Ladies-Clothing advice

I have the DeSoto Carrera top & I'm happy with it.  I have Zoot Ultra shorts that I love also.  Those shorts are $100.  I had a pair of Zoot tri shorts that were $50 or $60...and they were fine until I tried the Ultras.  now I can't go back to those.  As far as sizes....I'm similar...5'7, ~140 right now, size 4 or 6, & I have a medium in both Zoot Shorts & a medium in the Carrera top.

I rode with a girl who had the Zoot shorts. They looked great.

I'm right around your size (height/weight and clothing size).  I love the DeSoto stuff, its all I wear anymore.  I found that Zoot and 2XU ran a little too small for me.  I feel like they were made for real tiny people, not people with muscles (*personal preference, I'm sure there are people that love these brands*).  The clincher for me was the DeSoto Carrera Shorts doesn't have leg grippers, but they still stay in place.  LOVE THAT!

I also have quite a few DeSoto tops, not sure if what years all of them are.  One of the styles only had side pockets which I'm not a huge fan of.  If this might be significant to you, just something to keep in mind.

I had some questions about tri clothing fit and called up DeSoto.  They have amazing customer service and someone talked to me and answered my questions about sizing and fit for over 30 minutes.

Thanks...very helpful!

Sierra Trading Post, www.sierratradingpost.com is a great place for bargains on tri clothing.  I have had really good luck with sizing, and choices.

You sure don't want a large.  I've got 2.5 inches and 10 pounds on you.  I have M TYR shorts and L Zoot top.  Was close to getting the M top....

Think about what inseam length you want on the shorts.  I felt nekkid in the 4inch and went with 8 inch.

-Cynthia

I really like Zoot tri shorts and tops. You can find some good sales now if you look around. Tri-Sports, Campmor and many other online stores sell them. I have also found them in local bike and tri shops.

Edited by losta 2009-09-15 7:06 PM

I second Sierra Trading Post for sale items. I also like sportsbasement.com I got my latest Zoot shorts and top from there for a really low price.

I ordered the 2 piece tri suit by Skirt Sports from www.teamestrogen.com

I ordered L in both pieces and I am 5'8 and 138 lbs.  The top is perfect, but I probably could have gotten away with a M in the shorts.  They feel a little loose in the water.  I like the Skirt Sports stuff.  It is thin, but very comfortable.  The leg grippers are not super tight, but they stay in place.  I do have to wear a sports bra with the top, as it does not provide enough support alone.

I also have a 1 piece Zoot and I like it too.  It is also a L.  I have a few pairs of Zoot tri shorts and they feel tight around  the legs.  They are medium.

jami

I really like Sugoi as far as shorts go, and they tend to run very true to size. For tops, I usually wear a sport bra.

Honestly, I think it's a kind of trial and error proces as to what you like, though.

Good places to bargain hunt:

swimoutlet.com

sierratradingpost.com

trisports.com

runningwarehouse.com

I have a pair of DeSoto tri shorts I bought in 1999 or 2000 and they are still going strong, so I know it's an investment, but good brands hold up!

I have the DeSoto Carrera low rise and the Micro Tri Short.  I absolutely love the way they fit me.  I am 5'4"/5'5" and 120 lbs (usually a size 0-2 in pants at stores like Gap/Bananna Republic) and I have a size small in the Carrerras that fits really snug...not uncomfortably, but if I was any bigger at all, I'd have needed the medium.  My Micros are a medium, b/c I couldn't get the small I originally ordered over my butt!  You might want to consider getting the large.

I also have one Desoto sports bra style top (in a size medium), which I also really like.

I ordered both through Trisports.com, as there is a 10% discount code advertised on this site.

Edited by jessm 2009-09-15 9:35 PM

Really, Everyone! Thank you! Just the responses  I was hoping for! Hearing about your height, weight and sizes is really helpful for comparison purposes!

Whatever brand you choose, don't wear it in the pool. The chlorine will break down the fabric and it will stretch and disinegrate. Not that I know anything about that

Amen-ruined my favorite pair of shorts this way with only ONE pool swim!  I still use them to practice-but they ride up now-not cute with jello thighs.

I have the DeSoto Carrera.. I am 5'5 and about 140 and wear a 6 and the medium is perfect.  You may want to go with the large shorts though as you said you are thick in the waist.  They are my favorite shorts to pick out of my drawer when going for a ride or spin class etc!!  You will love them!

I can't believe I'm responding to this thread. However...

 A top that's too large may also gap a bit near the shoulder blades during the bike segment when you roll your shoulders forward.  You don't want any loose material there acting like a parachute to slow you down. My cent and half.

Edit: oh, yeah, I'm a bit over 6'2" and 187 lbs and wear a size XL top and size med-large shorts :>] 



Edited by blairrob 2009-09-17 12:08 PM

If you'll be wearing a wetsuit for your races, this is a non-issue.