Designing Women's Cycling Apparel

[Eden]

You'll find a lot of widely varying opinions here....

I'm pretty much totally opposite your first poster.

My fav is Canari - mainly because few other mfg's make stuff that fits me right.

Jerseys - I prefer race cut (close fitting) with good gripper elastic at the waist and sleeves (I want my arm warmers to stay put!). I love Canari's long sleeve winter weight jerseys - they are very close fitting, on the outside the fabric is very smooth, on the inside they are slightly fleecy. Jerseys must have easily accessed pockets - at least 2 preferably 3 - no zippers for me thanks.

Shorts - good leg grippers (again I want my leg warmers to stay put) - no low cut waist!! I don't want to show belly button when I stand up thanks. Medium length - I think I like a 7 or 8 inch inseam. Too long and they come way down almost to my knees to short the end of the leg might rub the saddle.

Designs - at this point I only wear team kit, but before I had preference for jerseys with random/abstract patterns. I don't care for solids at all.

I don't think there really is much out there for guys that isn't made for women.... the only seemingly deficient area is maybe bib shorts? I've never really worn them because our team orders always seem to be men's sizing for bibs and I'm just too small to even try them.

[Becky]

How about jerseys that come in different "bust cuts" (for lack of a better term)? I need a small to properly fit my shoulders, but a medium to fit my bust. I would love to find a cycling jersey that fits all of me, not just one part or another!

I like half gripper elastic in the hem, like some of my Pearl Izumi jerseys have. For me, full elastic rides up all the time, and no elastic rides up and twists when the pockets are full.

[lo123]

#1 - fit. I have an hourglass shape, and finding jerseys to fit is a real nightmare. To get them to fit my bust and hips, I have to order a size up usually. Then it's all flapping around my waist. A 'curvy' line would be nice. I have a Cannondale jersey I got off nashbar for cheap that I LOVE. it's a smooth, silky fabric (I'm a tactile person and love anything soft and smooth--no texture please) and it fits almost perfectly.

Jerseys must have easily accessed pockets - at least 2 preferably 3

++ I can take or leave zippered pockets.

Also, I want legwarmers that look like fishnets. But I'm probably the only one.

I would totally rock that look! Want!


Elastic on arm bands drives me batty. My arms are much bigger proportionally to the rest of me. I've got one that feels like it's cutting off my circulation! If you must have elastic arm bands, why not make it adjustable?

[ny biker]

#1 - fit. I have an hourglass shape, and finding jerseys to fit is a real nightmare. To get them to fit my bust and hips, I have to order a size up usually. Then it's all flapping around my waist. A 'curvy' line would be nice.

And on me, an hourglass shape looks ridiculous. I have broad shoulders and a flat chest. Last year I bought a Shebeest jersey that fits except the boob area is too big. It screams "I am too flat to fill this out."

Honestly I think every body is so different it would be impossible to make enough different cuts to fit everyone.

Personally I am most interested in being comfortable. That Shebeest jersey is made from good technical fabric and is practical so I overlook the fact that is does not fit perfectly.

I want to be comfortable on long rides on hot, humid days. I need at least one pocket in back of my jersey.

I want Shebeest to go back to making their old century chamois.

I want orange socks.