Clothing question (please no judgement) LOL
#1
Very Slow Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: E Wa
Posts: 1,274
Bikes: Jones Plus LWB, 1983 Centurion Japanese CrMo bike
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 132 Times
in
101 Posts
Clothing question (please no judgement) LOL
Cycling bibs and shorts are expensive and it seems like good deals can be had on used ones which are nearly new - makes sense, people get in and out of the sport all the time.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
#2
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,134
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 800 Times
in
390 Posts
Shape of chamois is different for sure (think women's vs men's saddle). I'm sure they're cut differently as well, though how that would impact fit would largely depend on your body type. But hey, if you can find 'em on the cheap, give it a shot. Who knows?
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
Likes For Fahrenheit531:
#3
Full Member
Cycling bibs and shorts are expensive and it seems like good deals can be had on used ones which are nearly new - makes sense, people get in and out of the sport all the time.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Likes For RiceAWay:
Likes For Elvo:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 356
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 325 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 109 Times
in
72 Posts
No need to be embarrassed to ask. If the price is right and the clothes fit, it makes a lot of sense. I doubt anyone would ever notice you were wearing women's cycling shorts, but the length could be a giveaway.
Likes For BoraxKid:
#7
Very Slow Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: E Wa
Posts: 1,274
Bikes: Jones Plus LWB, 1983 Centurion Japanese CrMo bike
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 132 Times
in
101 Posts
My wife's cycling shorts have a differently shaped chamois than any of my cycling shorts; this is true for any brands that we compare. The panels that comprise the legs and seat also seem to be differently shaped on her shorts c.f. my shorts. And in general, her shorts tend to be shorter than mine, but that's true not just of cycling shorts: all of her casual wear shorts are at least a couple inches shorter than mine.
No need to be embarrassed to ask. If the price is right and the clothes fit, it makes a lot of sense. I doubt anyone would ever notice you were wearing women's cycling shorts, but the length could be a giveaway.
No need to be embarrassed to ask. If the price is right and the clothes fit, it makes a lot of sense. I doubt anyone would ever notice you were wearing women's cycling shorts, but the length could be a giveaway.
#8
Very Slow Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: E Wa
Posts: 1,274
Bikes: Jones Plus LWB, 1983 Centurion Japanese CrMo bike
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 132 Times
in
101 Posts
So big thanks to everyone who replied - my wife doesn't cycle so I have not comparison to draw from.
Thanks for keeping the convo performance/fit oriented too! I never want to take corporations at their word when they say something is specific in some way or another, could be legit, could be a gimmick!
Thanks for keeping the convo performance/fit oriented too! I never want to take corporations at their word when they say something is specific in some way or another, could be legit, could be a gimmick!
#9
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,394
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10894 Post(s)
Liked 4,560 Times
in
2,090 Posts
My wife and I are close in size and chamois-less clothes like tights can sometimes be interchanged but we've never been able to trade shorts with a pad.
__________________
Keep the chain tight!
#10
Senior Member
So, you do wear all other types of women's clothing? Interesting.
To the OP, you don't really need the Lycra, padded shorts and jerseys with pockets in the back. I wear Columbia loose shorts (had mesh liner which I removed) over compression boxers, no padding. I wear dri-tech wicking shirts, many from Walmart, etc.
To the OP, you don't really need the Lycra, padded shorts and jerseys with pockets in the back. I wear Columbia loose shorts (had mesh liner which I removed) over compression boxers, no padding. I wear dri-tech wicking shirts, many from Walmart, etc.
#11
Very Slow Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: E Wa
Posts: 1,274
Bikes: Jones Plus LWB, 1983 Centurion Japanese CrMo bike
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 132 Times
in
101 Posts
So, you do wear all other types of women's clothing? Interesting.
To the OP, you don't really need the Lycra, padded shorts and jerseys with pockets in the back. I wear Columbia loose shorts (had mesh liner which I removed) over compression boxers, no padding. I wear dri-tech wicking shirts, many from Walmart, etc.
To the OP, you don't really need the Lycra, padded shorts and jerseys with pockets in the back. I wear Columbia loose shorts (had mesh liner which I removed) over compression boxers, no padding. I wear dri-tech wicking shirts, many from Walmart, etc.
The only thing I like to wear that's Lycra is bibs/shorts. I usually wear some sort of dri-fit material tee in hot weather (like the ones they giveaway in 5k races), I also have some short sleeve plaid shirts that work well. I used to wear shorts over my bibs but quit that for the most part because it's just one more thing to haul around. I do enjoy riding with a chamois with my type of saddle but I do have another bike that will be better for any type of clothing. I don't take myself too seriously, I usually wear socks with astronauts or eggs and toast, etc. I don't care about aero or speed, pretty much just comfort. In the winter I wear Lycra leggings with some sort of 1/4 zip pullover and, if wet, a waterproof shell. Always gloves. Never not gloves. I wear gloves on rides even if I wear no helmet (which is fairly rare but does happen from time to time)
Right now, I am riding every AM with just one set of bibs so it's a lot of washing and drying so I have been on the lookout for Lycra shorts with chamois or similar bibs.
Last edited by davei1980; 08-26-20 at 11:56 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,291
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,910 Times
in
1,884 Posts
jerseys that are ordered in "mens xxl" from amazon that end up being wayyy undersized for actual fit are mislabeled "ladys xxl". Thats all I can offer.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
Likes For Troul:
#13
Senior Member
Cycling bibs and shorts are expensive and it seems like good deals can be had on used ones which are nearly new - makes sense, people get in and out of the sport all the time.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Likes For Mulberry20:
#14
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,461
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,317 Times
in
2,702 Posts
I don't know what kind of market you are in that has used bibs but I'd like to direct you to these from Wiggle https://www.wiggle.com/dhb-classic-bib-shorts-1 I can't imagine you could find anything used substantially cheaper and I've found these to be comfortable and long wearing. At this price there's no need to screw around with make-do stuff from Walmart or someone else's cooties and shart striped chamois. True to size, IME.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,343
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 680 Post(s)
Liked 946 Times
in
553 Posts
I buy used jerseys off of ebay all the time. 15.00 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hincapie-Wo...72.m2749.l2649
Likes For fooferdoggie:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,689
Bikes: Giant Propel, Cannondale SuperX, Univega Alpina Ultima
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 672 Post(s)
Liked 413 Times
in
246 Posts
The chamois is a BIG and important difference.
Beyond that, good brands will take into account the different waist/hip/thigh proportions of men and women in their sizing. I bought a pair of women's tights (no chamois, big discount) a few winters ago, figuring that it was all spandex, they'd simply stretch to fit. Two rides later I gave them to a woman I know, because I got tired of them sliding down due to my lack of hips and thin (relative to a woman my height) legs.
You can probably live with jerseys that are a little tight/loose, but bibs and tights really do need to fit right to be comfortable.
BB
Beyond that, good brands will take into account the different waist/hip/thigh proportions of men and women in their sizing. I bought a pair of women's tights (no chamois, big discount) a few winters ago, figuring that it was all spandex, they'd simply stretch to fit. Two rides later I gave them to a woman I know, because I got tired of them sliding down due to my lack of hips and thin (relative to a woman my height) legs.
You can probably live with jerseys that are a little tight/loose, but bibs and tights really do need to fit right to be comfortable.
BB
__________________
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Likes For bbbean:
#17
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,613
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
997 Posts
If you're looking to spend less.. the "Black Bibs" have supposedly a few fans around.. I'd prefer over new or women's cut.
https://www.theblackbibs.com/shop/theblackbibs
https://www.theblackbibs.com/shop/theblackbibs
Likes For Toadmeister:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,291
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,910 Times
in
1,884 Posts
Likes For Troul:
#20
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,522
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,798 Times
in
1,798 Posts
Check Amazon for shorts and bibs from Przewalski and Spotti. Both are really good for the money. I got three or four sets so I don't have to wash clothes after every ride. The DuPont CoolMax pads are terrific, and the shorts and bibs overall are good quality. No problems with stitching, etc., including on the first pair I got two years ago and have worn dozens of times.
Black Bibs brand are good too, and cost only a little more, but still much more affordable than many brands. The pad isn't quite as comfortable to me as the DuPont CoolMax, but I prefer a slightly thicker, firmer pad after losing weight (not much padding on my sit bones anymore). Some folks dislike those diaper style pads, so what's comfortable for me might not be for someone else.
Black Bibs brand are good too, and cost only a little more, but still much more affordable than many brands. The pad isn't quite as comfortable to me as the DuPont CoolMax, but I prefer a slightly thicker, firmer pad after losing weight (not much padding on my sit bones anymore). Some folks dislike those diaper style pads, so what's comfortable for me might not be for someone else.
#21
-------
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tejas
Posts: 12,635
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9531 Post(s)
Liked 6,273 Times
in
3,459 Posts
Cycling bibs and shorts are expensive and it seems like good deals can be had on used ones which are nearly new - makes sense, people get in and out of the sport all the time.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
Is there a fundamental difference in men's cycling shorts vs. women's in terms of fit, or is it purely marketing?
I have NO problem wearing 'women's' cycling shorts, black lycra is black lycra, it makes no difference what the label says, but I am not sure if there are fundamental fit differences like there are in, say, blue jeans.
I have only had a few pairs of shorts/bibs, all men's, but there are some good deals on used women's stuff in my area right now.
Thanks - kind of embarrassing thread but can't think of another way to ask.
(Disclosure - picture is not of the OP.)
#22
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
^ he has a run in his stocking. Otherwise...
To the OP topic, yes, there differences. Lycra/spandex clothing made from multiple panels is sewn with an anatomical shape in mind. Women (typically) have a wider pelvis and smaller bones than men do. The pad is designed to fit anatomically, and a man's pad is shaped differently from a woman's pad. Can you do what you've asked? Why not experiment and report back?
To the OP topic, yes, there differences. Lycra/spandex clothing made from multiple panels is sewn with an anatomical shape in mind. Women (typically) have a wider pelvis and smaller bones than men do. The pad is designed to fit anatomically, and a man's pad is shaped differently from a woman's pad. Can you do what you've asked? Why not experiment and report back?
#23
Very Slow Rider
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: E Wa
Posts: 1,274
Bikes: Jones Plus LWB, 1983 Centurion Japanese CrMo bike
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 132 Times
in
101 Posts
^ he has a run in his stocking. Otherwise...
To the OP topic, yes, there differences. Lycra/spandex clothing made from multiple panels is sewn with an anatomical shape in mind. Women (typically) have a wider pelvis and smaller bones than men do. The pad is designed to fit anatomically, and a man's pad is shaped differently from a woman's pad. Can you do what you've asked? Why not experiment and report back?
To the OP topic, yes, there differences. Lycra/spandex clothing made from multiple panels is sewn with an anatomical shape in mind. Women (typically) have a wider pelvis and smaller bones than men do. The pad is designed to fit anatomically, and a man's pad is shaped differently from a woman's pad. Can you do what you've asked? Why not experiment and report back?
If I do get a pair of women's then I'll let you know, but my questions were basically answered here, it sounds like they are shaped for a women's body and not just for marketing purposes.
#25
-------
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tejas
Posts: 12,635
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9531 Post(s)
Liked 6,273 Times
in
3,459 Posts
Not sure either. We were waiting to get into Preservation Hall in the French Quarter some years ago, and when my then young son saw that guy his eyes got about as big as dinner plates. I told him, "That's no big deal, just one of your mom's people." Mom was born in New Orleans. We all got a laugh.
Likes For Mojo31: