is good, but it does have the elastic hem. Doesn't ride up on me though. The other one is by Canari, its a long-sleeve without the elastic hem and is super comfy. My DH has a short sleeve Canari and his has the elastic hem, so I don't know if they only leave it off the long-sleeve??? I saw you are moving to Denver this fall. I live about 30 mi. north of there, but very near Boulder and it really doesn't get more outdoorsy than Boulder. I can't say the ladies selection here is great. Not bad, but not great, so don't get your hopes up too much. The riding is excellent though . . .

[songlady]

I am a big fan of Canari Jerseys. They have room for my chest (36DD) and contour nicely at the waist line. The majority of them also are elastic free, a must in my book!

[cherinyc]

I saw you are moving to Denver this fall. I live about 30 mi. north of there, but very near Boulder and it really doesn't get more outdoorsy than Boulder. . .

girl - you better believe I will be staying in contact with you. my bf knows a ton of people in that area, but for me, after being in Princeton, NJ for about 8 months and not making many friends - I am so excited to move to a place that is more active than here. I spent some time at Beaver Creek, and then Telluride earlier this year, and just the energy alone was different.
People there see the advantages of whatever the weather brings - snow=snow sports - snow melts=rafting the rapids - mountains=good cycling...etc.
I won't get my hopes too high about the selection though. I can tell by searching online that the selection - OVERALL - for women, is not that great. Shame really.