Question I hate to ask...

[OakLeaf]

I agree that it's just part of it, and not the most pleasant part by any means. The thing about cycling is that you're breathing from the belly and NOT using the abs for rotation the way you do with running or swimming - on the bike, your abs are pretty much completely relaxed, and that's not necessarily the prettiest sight from the side. Look at pictures of the pros some time. Body fat around 12% (women), and their bellies are still sticking out, because that's where their diaphragms are.

I think the bottom line is that you need to understand that you, looking at your pictures, are the only one looking at your belly from that angle. Everyone else is admiring your powerful legs.

[redrhodie]

Design wise, look for solid colors, or designs with a more vertical print. Horizontals emphasize width. Avoid elastics on the bottom of jerseys. A lot of the jerseys on TE have a contrasting color or print on the sides, and that kind of design is very slimming.

I think most everyone feels self conscious in cycling clothes. There's no where to hide, and a lot of the things that make our rides more comfortable are not very flattering. Who looks good in a padded chamois, I ask?