This is always one of those threads that will conflict itself dozens of times. I feel bad for manufacturers of womens cycling clothing, nobody can agree. I posted this recently on a friend's blog, and I still think it's good stuff:

Realization #1: Mountain Bikers have a much easier time with fashion. MTB jerseys can have modern necklines, 3/4 sleeves, princess seams. The have shorts in plaid, with pockets, embroidery, hip-camouflaging constructions, various inseam lengths. They have *riding skirts*, heck I even own a mountain biking *dress*. I remember the woman leading my MTB tour who wore western style button-up blouses with baggy shorts, or a leopard print jersey with a swirly thigh-length skirt over her spandex; she totally changed my mind about what I could wear on the MTB.

Realization #2: women like to transition seamlessly between active lifestyles. We like prAna and Lululemon and TitleNine and travel dresses at REI. Sexy and sleek by exposing just the right amount of skin and no more. We can choose what skims and what ruffles, what lines to create, because we’ve watched too much “What Not To Wear” or whatever. Going to the gym no longer means boxy heather grey T-shirts and black leggings; we have *options*.

Road cycling? We have a cookie-cutter. Your spandex will be this length, this shape, have these pockets here; the only major creativity seems to have been in what goes on that template. Only recently has more attention has come to functional details like where elastic goes and how tight it is, or where boobs go on a pair of bibshorts, etc.

Which leads me to Rapha again: ok, we get better fabrics, we get some curves thrown in, but I don’t think this will revolutionize women’s road cycling apparel. In addition, I appreciate what companies like Sheila Moon and B. Spoke Tailor have done, but their on-and-off bike stuff seems trapped by a nod to retro tweed-style rides.

I think the solution is FIRST in function: non-tangling, midriff covering, circulation promoting, and maybe a little warmer in the toes while we’re at it.

Then, we need to think outside the S/M/L box. Maybe by cup size? Thigh circumference ranges? Long/short options on torsos and legs? Make things with more adjustability, maybe, with strategic velcro and elastic drawstrings?

Finally, get some real freakin’ fashion involved. Some women wear cashmere twinsets, some wear fishnet shirts, ain’t NO WAY a few patterns are going to appeal to everyone. Lets look at slight cowl necks or longer tux-coat inspired backs. Let’s ruche, gather, drape on occasion. Let’s be inspired by wool and argyle and Betsey Johnson skulls and Chanel jackets. Let’s watch powerful women in the Olympics, from snowboarders to figure skaters, let’s watch episodes of Wonder Woman, let’s idolize librarians and pinups. Let’s be able to ride a century while looking comfortable enough for the bistro afterward. There must be more to life than race or club cut, butterflies or solids, form or function, you know?

Also, I want legwarmers that look like fishnets. But I'm probably the only one.

-- gnat! (Zhush! Needs more Zhush!)