Bike Short SIZING -- it is confusing!

[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.