Designing Women's Cycling Apparel

[Eden]

[url]
I'm probably not typical --many women of my weight /bone frame, enjoy wearing tight upper body clothing fit for exercise/fitness purposes. I don't. I end up thinking too much about how I look/feel self-conscious instead of focusing /enjoying the bike ride/yoga etc. That is the last thing I want to do while engaging in some sort of exercise.

I don't like a close fit jersey because I'm vain..... I don't like the feel of the material flapping all around.... remember too that I'm not a casual rider, I race and ride hard. I'm looking for clothing that does its job and stays put without bunching or binding anywhere. Some of the best feeling clothing is certainly not the most flattering..... Skin suits for TT's feel terrific - not particularly flattering even if you do have a decent body...

[Biciclista]

yes, pockets in shorts, skorts, knickers...

If i decide i want to go for a ride (go to the store for example) if i wear bike shorts, it means i need a bike jersey too or I have no pockets.
Come on, just little pockets even?

I'd love to see knickers more designed like old fashioned men's knickers but still with the chamois in them (for under $150.!!)

[Eden]

If i decide i want to go for a ride (go to the store for example) if i wear bike shorts, it means i need a bike jersey too or I have no pockets.
Come on, just little pockets even?

I prefer chamoisless tights (I like to wear tights over shorts rather than dedicated tights), so I usually buy tights made for other sports. I have a really nice pair of Pear Izumi running tights that have a little zippered pocket right about at the tailbone. I've never put anything in it (its big enough to carry some cash, maybe a small phone), but I could and it wouldn't get in the way cycling at all.

[Biciclista]

i don't wear tights when it's warmer, so i'm still stuck with the same problem.

[Eden]

Ah, but if the intrepid designer is listening, that type of pocket might be practical (unlike one at the front or on the leg) and handy. A patch pocket on the front might work on knickers, but seems uncomfortable sounding for shorts.

[redrhodie]

yes, pockets in shorts, skorts, knickers...

If i decide i want to go for a ride (go to the store for example) if i wear bike shorts, it means i need a bike jersey too or I have no pockets.
Come on, just little pockets even?

Ta-da! A pocket!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_TOZONB.html

[Kiwi Stoker]

A way to make a leg gripper that doesn't squeeze your leg into a sausage (ladies suck-it-in underwear can do this, why not shorts?)

A cycle tank top that doesn't have a Y-back so you don't have to show off your normal strapped sports bra and has back pockets.

[Crankin]

Well, like Eden, I love form fitting jerseys, or at least ones that are not loose and flapping. And I am not a racer, just feel that it's more flattering. But, I abhor the elastic on the bottom. Really. It just makes the jersey ride up my back and stomach. I would have to buy a jersey a size too big to get the elastic to stay down. I weigh l07 and my hips are not huge, either, just bigger than my waist.
I think elastic only works if you have a rather narrow/angular build all the way down.
I like low rise cycling shorts, too. Stuff around my waist just annoys me. But the style has to be higher up in the back, so no crack shows.
I wear all kinds of jerseys: short sleeved, sleeveless, long sleeved, and tanks. Most of the tanks I wear have a shelf bra, which is fine for a small busted person like me, but I would really like it if some of those shelf bras came with some padding, because when you sweat, everything shows through. I don't need the support, but I really like those "Handful" bras I bought here on TE, that have removable pads.
I have a pair of tights that are chamois-less and wear them over my shorts in cold weather. I bought a pair of tights w/ a chamois from someone here on TE; I hate them!
I would like to see more lightweight, thermal/wind proof, full zip "team kit" looking jerseys for regular people to wear in the colder weather. There are very few options here for women. My DH has several and can wear these with a base layer, when I have to wear a jacket, etc.

[shootingstar]

I would have to buy a jersey a size too big to get the elastic to stay down. I weigh l07 and my hips are not huge, either, just bigger than my waist.
I think elastic only works if you have a rather narrow/angular build all the way down

I have a narrow upper body profile and it still doesn't look good to have elastic at jersey hem. The photo link I gave earlier in this thread is an example of a Canari jersey with elastic at bottom. And jersey is not flapping loose but not tight across my whole upper body which I would dislike.

I'm just giving an example myself as a slim woman who doesn't need to have tighter tops. But one who genuinely rides alot everywhere and does ride for fitness also. (Sorry, Eden to sound so annoyed earlier.)

And no elastics around short sleeve arm hems. And I have thin arms. They ride up my arms and seam starts chafing.

Perhaps the lack of pockets for women's cycling clothing might be subconsciously related to real off-bike street/dressier fashion, where many styles don't have pockets, because it might considered less aesthetic.

What we're asking is that on the bike, a bit more functionality for clothing is required to make the clothes work when we're on bike /using our bike around the city.

[skhill]

I just want a jersey that actually fits properly. I have big shoulders but I'm small at the waist and hips; and so my choices are to go up to a medium (or even large) to fit my shoulders, and then have it be huge everywhere else, or go for a small and not be able to move my arms...

I don't expect street clothes to fit my athletic frame well, but why ever shouldn't athletic gear be out there for women who have a muscular, athletic build? (grumble grumble...)

[zoom-zoom]

Ta-da! A pocket!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_TOZONB.html

Also these:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_0469.html
And TE doesn't carry them, but the PI Cut Symphony short also has a nice little pocket...above the right butt cheek, I think. Just the right size for keys and a gel or a few bucks. I love those shorts.