Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - What size jersey to you wear?

I am just curious how the sizing works for jerseys. I am very new to riding, and I got a jersey for free from a local bike shop. Now I am 6'2" and weigh 250 lbs. For every day shirts I wear an XL to XXL depending on the shirt. Knowing that XXL shirts give me plenty of extra room, i.e. baggy, I got an XXL jersey (that is the biggest they have either way) well I got it home and put it on and I felt like I was trying to put on one of my kids shirts. I got barely get the thing over my head and it was skin tight once it was on (too small). Is this normal, if so what size jersey's do you big guys wear, as I would like to get one.

Aerotech.com, love them.....

Im 220lbs myself and typically wear XL shirts through the day. I got an XL jersey and while tight, it fits as it should. Most cycling jerseys are made to be pretty form fitting. If you are looking for something a little more loose, check out a wicking Adidas or Nike shirt from a sporting goods store that is a typical t-shirt fit. I don't know that you will find many cycling specific jerseys that are "baggy". Now that I think about it, they do sell some "mountain" specific ones that fit a little more loosely than typical road jerseys.

I have several XXL jerseys, and the fit is different with each of them. I'm 6'5", 240#, and typically wear an XXL T-shirt (although some XL T-shirts fit just fine). Of the jerseys I have, the most comfortable fit-wise is a Canyon Mountain Tec jersey that I bought from Nashbar. It's a little loose (but not so much that it flaps around a lot), and it wicks really well. I wish it had three pockets (it has one big one in the rear) but it's still my favorite jersey.

I am just curious how the sizing works for jerseys. I am very new to riding, and I got a jersey for free from a local bike shop. Now I am 6'2" and weigh 250 lbs. For every day shirts I wear an XL to XXL depending on the shirt. Knowing that XXL shirts give me plenty of extra room, i.e. baggy, I got an XXL jersey (that is the biggest they have either way) well I got it home and put it on and I felt like I was trying to put on one of my kids shirts. I got barely get the thing over my head and it was skin tight once it was on (too small). Is this normal, if so what size jersey's do you big guys wear, as I would like to get one.

Yeah, first time I put on one I thought it wasn't coming off...

Now I am used to it. As long as it doesn't literally cut off circulation to my arms, it just makes me faster...;)

Yeah I understand they should not be loose like a t shirt but this was painted on. I think if I flexed my arms it would rip the jersey. I will try it out and see if I can used to it, I just felt it did not fit.

Yeah I understand they should not be loose like a t shirt but this was painted on. I think if I flexed my arms it would rip the jersey. I will try it out and see if I can used to it, I just felt it did not fit.
They are supposed to be like a second skin for aerodynamics and proper wicking of sweat.:D

sizing for american and european jerseys is different: I am 6'3" 217# and I usually wear XL t-shirts. I usually fit an XL or XXL in an American made jersey. In european jerseys I'm usually a XXL or XXXL.

Also American companies often make different style jerseys. I remember ording an XXL from PI that wasn't a classic euro cut. It was like wearing a mumu. The point is that you can find jerseys that fit but you may need to shop around a bit.

And yeah, they should fit tightly.

Maybe I should loose the gut and not be so worried about it!

It all depends on the manufacturer. In Pace, I wear a XXL, Voler, XXXL, Canari, XXL. I recently got some jerseys on e-bay (Advent is the brand) and I got XXL and swim in it. I have a Hind that's XL, snug, but comfortable. Primal I have a XXL and it's too tight. I think Performance brand, I can wear an XL. It's like anything else, you have to try them on.

Mark

The jersey I got was a Cannondale jersey

Jersey fit really depends on the cut and the brand. I haven't found one that works for my frame yet, but I like the Nike shirts that paulbridges02 mentioned better anyway, so I stick with them. They're very comfortable, and you can wear them to the gym, jogging, etc, in addition to cycling.

-DR

The jersey I got was a Cannondale jersey

I bought an xl cannondale jersey back in '99 and it was tight and short

they seem to run small

Wow, you guys like em big. My chest tapes at 45.5 and my arms 16 something and I can squeeze into L's and XL's. I need all the aero help I can get chasing the little guys...

Then again my shorts/bibs are XL's and still leave marks on my quads...

Primal has sizes up to XXXL - they are American cuts and are quite comfy.

I don't need no stinkin jerseys!
Wearing synthetic attire kind of defeats one of the purposes of cycling if that matters. I can't stand the "weiner skin look" since I am no Adonis but look more like an Olympic powerlifter only fatter. Lets face it, aerodynamics only come into play at speeds over 20 mph where drag coefficients are important. If you want to go fast, ride a streamliner, recumbent or time trial bike. That infintessimal improvement in aero efficiency from wearing tight clothing is more in your head than your cycle computer. If you want a jersey for fun or because you like them, well then, o.k. but being a clyde I find it uncomfortable to flash my manly gut and instead prefer to wear looser fitting attire. If you can't stand natural wicking fabrics (wool ) and think a simple T (except in extreme hot weather) isn't good enough, then get a athletic shirt that fits and makes you comfortable on or off the bike. If you are not ashamed to show the beef, then by all means, wear a weiner skin, just try to avoid exposing me to the the visual parade.
I'm sure you've all noticed the tight stretchy pants, lady wrestler at the laundry mat, well, its the same thing here. :o
This may sound cold but I'm in the same boat and most cycling specific clothing is made for underfed Italians in 1953 and not overfed Americans. Cycling clothing is extemely frustraiting to buy, as most of it is too tight and small. I'd rather be a total "Fred" and be comfortable, on or off the bike. It is possible to ride in regular atheltic stuff so don't feel out of sync, if you have trouble finding good fitting clothing, you can still ride and be comfortable. ;)

I don't need no stinkin jerseys!
Wearing synthetic attire kind of defeats one of the purposes of cycling if that matters. I can't stand the "weiner skin look" since I am no Adonis but look more like an Olympic powerlifter only fatter. Lets face it, aerodynamics only come into play at speeds over 20 mph where drag coefficients are important. If you want to go fast, ride a streamliner, recumbent or time trial bike. That infintessimal improvement in aero efficiency from wearing tight clothing is more in your head than your cycle computer. If you want a jersey for fun or because you like them, well then, o.k. but being a clyde I find it uncomfortable to flash my manly gut and instead prefer to wear looser fitting attire. If you can't stand natural wicking fabrics (wool ) and think a simple T (except in extreme hot weather) isn't good enough, then get a athletic shirt that fits and makes you comfortable on or off the bike. If you are not ashamed to show the beef, then by all means, wear a weiner skin, just try to avoid exposing me to the the visual parade.
I'm sure you've all noticed the tight stretchy pants, lady wrestler at the laundry mat, well, its the same thing here. :o
This may sound cold but I'm in the same boat and most cycling specific clothing is made for underfed Italians in 1953 and not overfed Americans. Cycling clothing is extemely frustraiting to buy, as most of it is too tight and small. I'd rather be a total "Fred" and be comfortable, on or off the bike. It is possible to ride in regular atheltic stuff so don't feel out of sync, if you have trouble finding good fitting clothing, you can still ride and be comfortable. ;)Hmm... You seem to have issues with people wearing cycling clothing. I say, to each his own. The cycling specific clothing work for some folks and they don't for others. Personally, I've gone the route you described and it didn't work for me. Mostly because I ride a recumbent and the parachute effect I got from wearing regular shorts what rather unwanted. That and I have had bees fly into my helmet and such, the last place I need a bee is up my shorts, if you know what I mean! I like cycling clothes, even if they may not appeal to some. If I am comfortable displaying my rolls, then it really shouldn't matter to anybody else.

Mark

Hmm... You seem to have issues with people wearing cycling clothing. I say, to each his own. The cycling specific clothing work for some folks and they don't for others. Personally, I've gone the route you described and it didn't work for me. Mostly because I ride a recumbent and the parachute effect I got from wearing regular shorts what rather unwanted. That and I have had bees fly into my helmet and such, the last place I need a bee is up my shorts, if you know what I mean! I like cycling clothes, even if they may not appeal to some. If I am comfortable displaying my rolls, then it really shouldn't matter to anybody else.

Mark

I ride a bent also in addition to uprights and have never had a bee fly up my shorts but I did kinda flash a pedestrian inadvertantly by wearing baggies on the bent. I shifted to a slightly tighter pair and that solved it. I've seen the drawstring kind but a simple strip of velcro sewn on would work.
I guess I am just trying to get folks to realize they don't need special stuff to ride a bike. I have fairly firm beliefs on the subject born out of experience, modesty and lack of money these days, not to mention being a fatty and having trouble getting stuff to fit and still be comfortable.

[FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="2"]I don't need no stinkin jerseys!
Wearing synthetic attire kind of defeats one of the purposes of cycling if that matters.

And that purpose would be?

Incidentally, lycra and a bike jersey make me look thinner. I had a woman yesterday tell me my Fat Cyclist jersey wasn't appropriate, because I wasn't fat. If she had seen me in street clothes, she might have thought differently.

I'm 6'2", 225lbs & normally wear XL polo shirts, etc. I have a few Performance jerseys that are XL, some fit good and a few others are loose. Not too loose, I just wish they were a bit tighter. I suppose I have other aerodynamics issues to worry about first instead my slighty loose jersey ;)

Brian

And that purpose would be?

Incidentally, lycra and a bike jersey make me look thinner. I had a woman yesterday tell me my Fat Cyclist jersey wasn't appropriate, because I wasn't fat. If she had seen me in street clothes, she might have thought differently.

Well, one purpose of cycling would be to reduce our use of petroleum and of course synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum and these fabrics don't deteriorate like natural fabrics. I'm for wool, cotton, silk ( if you can afford it) leather (sorry vegans) and hemp ( no I don't smoke it) whenever possible. I'm not a raging environmentalist by any means and I understand the economic implications etc. but the dang stuff is making a mess outa things.
Oh! and that gal was flirting! So if you are a single dude, well, there ya go! If not, then its still good to get a compliment. ;)

I don't need no stinkin jerseys!
Wearing synthetic attire kind of defeats one of the purposes of cycling if that matters. I can't stand the "weiner skin look" since I am no Adonis but look more like an Olympic powerlifter only fatter. Lets face it, aerodynamics only come into play at speeds over 20 mph where drag coefficients are important. If you want to go fast, ride a streamliner, recumbent or time trial bike. That infintessimal improvement in aero efficiency from wearing tight clothing is more in your head than your cycle computer. If you want a jersey for fun or because you like them, well then, o.k. but being a clyde I find it uncomfortable to flash my manly gut and instead prefer to wear looser fitting attire. If you can't stand natural wicking fabrics (wool ) and think a simple T (except in extreme hot weather) isn't good enough, then get a athletic shirt that fits and makes you comfortable on or off the bike. If you are not ashamed to show the beef, then by all means, wear a weiner skin, just try to avoid exposing me to the the visual parade.
I'm sure you've all noticed the tight stretchy pants, lady wrestler at the laundry mat, well, its the same thing here. :o
This may sound cold but I'm in the same boat and most cycling specific clothing is made for underfed Italians in 1953 and not overfed Americans. Cycling clothing is extemely frustraiting to buy, as most of it is too tight and small. I'd rather be a total "Fred" and be comfortable, on or off the bike. It is possible to ride in regular atheltic stuff so don't feel out of sync, if you have trouble finding good fitting clothing, you can still ride and be comfortable. ;)


True, I would have never though bike shorts would be comfortable, until I tried a pair, now, I don't ride without them..... As for cycling Jerseys, I find a runners jersey works just as well, and is cheaper, they tend to be cut looser as well, no rear pocket, but they are made of the same materials.

There is a company called Aerotech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com) they manufacture in Pennsylvania, so they have American sizing, you might want to give them a try, don't knock it, until you try it.

True, I would have never though bike shorts would be comfortable, until I tried a pair, now, I don't ride without them..... As for cycling Jerseys, I find a runners jersey works just as well, and is cheaper, they tend to be cut looser as well, no rear pocket, but they are made of the same materials.

There is a company called Aerotech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com) they manufacture in Pennsylvania, so they have American sizing, you might want to give them a try, don't knock it, until you try it.

I appreciate the link but I have tried them and I prefer regular cotton t-shirts. I don't need back pockets because I have two good bags for sandwiches, tools, camera etc. If I am going to buy anything for cycling it will be a wool blackie long sleeve T from Rivendell and their MUSA shorts and pants. The wool T will be used in cooler weather under my rain jacket. I have some old wool jerseys but they don't fit anymore and the moths have gotten to them. I've never really had a problem with the whole sweat issue I mean, heck, back in the old days we just sweated and drank water. That was just what you did when you excercised. These days we are spoiled with every advantage possible. Its all marketing driven and I guess my point is, we don't need all the junk to enjoy a bike ride or even be comfortable. Since I have opened my eyes a little, my cycling wardrobe has increased by a huge margin. I will admit there are times when I appreciate wicking undies on a hot ride because it reduces fabric sticking to your skin causing abrasion. When I get rich, I am going to spring for some merino wool cycling undies from Norway just to try them out....I hear they are really comfy. But please no "diaper" not till I am incontinent. :D :eek:

Aerotech.com, love them.....
They were great over the last few years, but......

I've started to notice signs of decline. They are now selling a lot of brands that are not theirs which don't have the same quality. Now you have to really be careful with what you buy from them. For example, now they sell Primal jerseys. At first they labelled them as Primal jerseys, last time I checked they didn't even do that. Primal Jerseys look nice, but their quality sucks.

They used to make all their own clothing...now they buy and resell about half of what's on their website.

Last item I bought, I got at www.bicycleclothing.com instead.

They were great over the last few years, but......

I've started to notice signs of decline. They are now selling a lot of brands that are not theirs which don't have the same quality. Now you have to really be careful with what you buy from them. For example, now they sell Primal jerseys. At first they labelled them as Primal jerseys, last time I checked they didn't even do that. Primal Jerseys look nice, but their quality sucks.

They used to make all their own clothing...now they buy and resell about half of what's on their website.

Last item I bought, I got at www.bicycleclothing.com instead.

In order for domestic clothing companies to remain competitive, they have to source their manufacturing to Asia. American garment work has all but dissappeared and its a tragedy. Some still exist but prices are higher. I plan to support domestic workers as much as I am able. My own industry has farmed out alot of work and it stinks. The quality isn't as good but the average customer doesn't care especially since it is getting harder to make a decent living in the U.S.. The commies were right, they are taking over the world but not with bullets. :rolleyes:

I'm 6'4", and 240 lbs. I normally wear XL athletic shorts, and either XLT or XXL shirts. My bike shorts are Pearl Izumi, and getting them in XL works out fine (sizing seems to run "true"). But in a European bike jersey (e.g. one that I have made by Nalini), I got a XXXL, which fits OK, although it is still a little tight in the arms. I think they even make an XXXXL, which might fit me even better, although I couldn't find the jersey I liked in that size.

Part of it is just getting used to more form-fitting clothes, since guys our size aren't normally prone to wearing anything that's form-fitting!

With the European brands, you need to look for a sizing chart that specifically mentions height, chest dimensions, waist, etc.

I'm a "Fred" I guess with no plans on changing.

I'm a "Fred" I guess with no plans on changing.
That's OK, Charles, every forum needs a Fred!:p You can be ours!:D (That means we can call you a Fred, but no one else better!;) )

As been said different companies have different sizing standards. When I buy over the internet I try to get an actual measurement of the jersey across the chest and length. Of course when I buy locally I can try them on but they are so much more expensive. I am 6' 210 lbs and usually in a T shirt wear a Large or XL usually XL. I just got a Voler jersey in XXL over the internet and while it basically fits I wish it were slightly larger.

At 6'4" & 350 I have found it darn near impossible to find anything that is big enough that also prevents the dreaded plumbers butt when I ride with my regular shorts (Yes, I now have a couple bibs). I commute every day so having a slew is jer$ey$ is cost prohibitive. I found that I like to wear a wicking T shirt from Duluth Trading company that is not only big, but tall, 3 inches longer than a standard shirt. They are great and I can ride crack free in my standard shorts :D

Bibs from Aerotech will also assist in avoiding "Plumbers Crack" syndrome!

www.aerotechdesigns.com

(Yes, I now have a couple bibs).

I still can't see trashing 6 pairs of regular shorts just to purchase bibs so I can buy and wear jerseys that are usally over priced and still too short.

Bibs from Aerotech will also assist in avoiding "Plumbers Crack" syndrome!

www.aerotechdesigns.com

Thats my biggest problem with my spandex....

I still can't see trashing 6 pairs of regular shorts just to purchase bibs so I can buy and wear jerseys that are usally over priced and still too short.
Didn't suggest trashing them, just suggested adding in bibs, as they re more comfortable;)

As to jersey's I find them more comfortable, but that's me, all of us have different geometries.

while i "shouldnt" wear a jersey i do... i figure why are we exercising again?
i'm exersicing for me! and if shorts or jerseys make long rides comfortable without any abrasions then so be it.. i'm a fat guy in a little shirt! lol
Modesty doesnt come into play as i dont ride for anyone else..when i 'm riding they dont exsist...its me , my bike and my fat that slowly going away!

As someone who has spent much of the past month researching bike jerseys and sizing I can tell you it comes down to the cut.
Most jerseys sold in stores are "racing cut." That's European sizing. An XL in racing cut is between a small and medium in off the rack sizes.
The roomiest cut is a "club cut." If you wear an XL, a 2X should be roomy, an XL will fit snugly.
That's the cut I settled on, by the way, for a "Team Clydesdale" jersey we designed. It starts shipping early next week as it's en route to me from the printers. I have in XL and 2X now, with 3X coming soon. You can see it at my clydesdalefitness.com site.
But it's been quite an education. Assuming I sell the jerseys I had to order and pre-pay, I'm already working on another design.

Part of it is just getting used to more form-fitting clothes, since guys our size aren't normally prone to wearing anything that's form-fitting!

Ain't it the truth! I'm told I look fine in this jersey, but I feel I've been stuffed into it:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/526939169_bb47f20320.jpg