Cycling clothing just not a good look

[Jen12]

Today I was doing a large ride--they said about 3000 riders were registered. I was people watching when I finished and I reflected on the fact that cycling clothing is just not flattering for most body types. Unless you're very slender, it just doesn't work. I think men have it the worst. The tight pants show off everything and any man with a bit of a belly is...well...again, the jerseys are not forgiving. Then again, I can't feel too sorry for them because men have the advantage most of the time when it comes to clothing!

[VeganBikeChick]

I completely agree. That's one of the reasons why I don't wear cycling clothing. My lumps and bumps are definitely not esthetically pleasing when encased in spandex

[Crankin]

I think that it's more important that they are out there, riding, being healthy, and trying to be fit. Who cares? I've ridden with many, guys, especially, who look like you describe, and they are super strong, fit people. Cycling clothes are what you wear cycling, to be comfortable. Maybe I have a certain lack of modesty, but I never worried about what others thought about me in cycling clothes, even when I started and was a bit bigger. And as far as cycling shorts "showing everything," well, they are men, and we all know what parts they have.

[Eden]

+1 Crankin. I don't get out there on my bike to care who looks at me... I do it to train, compete and stay fit. If you don't like my lumps and bumps don't look.

[jessmarimba]

Took me awhile to get used to it, but I think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now

[tangentgirl]

took me awhile to get used to it, but i think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now

+1.

[Crankin]

Well, I think cycling clothes are stylish for cycling. It seems as if I spend more $ on athletic apparel of all types, as opposed to my regular clothes, so whoever is marketing this stuff, it's working with me .

[Owlie]

Took me awhile to get used to it, but I think guys in bike clothes are pretty sexy now

+1

I have a bit of a belly, but I will quite happily wear lycra. Black is slimming. I got used to it, though I won't wear the skin-tight jerseys. (Someone in my university's cycling club mixed up my order and got me a "race cut"...I don't wear it very often!)

[bmccasland]

I didn't worry too much about the "scenery" when I was drafting behind a big guy on a long ride. Usually that rider could ride circles around me. Sometimes they tease me about being "little" when it was my turn to pull - I'm not skinny.

There are some people who shouldn't be seen in spandex - they're usually the ones not on a bike route. If they're on a bike - Go rider go!

[Jen12]

I think that it's more important that they are out there, riding, being healthy, and trying to be fit. Who cares? I've ridden with many, guys, especially, who look like you describe, and they are super strong, fit people. Cycling clothes are what you wear cycling, to be comfortable. Maybe I have a certain lack of modesty, but I never worried about what others thought about me in cycling clothes, even when I started and was a bit bigger. And as far as cycling shorts "showing everything," well, they are men, and we all know what parts they have.

I'm not criticizing the people by any means. I was just making a comment about the clothing being functional as opposed to stylish. Bowling and weighlifting shoes are equally as unflattering. It is what it is.