Jersey/Shorts Fit Question

[surgtech1956]

I've never work a cycling jersey or shorts before. I read that you should buy the smallest size shorts you can fit into, is this correct? What about jerseys, should they be snug, a little loose? What about wearing men's cycling jerseys/shorts? I don't like alot of womens shirts because they are too short(maybe its just me?). Thanks

[OakLeaf]

I've had shorts that were too small. You don't want the chamois to be taut - that will chafe just as much as shorts that are too big.

They should fit like a second skin. Like pantyhose. Some women get along fine with men's shorts - if you can wear men's jeans, then men's cycling shorts will probably fit you fine, and vice versa. Personally I'm not even CLOSE to being that shape.

How snug you like your jersey is more personal preference. They'll flap if they're too loose (all over or just in places), but some people prefer that to a snugger fit. Different brands are different lengths, so you should be able to find a woman's jersey that fits you if you want one. PI jerseys seem to be extra short, but I don't really know which brands are extra long.

[kermit]

You'll find a pair of shorts you love, everybody's different, take a look at the thread on favorite shorts. As far as wearing mens stuff, I don't know if I'd wear mens chamois they are cut differently. I have found success with men's jerseys, specifically Cannondale, nice and long and fit well. Good luck.

[zoom-zoom]

PI jerseys seem to be extra short, but I don't really know which brands are extra long.

Except for that one cheap PI jersey I have that is so long that it hangs nearly to the middle of my butt and catches on my saddle when I get back up from a stop--and I am long-torso'd. the rest of my PI jerseys are a lot shorter, though. I think my shortest jersey is a Louis Garneau...which is odd, since I swear I'd heart that theirs tend to run long.