Why the lack of cute plus sized clothing?

[owlice]

Hmmm... I don't know where I got the idea that TE didn't have plus sizes; thanks for the information! Time to whip out a credit card!

[Susan Otcenas]

As long as we're drifting into shoes... Susan, can you talk about the differences between women's cycling shoes and men's?

I didn't know whether to rejoice or simmer when the Mizuno rep told me that it was okay that my favorite running shoe had been discontinued in women's Wide, because men's standard is the same shoe... all the while their website makes a big deal about how their women's shoes are designed to work with a woman's specific biomechanics.

HI Oakleaf,

So, what the mizuno rep told you is sorta right and sorta wrong. Here's how it works in cycling shoes.

Let's start with say, a size 40 shoe. Suppose you have a men's medium width 40 & a women's medium width 40.

1) Both size 40s will be the same LENGTH.
2) The women's shoe will be a B width.
3) The men's shoe will be a D width. This is wider than the women's medium width in both the forefoot *and* the heel.

To my knowledge, there is no cycling shoe manufacturer making a women's wide cycling shoe.

However, let's go the other way. Let's compare a men's narrow 40 to a women's medium 40.

1) Both size 40s will be the same LENGTH.
2) The women's shoe will be a B width.
3) The men's shoe will *also* be a B width.
4) However, men's B width shoes typically have a wider heel cup than a women's B width shoe, as women tend to have narrower heels for any given length foot. Could potentially cause some heel slop/slippage unless you can cinch the shoe snugly.
5) For the same length (40) and width (B) the men's shoe will also have a greater overall foot *volume* in the middle of the shoe. What do I mean? Men generally have "thicker" feet through the arch/instep area (think top to bottom), just as they often have thicker palms (for example, Jeff & I have the same width hands, but looked at from the sides, his hands are clearly thicker than mine). So even though the shoe may be the same width, it'll be "taller" through the mid-foot area to account for the thicker foot. Again, if you have a shoe that is very adjustable and can be cinched down, or if you yourself have a thicker foot, this may well not be a problem for you.

Incidentally, some sock companies take this into consideration as well. A Smartwool "unisex" small sock is the same LENGTH as a "women's" small sock, but the foot VOLUME is greater in the unisex small. Most of the smartwool socks we carry are the women's version, which are sometimes hard to find elsewhere. Same with our Balega socks. Many many men can wear the "women's" smartwool socks without issue. Jeff wears the socks we carry all the time. For me, I prefer the women's because I have a small foot and like a snug fitting sock without extra fabric over the instep.

Sooooo, to get back to the Mizuno shoe. Could you wear the men's medium? Probably. It will be the same width in the forefoot as the women's wide. But it will likely have a wider heel cup and a greater foot volume in the midfoot. You'll have to try them out to see whether or not your heel walks out of the shoe.

Does this info help?

[spazzdog]

Hey Susan! I just posted a link to TE on my Facebook. Hopefully we'll get some of my Texas and NYC buddies in here. I included the bit about you carrying larger sizes too!

spazz

[Susan Otcenas]

Wow, thanks spazz!! Much appreciated!

[divingbiker]

Huh, I guess I should be wearing men's shoes, because I have a wide foot that is very "thick"--high instep and high arch. I can't even get my foot into a Keen sandal or through the ankle of a boot that doesn't have a zipper.

Thanks for the info, Susan!

[Bootleg Betty]

I too get the yells, but mostly just ignore them. I purchased a pair of cycling shorts from Aerotech and found them to actually run large. They are comfortable and shaped for a woman with curves which isn't ideal for me because I have big hips and a pancake butt so they are baggy in the rear. I got over wearing spandex in public a long time ago as I play for a women's tackle football team called the Sacramento Sirens. Now I wouldn't play in anything else because it doesn't restrict my movement at all when running and getting out of my stance.

I do have a question regarding running shorts. I am getting into tri's and need to find some plus size running shorts (I am a size 22-24, still losing weight). I usually just run in my cycling shorts because they don't ride up, but obviously the chamois isn't ideal for longer distances. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Susan Otcenas]

I do have a question regarding running shorts. I am getting into tri's and need to find some plus size running shorts (I am a size 22-24, still losing weight). I usually just run in my cycling shorts because they don't ride up, but obviously the chamois isn't ideal for longer distances. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

We have 3 options in plus size run shorts: http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/...cialty_03.html

Personally, I think the Brooks are the best option. They simply DO NOT ride up, as they have a compression short underneath, attached to the outer short at the inseam. Very cleverly built.

Susan

[Bootleg Betty]

I forgot to add that I tried the Pearl Izumi Superstar jersey and it fit perfectly! I find that most women's jerseys are too tight even in a XXL. The zipper even lays perfectly flat (I have a very large chest). My friend instantly said that I looked like I felt more comfortable and I even think I let out a sigh. Highly reccomended for big women with big chests!

[Juliegoddess]

I forgot to add that I tried the Pearl Izumi Superstar jersey and it fit perfectly! I find that most women's jerseys are too tight even in a XXL. The zipper even lays perfectly flat (I have a very large chest). My friend instantly said that I looked like I felt more comfortable and I even think I let out a sigh. Highly reccomended for big women with big chests!

Thanks for this suggestion! I am going to try this jersey. I'm also sourcing fabrics for sewing my own bikewear, since I am a clothing designer. I'm a single mom, so I can't afford lots of the expensive plus size bikewear available out there!

[shootingstar]

Thanks for this suggestion! I am going to try this jersey. I'm also sourcing fabrics for sewing my own bikewear, since I am a clothing designer. I'm a single mom, so I can't afford lots of the expensive plus size bikewear available out there!

Since you're new here, you may not be aware of this fabric and notions place:
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/

Show us some pics of your creations one day.

[Juliegoddess]

Since you're new here, you may not be aware of this fabric and notions place:
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/

Show us some pics of your creations one day.

Hey hon!

Thank you so much! Yes, I love Seattle Fabrics! And if anyone here does any sewing, they should also check out Rose City Textiles, too. They have tons of sports and technical fabrics, and the prices are really great. I am waiting for swatches for windblock fabrics, as this will be the next project for me. My 40-degree tights are not working for 35-degree days...and I can't afford $110 for coldweather tights. Two yards of windblock from RTC will cost me $36, and I will be able to make beanies, headbands, toe covers, plus the tights. Yessss!!!

[shootingstar]

Julie:

There are a handful here who do have sewing expertise, including cycling apparel.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ghlight=sewing Has some photos.

[Juliegoddess]

Julie:

There are a handful here who do have sewing expertise, including cycling apparel.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ghlight=sewing Has some photos.

SWEET!! I am going over there right now!! I've been dying to find out if there were any other biker-sewers!