Originally Posted by
Kertrek
I ended up getting a woman's cycling jacket, because it was slimmer and quieter in the wind than a men's cycling jacket I'd tried. I'm not gonna be wearing multiple layers under the jacket, so I don't need a bunch of room. It doesn't look girly, and looks good. What is the difference between men's and women's clothes?
Women's cycling tops assume a shorter wearer with wider hips that start with an abrupt flare instead of a gradual taper, so those intended to fit snugly don't work for men.
Sans middle-age spread (5'9.5", 135-137 pounds, 33-26-34 chest/waist/hips) I found most companies don't make men's tops small enough for pro-climber sized people, or at least don't sell them outside their custom program.
Desperate for jerseys which fit I tried a few women's models made for my measurements, and found they were way too big a few inches below my navel.
If you want decent fits, use the size charts instead of the labels (a guy with a 36" chest can range from XS to medium depending on company), and buy "race fit" not "club fit".
Ignore suggestions from people with different measurements - some brands allegedly tight in the middle actually aren't.