Clothing RANT

[alpinerabbit]

PI Amfibs is what I wear running and XC skiing (the 2x I did it I was fine)

[VeloVT]

In addition to Sporthill (a great suggestion), check out:

--Hind
--Craft
--Swix (yes, the wax co makes xc clothing, too).
--Patagonia

I have tapered, fairly traditional rise, semi-fitted pants in a variety of weights from both Craft and Hind, some with zippered pockets. Not super stylish but very functional.

It would also be worth checking out both the Title Nine website and the Athleta website, I think I've seen traditional tapered "track pant" style pants at both.

Some stuff here too:
http://www.newmoonski.com/

[OakLeaf]

It would also be worth checking out both the Title Nine website and the Athleta website,

And I LOVE Athleta's rise rating system! Wish everyone used it.

[Crankin]

I love Athleta because they make almost every pant style in petite sizes. Ones that actually have a 28-29 inch inseam.
But I like the low rise...

[roadie gal]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

It was actually going to the Patagonia outlet that inspired this rant. They used to make quality outdoor clothing for men AND WOMEN. But now their women's clothing seems to be less functional and more "stylish" and I mean that in the worst sense of the word.

[skhill]

it's the preference for fashion over function in the women's fashion industry that really gets to me... I went shopping for jeans yesterday (none of last winter's clothes fit now, and it's starting to get cold!). Tried on about 12 pairs. Bought nothing. All I want is jeans that fit reasonably well-- small enough at the waist that a belt isn't an absolute necessity and big enough through the thighs to accomodate the muscles all those hours on the bike have brought. Oh, and that have functional pockets and are well constructed. But in my size, jeans are trendy junk for women without muscles.... ARGGGG!!!!!!! I wish I were a few inches shorter and could shop in the boys department.....

end of rant...

[emily_in_nc]

skhill, I don't know what size you are, but I have recently found Talbot's jeans to fit very well. They're attractive, well made, fashionable without being overly trendy, and have moderate cuts (not too low and not "Mom jeans" either!) They have good sales too!

This spring I bought two pairs at full price (which I rarely do) in the store because I was so delighted at the way they fit and looked. I have gotten compliments on these jeans unlike any other jeans I've ever worn, interestingly, and they've held up great to multiple washings. YMMV, of course, but they do have a wide size range (petites, regular, women's, women's petites - not sure about talls, though) and are not extreme in any way.

I share your frustration with jeans buying since I find that a lot of petites are just a smidge too short for me now that boot-cuts are so popular and need to be a bit longer, but regulars are always too long, and I refuse to hem jeans! Talbots Petites are 29" inseams so are perfect on me. I've also had decent luck with Lands End, which hems for free. I can't buy from LL Bean as their petite jeans are just a smidge too short for my inseam.

Good luck in your quest!

[Miranda]

PI Amfibs is what I wear running and XC skiing (the 2x I did it I was fine)

I bought those last year luckily on sale somewhere in my size at season's end. I just took them out today on the bike. Oh my, what a nice tight! I plan on using them post bike this winter in snow for xc ski and snow shoeing. The fabric is awesome.