Bike Short SIZING -- it is confusing!

[Batbike]

I keep reading ALL the threads on bike shorts and sizing, only to get more and more confused! I desparately need new bike shorts and would like to get something beyond my PI shorts, since those are the only ones I have really worn for the past several years. I feel that PI is good (YES, I like them) but they are the ONLY shorts I have really tried and I am not convinced they are necessarily the BEST shorts for me and my body type. Unfortunatley, it is the main brand of both my LBS's.

I think I am ignorant of how bike shorts are "suppose to fit", which is causing my confusion! I really do NOT fit any size chart, and have gone with the waist measurement as main measurement, ignoring hip and whatever else they show for shorts. Because of this, I have bought shorts with too big leg area, too much fabric -- causing movement in shorts --, and chamois that bunch (causing saddle sores). Now, my PI's aren't perfect either, but have been the best to date.

So, after ALL my rambling, my question: if you don't fit the size charts, what measurement do you look at to find the right short?! I know it is best to try them on, but seems that option is fading fast ... LBS just not carrying a variety of women's brands!

Help would be great!! THANKS!

[Pedal Wench]

How about getting the same size as your current PI's?

[DeniseGoldberg]

I recommend that you call TE with your measurements and see what they recommend.

If you're still not sure of the right size after talking with the gals at TE, another option is to order shorts in two sizes and return the ones that don't fit.

Also - be aware that different brands use different sizing. I used to wear PI shorts but switched to Sugoi last year, and I found that I take a size smaller in Sugoi shorts than I did in PI.

--- Denise

[Batbike]

How about getting the same size as your current PI's?

Yes, that would seem logical, but I am not sure my PI's fit "exactly right". Wondering if different sizing and/or different materials would give me a better fit and more comfort on longer rides.

[Batbike]

I recommend that you call TE with your measurements and see what they recommend. --- Denise

I have been looking at TE and wanted to order some to try, but was scared to. Didn't know they may be able to recommend something ... THANKS, I think I will give them a call. Do you know if their return policy is good if they don't fit or I order 2 different sizes as you suggested?!

[KnottedYet]

their return policy is excellent! I've never had a problem, EVER!

I've called them a few times for help with sizing, and they really can get you an idea (even over the phone) how something will fit.

and if you have ANY sort of problem, Susan O will make it right!

In my opinion, TE is one of the best places to order from. (along with Ibex )

[DeniseGoldberg]

I have been looking at TE and wanted to order some to try, but was scared to. Didn't know they may be able to recommend something ...

Their service is awesome, fast shipping, and no problems with returns.

When I switched to Sugoi shorts last year I really wasn't sure about the size. I called TE, and Molly actually pulled out both the Sugoi shorts and a pair of PIs so she could give me an actual size comparison.

We're all so used to shopping online that sometimes we forget that a personal touch can help - and it's just a phone call away.

--- Denise

[Bluetree]

Bat,
TE is one of the best online stores I've ever dealt with. Fast, friendly and efficient. And their customer service is even better than Nordstrom... if such a thing is possible!

[Pedal Wench]

I agree with everyone on ordering from TE. When i couldn't decide between two brands, I talked to Susan O, and she gave me her favorite recommendations, but also that one on the other women (I think Molly) swore by the other brand. It was great advice, and the return policy is fabulous.

[Grog]

Just note by the way the "PI" does not refer to a specific type of shorts. Pearl Izumi makes MANY different types of shorts, some of which you might be comfortable in, others you might dislike. The sizing may also vary from pair to pair.

As a general rule of thumb, you want shorts to be tighter than looser.

Good luck!

[Susan Otcenas]

Batbike,

Without knowing your specific circumstances....

Sizing charts are a tough thing. They are designed to be a "guide" and they do work for many people. But we often have customers whose body types don't fit the mold.

Often, we talk with women who are "thick waisted", ie, there isn't a very large difference between the waist and hip measurements. (maybe 5-6 inches instead of the more typical 8-10 inches.)

Although opinions on this vary, even here at TE, I tend to recommend that women built like this first try shorts that meet the HIP measurement, even if that means the waist measurement is a tad too small (there's a solution for that too, hang on...) Here's my philosphy. A proper fit through the hips gives you a greater chance that the chamois hit you in the right place, and that the fit/tension across the hips will be correct. It's really important not to get a short that's too big in the hips, as that will allow the chamois to move around a bit, which can cause chafing, as you noted.

So, what about the waist measurement? Won't that be snug? Well, we have a number of styles without waist elastic at all, like the Shebeest Nirvana short, the Sheila Moon V short and the Sugoi Lucky Short. The lack of an elastic waistband means there's more "give" and you shouldn't feel overly restricted. The first time you try a pair on, it may feel "odd" not to have the elastic waist, like they might even be prone to falling down. But they should stay in place, and you'll get accustomed to the different feel. You could even try a bibshort, as they won't have an elastic waist either, and won't give you the "falling down" feeling, since they have straps to keep 'em up.
I personally own a pair of the Sheila Moon V shorts, which are very comfortable (I think her leg grippers are slightly snugger than average, a positive or a negative, depending on your thighs). Although I *don't* have a pair of the Shebeest Nirvana Shorts, I *do* own several other pairs of Shebeest bottoms (Elite shorts, pedal pushers, Breezer Boardshorts) and love both the fits and the chamois.



Other times, we speak with women who are very pear shaped. ie. their hips are 11-13 inches larger than their waists. Again, I suggest they size for the hip.

So, now, what about that waist, which may be a little too roomy? Well, many of our shorts come with a drawstring waist, so you can always cinch them a little snugger if need be. Most Louis Garneau and Sugoi shorts have drawcord waists. Sugoi is probably the better place to start, as the leg hole openings are typically less restrictive than LG, and pear-shaped women often have thicker thighs. The Evolution shorts are fantastic and really reasonably priced at $80.

I hope this info helps.

Susan

[Pedal Wench]

And this (Susan's post) is why we LOVE TE!!!

Edited to add: I have the Sheila Moon shorts, and I love them for long rides because of the lack of the waistband - they're super comfortable. In fact, I think I'll break them out for a long ride this weekend where they'll go under tights - I hate that double-waistband of shorts and tights.

[emily_in_nc]

Susan is the greatest!

I recently bought a pair of the Sugoi Lucky no-waistband shorts she mentions (from TE of course), and they are really cute and comfy. The chamois isn't overly thick, but nicely molded and shaped, and the fabric of the shorts themselves feels really soft and supple. The fabric is thinner than some of my other shorts, so I think they will be great for hot, summer rides.

I'm one of those who has narrow hips but not as small a waist as might be predicted for my hip size (I used to...but with age comes weight redistribution, it seems!), so Susan's post helped me see why some of my older shorts are too large on me and get wrinkled in the butt: I had been buying them based on my waist size rather than my hip size. I was getting frustrated with all my shorts seeming to be a bit too big in the butt and sometimes getting the chamois caught on the tip of the saddle, so ordered the Sugoi's in one size down, and they fit perfectly! So from now on, I'll always buy based on hip size, and I like the no-waistband design so there is no uncomfortable cutting in around the waist. They are plenty high in back, by the way.

Thanks Susan!

Emily

[Batbike]

I really appreciate her response! I went and looked at her recommendations and although I believe what she is saying, it is difficult for me to think I should order the smaller size short because of my hip size! I have always bought the larger size based on waist but it is really NOT working for me, so I will gladly take what she says to heart and order differently!!!

The whole process makes me nervous, because I won't be able to try anything on until after I buy it, but I will buy it from TE because I trust what they say and appreciate how they do business! Now ... what to order ??