Plus size rain gear?

[ace]

Thanks, Susan. Don't get me wrong....I really, really appreciate that you carry a nice selection of plus size clothes. I think it's amazing how many manufacturers/retailers just don't get how many of us are in the market for high-quality plus size cycling gear!

[Susan Otcenas]

I think it's amazing how many manufacturers/retailers just don't get how many of us are in the market for high-quality plus size cycling gear!

I completely agree. It's one of the reasons I'm so sorry to see Burley exit the apparel business. They have the most generous cut, and after we run out of stock, I'm frankly not sure what I'm going to have to offer my customers in that size. I may have to get creative and look outside the traditional cycling channel to find an appropriate piece. Suggestions always welcome!

Susan

[ace]

Argh. Just wanted to let you know Susan, I received my xl Burley, and it doesn't even come close to fitting...there's about a six inch gap around the belly. I generally wear a size 18-20, or a 2X. Sigh. I guess I'll just get wet :-)

Nah, I'll figure something out. But damn! I see people my size all over the place (and I'd like to see more of us on bikes). Why the h*ll don't manufacturers make clothes so we can exercise and not look like fools/get drenched???

[Thistle]

Argh. Just wanted to let you know Susan, I received my xl Burley, and it doesn't even come close to fitting...there's about a six inch gap around the belly. I generally wear a size 18-20, or a 2X. Sigh. I guess I'll just get wet :-)

Nah, I'll figure something out. But damn! I see people my size all over the place (and I'd like to see more of us on bikes). Why the h*ll don't manufacturers make clothes so we can exercise and not look like fools/get drenched???

try the mt borah jacket Ace... in their plus sizes. I'm bigger than you and it fits me fine. and it's really light and easy to roll up. I've just worn it all through winter and loved it.

[ace]

Thanks, Theav. I didn't ignore you the first time- I looked at the jacket and was confused. Couple questions- is it a rain jacket, or just a warm jacket? Also, are they men or women's sizes? It doesn't seem to say....

What size did you order and approximately what are your dimensions?

Your sister in plus-sizedness,
Amy

[Thistle]

Thanks, Theav. I didn't ignore you the first time- I looked at the jacket and was confused. Couple questions- is it a rain jacket, or just a warm jacket? Also, are they men or women's sizes? It doesn't seem to say....

What size did you order and approximately what are your dimensions?

Your sister in plus-sizedness,
Amy

Hi Amy

I realised you'd probably seen it, i just feel your frustration so was keen foryou to consider it!

It's not a warm jacket, it a really light (as in weight) waterproof? jacket. They come in sizes XL to 4XL. I found with thermals under my summer jersey and the jacket over the top i was nice and warm. It is windproof.

Doesnt have a lot of venting... ie not under the arms, but the bit across the shoulders is a flap and excess heat can escape there. But you would sweat in it if you get really hot.

I wear a 4XL cos i hate things too tight. I think my bust size is about 54in tmi for some... but that's just the way it is! i think my hips are about the same. so you'd probably find the 2XL is large enough for most people. I just have this thing about wanting to be able to sit down without undoing the zip (and my girth expands as i sit down so there needs to be some space!).

It's certainly not like many of those gorgeous jackets i see advertised and wish i could fit into, but it will keep you warm if you have layers underneath and it will keep you dry on top.

I have worn it a lot. I currently wear it over a summer jersey on the way it to work now (and it's our spring) cos the temp is a bit cold first thing in the morning. THen i just scrunch it up and ride home in short sleeves.

Hope this helps. If you find anyone who makes those other beautiful jackets in really big sizes, please let me know. I long to own one of those!

Thea

[sbctwin]

Argh. Just wanted to let you know Susan, I received my xl Burley, and it doesn't even come close to fitting...there's about a six inch gap around the belly. I generally wear a size 18-20, or a 2X. Sigh. I guess I'll just get wet :-)

Nah, I'll figure something out. But damn! I see people my size all over the place (and I'd like to see more of us on bikes). Why the h*ll don't manufacturers make clothes so we can exercise and not look like fools/get drenched???

Hi Ace, I agree with you about sizing. I think they make women's cycling clothes only for those who are tall and very thin. I am very short, 4'10", and heavy (170). I count my calories, I exercise everyday, yet I can't get the pounds to come off. After 2 years of struggling to loose any more weight ( I have lost 50 pounds ), I just want to be comfortable. I like to ride and would like to continue to ride through the winter. This morning, my ride began at 26F. I am layered to the hilt, but all my clothes have too much "length" to them. I order XL in everything, based on the descriptions that say XL is 18-20, and find that they are way to snug. I am currently a size 16, but in exercise/biking clothes that is a joke and VERY FRUSTRATING. I have ordered a lot of clothes from Terry, but their 1x is way too long in sleeves and length, yet their xxl is a bit snug. I wish I knew how to sew on these fabrics so I can alter them to fit....Does anyone know where you can buy these types of fabrics and patterns to make one's own clothes (as if I am a seamstress or something )....

[HipGnosis6]

Clothes, including cycling clothes, are made for an "average" height woman, who is according to the bulk of the slopers and drafting books and industry web pages, 5'5"-5'7". Men's clothes are also built for an average height which seems to hover right around 5'9"-5'10". There aren't any actual standards, though, so it's really important to try stuff on. I have trouble with men's gear still being too short and not being able to accomodate my ample bosom.

I agree that there's a terrible shortage of plus size and petite size exercize gear (though I'm the tiniest bit less sympathetic to the short ladies, since it's possible to shorten stuff but not to lengthen it). I will find a way to help fill this gap; I'd prefer to work for a company that already makes cycling and exercise apparel as they already have the infrastructure to do so, but if I have to I will find a way to develop my own line. I'm saddened to hear that Burley is leaving the apparel biz - they're one of the companies I'd have liked to work for when I graduate from fashion design school.

[HipGnosis6]

I wish I knew how to sew on these fabrics so I can alter them to fit....Does anyone know where you can buy these types of fabrics and patterns to make one's own clothes (as if I am a seamstress or something )....

Several of us have posted about making stuff. I haven't had much time to make anything, but I know Mary has, and somebody made their own bolero not too long ago...