Performance-style jersey for a tall, skinny gal. Any ideas?!?

[Aimeego]

So, I have desperately been trying to find a performance/ race-cut jersey but they ALL seem to fit me huge! I am 5'7'', 115 pounds and have a tiny bust and waist. I've tried buying Castelli and Nike's "Small" jerseys but they make me look like I'm swimming in fabric! Any other tall, skinny gals (or friends of tall, skinny gals ) out there that could offer any help on which brands to use? Money isn't much of an object (I do draw the line at Assos, $270) so I'm opened to any ideas!

In advanced, thanks for all your help, ladies!

-Aimee G.

[VeloVT]

Well, in my experience Giordana tends to run a little smaller than other brands, but also tends to be a little shortwaisted for me (I'm 5'6"). I've been told that Exte Ondo runs a little small in their jerseys??? Maybe someone who has actually tried them can confirm this? I recall reading that they are at least medium length also, not short... so maybe that would be worth looking into (they are very pretty too!). But I haven't been inclined to cough up quite that much for a jersey yet so I have no personal experience.

Is the Castelli you've tried from their 2008 line? They have supposedly made their sizes larger for 2008 -- so you might have more luck if you can find something from 2006 or 2007 on closeout? Though even this may be too big for you -- I am 5'6" and between 120 and 125 (flat chested), and Castelli smalls from 2006/2007 seasons fit me perfectly. I'm afraid their new sizes will be too big for me.

Oh!!! Try Gore, perhaps? My Gore jerseys have plenty of length. You will probably need an XS though, since small fits me well and I'm heavier/shorter than you. Not sure if they make XS? I have also been extremely impressed with Gore's attention to detail. The cuts are excellent, the jerseys are finished beautifully, and the fabrics are nice too.

Good luck. I hope this ramble has been at least a little helpful (though I fear it may not have been ).

[Tokie]

I am petite, and find that the Terry jeseys come pretty small, but too long on me. I always have to roll up the sleeves - I am only 5'1" (104 lbs with 33.5 bust, and I wear their small, not x-small) The Hincapie product line is supposed to run quite small, and I think TE, Terry, and Hincapie all would have customer service during business hours so you could talk to a real person for advice. TE is great, they will run into the stock area, pull out your size and measure it with a tape measure for you - hard to find that kind of personal service anywhere else! My 5'9" girlfriend who weighs 120 has a nice ( short sleeved)Capo Forma jersey that fits her quite nicely. I think the European manufacturers do make things for skinnier cyclists! good luck! Tokie

[Kano]

Well, this brings up a question I have:

How are jerseys SUPPOSED to fit? I tried on a cool Giordiana at Sierra Trading Post the other night, and it was way too small in Large, kind of compression-short tight! (sure wish they'd had an XL to try!) The Cannondale I tried in M was way baggy.

Should they fit mostly like skin, or should there be an air layer between me and it? (and if air, how much air?)

And how long should they be?

(I'm new to buying REAL jerseys. Love the idea of those back pockets!)

Karen in Boise

[Tokie]

I like my jerseys to be "close fitting" Mainly because you don't want the fabric flapping when you ride. The sleeves ( on short sleeved jerseys) should fit your upper arm closely, but not be digging in. The length should come down long enough to keep the top of your shorts covered when you are in the drops. Sometimes clothing ends up at STP because the sizing was just not quite right! Also, some jersey lines come in a close fit and in a looser fit (presumably for those who have more to hide) Look online at photos of women pro racers to see how they wear their clothes. Then see what you like on yourself! Tokie

[Aimeego]

WOW! So much great help from everyone! I went on vacation the day after I posted so I'm sorry I couldn't thank you all for your awesome help sooner.
I think I'm definitely going stick to the European manufacturers like you ladies recommended. I'm looking into the Etxe Ondo Dibu jersey from TE right now. It seems like it'll fit like a glove. I'll let you all know how it goes once it comes in! Thanks again, ya'll

-Aimee G.