WoMCN readers and abike clothing expert share their insight about the kit that really fits
The choice of women’s biking kit is better than ever before, with manufacturers starting to acknowledge the increasing number of female riders and coming up with a wider range of specifically-designed riding gear. Getting stuff that fits is vital, not only for feeling good but also for comfort and safety, too; badly fitting kit can be at best distracting and at worst next to useless.
Despite having more choice than ever, finding kit that fits can still be a struggle. You may be short with a large chest, tall with curvy hips, or you may have a narrow waist and muscular calvesno two riders are the same. This issue is further compounded by the fact that seemingly all brands have their own specific sizing and cuts, too!
However, the good news is there’s gear out there to suit everyone – and our kit expert Sandra Barlow at Sportsbikeshop Boston and the hive mind of WoMCN readers have come together to help you to find it.
BEST FOR LONG LEGS
Sandra at Sportsbikeshop told WoMCN: “Some brands have a different idea about a short leg measurement. In general we know a Short to be 30in, Regular 32in, and Long 34in. However, brands such as Rev’it are 2in longer in all their leg lengths so a short would be 32in. We always steer tall people towards Rev’it and this applies to all their garments, even though their general sizing is the same as everyone else they do come up longer in the ladies stuff.”
SANDRA RECOMMENDS...
These waterproof/breathable touring trousers are CE AA rated and have D3O knee and hip protection. Available in sizes 8-18 in regular and long leg lengths.
A WoMCN favourite, the Mondial are waterproof/breathable textiles with Level 1 armour at the knee and rated as CE A. Available in sizes 8–20 and in short, regular and long leg lengths.
Available in sizes 6-14 and in short, regular and long leg lengths. These AA rated jeans feature Level-1 hip and knee protection. Rev’it tend to come up longer in the leg.
BEST TROUSERS FOR CURVY HIPS
When you’re seated on a bike for long periods, being comfortable around your middle matters more than ever. Thankfully, a new breed of stretchy-but-protective trousers have been nothing short of a gamechanger for women riders, as our WoMCN readers can attest. Debra Jayne Bonser told us: “I’ve got chunky thighs and a big bum, but my Oxford Super Leggings fit really well. They have knee protection and a Kevlar lining, so feel safe, too.”
Alysha Fries added: “I currently have MotoGirl Sherrie Leggings – they are AAA rated which is about the same protection as leather! I love them.”
An alternative to the figurehugging legging
