Designing Women's Cycling Apparel

[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.

[katherine]

Realization #1: Mountain Bikers have a much easier time with fashion. MTB jerseys can have modern necklines, 3/4 sleeves, princess seams. The have shorts in plaid, with pockets, embroidery, hip-camouflaging constructions, various inseam lengths. They have *riding skirts*, heck I even own a mountain biking *dress*. I remember the woman leading my MTB tour who wore western style button-up blouses with baggy shorts, or a leopard print jersey with a swirly thigh-length skirt over her spandex; she totally changed my mind about what I could wear on the MTB.

Realization #2: women like to transition seamlessly between active lifestyles. We like prAna and Lululemon and TitleNine and travel dresses at REI. Sexy and sleek by exposing just the right amount of skin and no more. We can choose what skims and what ruffles, what lines to create, because we’ve watched too much “What Not To Wear” or whatever. Going to the gym no longer means boxy heather grey T-shirts and black leggings; we have *options*.

On mtn bikes and skorts:
I mtn bike in a purple skort from terry and love it.
But the problem with mtn bike shorts is very often, in my experience, that they are cut for a more boyish frame and I have hips, if the shorts fit my waist they won't go over my hips and if they fit my hips there's a huge gap at the waist. And I HATE an elastic waist, yuck.
I want as many options with my gear as I have in my regular clothing, and lots of pockets, those on baggy shorts should close with velcro.

[meemsie]

Wow...what a novel idea to find apparel that we love! I have decided it's pretty much impossible to find anything that fits my body. Which leads me down the road of "if there's nothing that fits me, maybe someone who looks like me shouldn't be doing this." Terrible stuff, that!

Anyway, if I could design cycling clothing, I would make a womens jersey that actually has space for breasts! There are thousands of great looking tops for women without them, but for those of us with big ones, there are none, and by the time the top is big enough in the chest, it's huge in the body. I like an ever-so-slightly loose top, as an elastic waist that rides up drives me nuts.

Someone mentioned shorts that don't dig in to the worst part of the thigh...YES! Spanx do just fine, so why can't cycling shorts? I also prefer a smaller chamois since some of them get so wide they do more harm than good.

As for the lady who wants leg warmers that look like fishnets, have you seen the awesome ones made by Epix Gear? www.epixgear.com. They are great! Garters and fishnets, and there is also a cute striped pair that I need for next winter, too. I love function with a sense of humor!

[NoNo]

Anyway, if I could design cycling clothing, I would make a womens jersey that actually has space for breasts! There are thousands of great looking tops for women without them, but for those of us with big ones, there are none, and by the time the top is big enough in the chest, it's huge in the body. I like an ever-so-slightly loose top, as an elastic waist that rides up drives me nuts.

Along those lines, how about assuming just because you're generally small-framed up top, it means you don't have breasts! I just bought a jersey, size small, that I could barely zip over my chest. And I'm not even that large on top. Why do I have to lose a close fit on the sides and in the waist just to accommodate my chest? Very frustrating.

It would be nice for us shorties if capris and knickers came in short lengths. I hate when a "capri" comes mid-calf or lower.

Just because I'm a girl, it doesn't need everything has to be pink or pastel. Just saying.

Plaid. I need more plaid!

[Susan Otcenas]

Plaid. I need more plaid!

Plaid!!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/search.ep?keyWords=plaid

[Susan Otcenas]

Someone mentioned shorts that don't dig in to the worst part of the thigh...YES! Spanx do just fine, so why can't cycling shorts? I also prefer a smaller chamois since some of them get so wide they do more harm than good.

28 different shorts, all without leg grippers. No leg grippers, no squeezy looks!

http://tinyurl.com/38b92rc

[Owlie]

I've never had a problem with leg grippers digging into my thighs. Quite the opposite, actually, while the rest of the short fits fine.

I really wish more jerseys had a zippered pocket so my ID and whatnot doesn't fly out. I only have one, my beloved Foska jersey, with the fourth zippered pocket in addition to the normal three on the back. The company says it's for beer tokens.

Apparently cycling gear is designed for stick people. I could stand to loose a few pounds, certainly, but jerseys generally fit fine or even loose through the waist. I have to go up a size to accomodate my boobs. And I'm a B-cup.

Collars. I like the ones like these. I don't like regular collars fully zipped. I feel slightly like I'm being choked.

[Zen]

A pants rise that covers my iliac crest.

[MommyBird]

A pants rise that covers my iliac crest.

Had to look that one up but I totally agree.
As a long waisted, narrowed hipped woman I have nothing to hold up the short-waisted shorts. Plus, I have a vertical c-section scar that I like to cover up. I am waiting for a two piece swimsuit with a high waist that isn't a total granny cut too.

[Susan Otcenas]

I've never had a problem with leg grippers digging into my thighs. Quite the opposite, actually, while the rest of the short fits fine.

In that case, you'll love Louis Garneau, Zoot, Tyr... Smaller than average leg hole openings. Our customer service staff is happy to make suggestions.

[grrrlpwr]

Is there a product that you wish existed for women who cycle?
I wish products like the Luna Pro line were more easliy available and more affordable

What specific changes could be made to existing products?
I REALLY like the gusset-less hems seen on pro wear. ie: no elastic on arm and leg hems but wide grippers.

What is your favorite brand and why?
No brand fits consistently or has the styling i desire. As a fifty-something, who still wants to look athletic. the super trim pro fit on jerseys is not flattering for 'real' women- who looks ok in these without being a super FIT tri athlete etc? I consider myself athletic am not overweight but simply not super lean, ie: slight love handles and midriff rolls- I have worn bibs (mens) which are great for trim look but expensive- I like long inseam shorts. at least 10". womens shorts tend to the shorter length which I HATE.
What is the piece of cycling clothing that makes you feel the best and why?
good fitting shorts. I'm really fond of my Scattante shorts from Performance bikes- they have the "power-band leg grippers. so great. nice length cool red, black and white panels. look pro

Any other suggestions are welcome!
colors EeeeGADS! NO more pastels and can we please lose the purple pink lavender, baby blue! stupid colors for road cycling at least here in California where the need to be visible is crucial! and I hate the floral feminine looks lovely on dresses NOT on a road bike. Just my 2 cents.

I know exactly what design and style would look great I just am not equipped as a seamstress to build an outfit. In fact does anyone know of a seamstress who could manage to sew a kit custom for me?

[Owlie]

In that case, you'll love Louis Garneau, Zoot, Tyr... Smaller than average leg hole openings. Our customer service staff is happy to make suggestions.

Thanks, Susan, thats' good to know. I've had good luck with the Sugoi Evolution shorts as well. I'm hoping it'll improve as I put a little more muscle bulk on my quads to make up for all the fat I've lost...

[Tand-Rand]

You may not be getting into chamois design but I have become very frustrated with the available options. I have a cut-out down the center of my saddle for a reason: I don't want pressure down the center of my crotch! But all the chamois for women seem to be designed so that there is a wad of padding right down the middle. This completely defeats the purpose of my cut-out. Some of the men's are minimized there but even the smallest sizes are too big for me. I've even tried modifying my chamois with scissors but that has created new problems because now they shift while I'm riding and trap sensitive tissues between the edges of the new openings and my saddle. Ouch! So if you get an opportunity to work on chamois design, take this into consideration.

BTW, if anyone knows of a chamois that meets my criterion, would you let me know? I am riding randonneurs so I spend many many hours in my saddle at once. I would love some relief. THANKS!

[kamkam]

First of all, this forum is wonderful - very insightful! Thank you!

Tand-Rand: Completely in agreement about chamois, not working on them now but that may be in the future!

After analyzing feedback from female riders, bike shop personnel, women on my weekly ride, and online forums, I have come up with the first piece of clothing/gear. It is a skirt that folds up into its own pocket (similar to those reusable grocery bags that fold up into a smaller bag) so it can be easily taken everywhere and stored in a jersey pocket. Originally it was going to be a pair of shorts with a zip-in skirt (like a zip-in hood on a jacket) but this way it can be used with all shorts if desired. It is very lightweight and compact.

The information I was able to collect was very surprising. Obviously women want to feel and look their best when cycling, and I learned that many do not feel comfortable walking around in lycra shorts when not on their bikes. This skirt is designed to be worn when going into restaurants or coffee shops and can also be used as a shield to change under after rides. The material is a lightweight water-resistant nylon. I also made versions in lycra and jersey but they were more bulky.

There is tons of potential for more fun and interesting cycling clothing for women! I love the idea of fishnet arm warmers. And better colors are also a must.

Any thoughts, comments, and recommendations would be awesome. a

More soon..