Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Shorts for Athenas?

My wife is having all sorts of issues for which the standard solution is "Try wearing some bicycling shorts". She has not yet found any that fit her, though; she'd tried some Aerotech shorts based on their sizing chart, which was a disaster - their 4X size "loose fit bike shorts" were far too small and she couldn't get them on at all. (She swears that the site stated 4X was listed as fitting 26, but today the site gives that size as a 20. She'd tried the 3X before after conferring with the sizing chart.)
Ordering clothing in the largest size only to have it be far too tiny to wear had her self esteem shot to hell for days. I have no idea what to suggest at this point.

Terry cycling clothing come in larger sizes. They are more expensive than the Aerotech Designs, but so far they are my favorite. Take a look at http://www.terrybicycles.com/Plus?gclid=COLQzcaZ2awCFQYBQAodNndeNg.

good luck,
P2

When I read the sizing chart, it looks like it only goes up to size 18? That's still quite a ways from sufficient.

Looks like the size chart only goes to 2X and some of the shorts go to 4x. Here's the number they said to call with sizing questions: 800-289-8379. Also, so might check out the selection at teamestrogen.com.

hope this helps,

P2

Update: Here'a a link from Team Estrogen that has the plus size Terry size chart: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTY_610014.html

Shop Terry (terrybicycles.com). Best place for Plus Size clothing on the internet however, its between seasons and alot of what they had is now out of stock. The best time to shop is in the sspring when they bring in new stuff.

Without being personal - what clothing size does your wife wear (18-20, 1 X, 2 X etc)? The nice thing about cycling shorts is they are flexible. I can actually fit into regular XL (not Plus Sizing) when generally for slacks its 1 X. Terry also makes many styles. I prefer their T-Shorts for fit and comfort.

Another good source for Plus sizing is Mt. Borah (mtborah.com) however like Terry it's between seasons.

Now if your wife is looking for mountain bike style shorts, she may have a problem. That's a tough fit for me as well. What I do is wear a good pair of Terry's underneath and then look for a good hiking/running short to layer over (REI is good for this) that does not have a short built in (which tends to be tightand smaller and pulls). Find one that has a good mix of polyester and lycra. Mt. Borah does carry larger size MTB shorts but for me, they are either too big or too small...

If your wife is unhappy with Aerotech's shorts, call their customer service number at 1-800-783-8326. Have the order number, if possible. I'm sure if given the opportunity, something could be worked out to your wife's satisfaction. Perhaps if you call with her measurements it would also be helpful...

There are two plus sized women's baggy shorts listed on the site - the first lists 4xl as size 20-22; the second is a "Mt. Borah Plus Woman's Baggy Shorts" whick lists 4xl as size 24W. Is it possible that this is the confustion? As we all know, in women's clothing, what one manufacturer labels as 4XL is another's XL.

Judy

I thought i'd put that in, but must have accidentally edited it out..

She is currently between a size 22W and 24W. (22 is a bit tight, 24 is a bit loose)

It was returned for a refund. When she bought it, they listed 3X as fitting 22-24. It didn't fit, we returned it for 4X, which also didn't fit (not "way too tight" type, but, "can't get it on") and returned it for a refund.

Try some plain light weight shorts for women from a quality store to see if they do it for your wife.

Comfort is key so it really is a .....Do whatever it takes...situation.

She might also try some men's shorts. If they are too long, she might be able to have them shortened. It stinks to have to pay a bit extra for this, but worth it if they fit in the waist/hips.

aerotechdesigns.com made in USA too!

She might also try some men's shorts. If they are too long, she might be able to have them shortened. It stinks to have to pay a bit extra for this, but worth it if they fit in the waist/hips.
She wasn't sure how well the fit would work, and she was looking forward to having shorts that fit her correctly.. alas, they were a lot smaller than advertised at the time.

aerotechdesigns.com made in USA too!
The flavor of black irony of that statement would be dependent on whether you read the bike review I wrote, I think... :p But yeah, it's fitting the pattern.

Is she looking for the form fitting cycling shorts, or baggy shorts? How tall is she?

As someone mentioned earlier, check out Team Estrogen. Great customer service. I've found Canari and Terry to be a little more forgiving than other brands.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/plus-size/apparel/bottoms/c0-atspecialty_03-c1-c24.html

Baggy; she doesn't have a form to fit yet.
5'2".

Gina's tried some expensive Nike, Pearl Izumi, Trek and a few other brands. NONE come close to the comfort and construction of the Terry shorts she wears. $85 but worth every penny.:D

Another vote for Terry's, Tesm Estragen and Aerotech. Often T.E had some great sales at this time if year. I bought at more than 50% off Terry's baggy shorts from T.E a couple of years ago. They wear like iron!

Here are a couple of ebay links that may be helpful:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trek-Womens-Criterium-Plus-Short-Size-22-24-Black-New-/360413201855?pt=US_Women_s_Athletic_Apparel&hash=item53ea4d05bf

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Trek-Womens-WSD-Club-Plus-Short-22-24-/140613497829?pt=US_Women_s_Athletic_Apparel&hash=item20bd37b3e5

The second link to the Club shorts might prove to be the most comfortable for her as they have plently of stretch. These could certainly be worn under other shorts. On the other hand the Criterium shorts are a little compressive and she may find them uncomfortable at first. There are several similar Trek shorts on ebay in the sz 22 range that might also work. Good luck in your search.

P2

I recommend Terry. One option is to go with standard cycling shorts and then use a pair of casual shorts over them if she is uncomfortable. Another alternative is a skort. The first piece of bike wear I bought was a Terry short. It was very comfortable and comes in plus sizes larger than what your wife needs. The 3x is equivalent to a 22to 24

http://images.teamestrogen.com/ri/300/300/2011_Spring/TY-613005-00.jpg

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTY_613005.html

The liner isn't removable but the skort is light weight and comfortable. I was very happy with mine and this spring I plan to order another in whatever size I am at that time.

My experience is that the size on this skort runs large, it may be because it is so stretchy.

Anyway, that is what I recommend for a first try. Both Team Estrogen and Terry have them for sale on their sites. Team Estrogen is good about putting up sizing charts, the Terry site doesn't always have the plus site chart easy to find.

If she wants mountian bike shorts, Terry does have these, with a removable liner, sized in her size:

http://images.teamestrogen.com/ri/300/300/2010_Spring/TY-1539-00-a.jpg

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTY_1539.html

I haven't tried them.

I think we'll pass on the skorts; her hatred for anything skirt/dress is so complete that I aranged for her to wear a suit and slacks on our wedding.