Summer wear for the sun-challenged

[Yen]

I'm starting to look for something to wear on my lower half that will keep me cool on the hotter summer days. We just started riding again last year after a many-year layoff and I bought some Champion loose-fitting capri pants at Target that served me well last year. I could wear them again this year...... but I thought I might invest in a pair of real bike pants/shorts/whatever if I can find something I like.

I'm fair-skinned (and 52) and really don't want to bother putting sunscreen all over legs every time we go out, so I'm considering padded capris.

I like these

and these

and these .

I don't know if I'm ready for the tight lycra look yet... but I want to stay cool and protect my skin.

Aside from longer pants, what do you wear for sunscreen that works and doesn't look like you painted your skin white?

[KnottedYet]

I have a pair of the PI Urban capris, and really like them. I've got wide hips and a very narrow waist, but they fit pretty well. A belt (they have belt loops) keeps things where they belong. When I bought them they didn't come with a liner, and I'm not fond of padding anyway, but if I need padding I wear regular bike shorts under them.

Sunscreen-wise, I like to wear any SPF 30 or so with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Some will make you look pasty, but others won't. (Dermatone is a good one that doesn't look too floury.) Kid's sunscreens are usually pretty good. TE sells some nice ones that don't wash off. http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=75

[Alex]

I really like Rocky Mountain Sunscreen. It's white when you put it on, but then it disappears into your skin.

http://urlite.com/4903/

And, yeah, we really do buy it by the gallon....

Alex

[crazycanuck]

I don't have this particular shirt but have seen quite a few folks down this way with one whilst cycling. GE stuff's pretty cool.

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/produc...il-STA-WOM.htm

There are two men's ones that might suit your needs..

[Dianyla]

Two thumbs up. One for the Sugoi Bravo Capri, and the other for the PI Urban Capri.

Both of these are in featherlight breathable stretchy fabric that feel great on my legs even when I'm hot and prickly sweaty. I find the PI capris to be a little more flattering on my bodyshape, and love the outer thigh pockets. The only trouble with the PI capris is that the dark black color really heats up. I've got the Sugoi capris in a light grey color from a few years ago, and they're absolutely great in the hot summer sun.

[tulip]

You'll still need sunscreen on your exposed parts--lower legs, hands/arms, face, neck (especially back of nec), EARS!!

There are great, non-greasy sunscreens that don't look like a lifeguard's zinc-oxide nose. But the whole point is to keep your skin from getting damaged, so don't ignore sunscreen.

Thanks for giving the links to the PI Urban capris. I'm going to Europe this spring with my bike, and those would be great to have. TE, here I come!

[Yen]

Thanks for the thumbs up on these pants.

Those of you who have either of the pants -- is the padding substantial? I like my padded liners and would prefer to have padding inside pants instead of wearing two layers on a hot day. I'm wondering if the padding in either of these pants is enough.

Thanks also for the additional links and advice.

Jen

[Dianyla]

I never used the liner shorts that came with the PIs. I don't remember the Sugoi coming with anything. I'm fairly picky about my shorts and chamois, so I never even bothered with them. *shrug*

Worn over bike shorts or mesh liner shorts (I like these Sugoi Ricaro liners) they are fairly comfortable even in hot weather.

[Starfish]

I don't have this particular shirt but have seen quite a few folks down this way with one whilst cycling. GE stuff's pretty cool.

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/produc...il-STA-WOM.htm

There are two men's ones that might suit your needs..

That top also looks like it will work for something I had asked about on another thread...a really hi-viz long sleeved jersey. This comes in several colors, but the cut also looks very nice. (And affordable.) Think I'm going to have to order!

[evangundy]

TE has Canari Summerweight SPF jerseys - this one is very hi-vis :-)
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=32684

Edna

[Yen]

TE has Canari Summerweight SPF jerseys - this one is very hi-vis :-)
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=32684

Edna

I saw those while they were on sale last week... actually, I like the pink one!

[KnottedYet]

I waaaaaant this! http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=32684

[iowagrad]

... what do you wear for sunscreen that works and doesn't look like you painted your skin white?

I'm a blue-eyed redhead, which basically means that I burn just thinking about the sun's glorious rays. If I'm going to be in the sun for more than an hour, I use SPF 50 or greater (less than an hour, and I can usually not burn with SPF 30, depending on the time of day). I love REI brand sunscreen, but it's a bit pricey, especially considering that I simply cannot go in there without coming out with about 32 things that weren't on my list. It's not super greasy, and it's pretty good at staying on. Otherwise, I use good old Coppertone Sport and reapply every 60-90 minutes, depending on sunniness, sweatiness, etc. I usually wipe down with a wet wipe before reapplying - allows the sunscreen to get into the skin, rather than sit on top of a layer of grime. At the end of the day, I'm still slightly pink, but it fades overnight, and I'm ready for the next day of riding with a few extra freckles.

[Yen]

I'm a blue-eyed redhead, which basically means that I burn just thinking about the sun's glorious rays. If I'm going to be in the sun for more than an hour, I use SPF 50 or greater (less than an hour, and I can usually not burn with SPF 30, depending on the time of day). I love REI brand sunscreen, but it's a bit pricey, especially considering that I simply cannot go in there without coming out with about 32 things that weren't on my list. It's not super greasy, and it's pretty good at staying on. Otherwise, I use good old Coppertone Sport and reapply every 60-90 minutes, depending on sunniness, sweatiness, etc. I usually wipe down with a wet wipe before reapplying - allows the sunscreen to get into the skin, rather than sit on top of a layer of grime. At the end of the day, I'm still slightly pink, but it fades overnight, and I'm ready for the next day of riding with a few extra freckles.

Thanks for the cute testimonial. I have your hair, but my eyes are green. I'm able to tan but I got too much sun while I was young (beach, parents' pool, taught swimming outdoors for a whole summer ...) that I try to avoid it altogether now. I just want to be out as long as I want without having to run for cover and since I haven't sun-bathed for years, my legs and arms are white. I had my first skin cancer (basal cell) removed last year, so I have to be very careful now.

And, this goes for anyone -- not just redheads! Fortunately, they're no longer picking on redheads as the group most at risk for skin cancer. Now, they usually say "freckles and blue eyes", which can be any hair color. Fair-skinned is fair-skinned..... also having red hair doesn't raise the risk any higher.

[KnottedYet]

Red hair, freckles, green eyes.

Malignant melanoma.

First doc I went to said I was too young to have skin cancer and refused to do anything about my funny mole. Told me I was too stressed and said I must be picking at it because of stress. (far as I knew I didn't mess with it at all, but the doc must be right, right?)

Second doc, much later, saved my life.

Sunscreen and protective clothing is nice, but get an annual skin check (ALL of your skin!) too.