Designing Women's Cycling Apparel

[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.

[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...

[Zen]

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!

WHOA!

I LOVE those!

[radicalrye]

I second the no elastic at the bottom statement. Twin Six has figured that out with their women's jerseys.

I have the boob issue as well. I should be wearing M/L but I'm stuck wearing XL or in a men's jersey I wear a L because of my 36c bra size. It's very aggravating shopping when something that would look cute looks trashy because you're cleavage is hanging out.

As far a cycling clothes go I just want something not super girly. I kind of can't praise Twin Six enough because they cater to that stylish, yet not uber girly clothing I like.

The chamois issue is something that cycling companies need to work on as well. There's nothing worse then going on a 50 mile ride and feeling like you're wearing a big sweaty chamois cream filled diaper. I know things seem to be progressing as more and more women are involved with the industry, but it could still use some changes.