Hi! and Question about Bike Shorts "au natural"

[anne_77]

I measured by hips and waist to try to figure out what sizes to order. But they're never in the same category (I guess I have too much blubber around my middle). Should I go by my hip or waist measurement when determining my size?

I've also noticed a lot of people commenting on how sheer some riding shorts are. I'm terrified of the idea of someone being able to see through my pants. Any tips on which brands to avoid?

[Trekhawk]

I measured by hips and waist to try to figure out what sizes to order. But they're never in the same category (I guess I have too much blubber around my middle). Should I go by my hip or waist measurement when determining my size?
I've also noticed a lot of people commenting on how sheer some riding shorts are. I'm terrified of the idea of someone being able to see through my pants. Any tips on which brands to avoid?

ann_77 - is there any bike shops near you that you can go to and try some shorts on? This way you can try a few different brands and a few different sizes. You can still order off the net if you find them cheaper but at least you will know exactly what size is best for you.

I wear Sugoi flex and I dont think they are too sheer. Mind I ride on my own and cant see my own behind but I havent had any leers or nasty comments. Also I dont think my husband would be letting me out of the house if they were indecent.

[CorsairMac]

it's usually the older, washed-n-worn quite a bit, or the lighter weight shorts that get sheer. Stick with 6-8 oz shorts, they're much denser.

and I wear mine au naturale too, I don't use Chamois Creme and I've never had problems except with cheap shorts.

Right now I"m wearing Sugoi (which I just tried for the first time and LOVE), Performance Centurys and I've got some Terrys to try.

[Nanci]

Hi Anne,

I go by my hip size, since until recently my waist size was almost the same, and of course no size chart reflects that. Luckily, bike shorts stretch.

Trashy Cat Sunflower shorts are too sheer for you. Trashy Cat Black Satin shorts, my new favorite, are not too sheer. Primal shorts are a _very_ thick (in a nice way) lycra- they used to be my favorites. They come _way_ up the back, and quite a way up the front, so you may or may not like them because of that.

PS, I am the only person in the world who unrepentantly wears panties under some of my bike shorts. (Nice, technical, seamless panties, like Patagonia) I wear the TC Sunflowers without, _because_ they are so sheer, I don't want obvious underwear. I wear the TC Black Satins without, because they are comfortable. I have a pair of triathlon-specific shorts, though, that I have to wear panties with, because, and no one tells you this, if you have a fat belly, and you don't wear panties, in certain shorts, your belly and thighs can touch each other while pedaling, which is VERY distracting. They like cling to each other. Ok, gross but true!

Have fun shopping!

Nanci

[anne_77]

You crack me up. Thank you so much for the advice.

[anne_77]

Trekhawk - there is a bike shop in town but its attention to female customer is minimal. (For instance, they only carry men's bikes, no wsd, and all the employees are men.) I have a pair of Trek shorts I got there - they're comfortable but very bulky and the shop doesn't carry any other brands. I order most of my clothing over the internet because I'm about two hours from a city.

[bcipam]

Terrybicycles.com

Makes great bike shorts. My all around favorite and made with women in mind.