Ladies... Please help me out here...
#1
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Ladies... Please help me out here...
Okay this is obviously for women, but how do you guys drive a bike with a dress on? Long or short I find difficulty. Today I attempted to ride with a knee length dress on because not only was it warm but it was amazingly sunny. Well about 2 minutes in a car goes speeding by and blew my dress up! It was so embarrassing! So please ladies, help me.
#2
FYI- https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...n-s-forum.html
And I'd imagine wear some lycra shorts under the skirt while you ride and remove at your destination.
And I'd imagine wear some lycra shorts under the skirt while you ride and remove at your destination.
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#3
I ride in dresses and skirts pretty regularly. You have several good options. First, wear what the blogger Bike Pretty calls "dignity protectors" (slip shorts like these: Jockey® Skimmies® Anti-Static Slipshort | Jockey.com). Second, I usually don't wear full skirts because they fly up too easily. You don't want a pencil skirt because they don't provide enough room to move, but an A-line works well. Third, if you do wear a full skirt, then use something like a men's sock garter to clip to the bottom hem to hold it in place. I've heard of some women using binder clips to weigh the skirt down. Finally, if it does fly up, just move on. I'm sure everyone can survive the occasional accidental wardrobe malfunction.
#4
I actually prefer riding in skirts and dresses! Cooler weather is not a problem - I go with a pair of leggings by themselves or with 1-2 layers of long underwear, depending on how cold it is. For warmer weather transportation riding, I just wear unpadded (like volleyball style) bike shorts under the skirt. When my leggings inevitably get trashed, I cut the legs and instantly get a new pair of DIY bike shorts. I've also been known to wear padded shorts under a very short skirt for long rides...it just feels more appropriate if I'm out by myself and need to stop in somewhere.
I've discovered that tight skirts are okay if they're very short; otherwise, they restrict movement. Anything longer than about knee length is also a pain. Consequently, much of my wardrobe consists of skirts that are just above the knee - long enough for work, short enough for biking. I also try to avoid flimsy fabrics that require special care or are easily ruined, but this is just because I trash everything! Finally, I've learned that I actually prefer a men's style frame - I've got nothing to hide (thanks, bike shorts) and it tends to prop up slightly longer skirts and prevent them from getting greasy.
I've discovered that tight skirts are okay if they're very short; otherwise, they restrict movement. Anything longer than about knee length is also a pain. Consequently, much of my wardrobe consists of skirts that are just above the knee - long enough for work, short enough for biking. I also try to avoid flimsy fabrics that require special care or are easily ruined, but this is just because I trash everything! Finally, I've learned that I actually prefer a men's style frame - I've got nothing to hide (thanks, bike shorts) and it tends to prop up slightly longer skirts and prevent them from getting greasy.
#5
covered in cat fur
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 612
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From: Willkes-Barre, PA
Bikes: Papillionaire Sommer, '85 Schwinn World Tourist, 2014 Windsor Kensington 8, SixThreeZero SS Cruiser
...I may be the only one who doesn't always bother with under things? (other than the typical underthings, LOL) When I first started riding again, I asked this question here too. This was a link that helped me a lot.
How to: bicycling in a long dress | Let's Go Ride a Bike
For the frilly blows about madly dresses.. I keep an old heavy claw clip on the bike. I snap it down in the center of the skirt, between the knees.
And for the fuller ones.... there is a hair tye next to that claw clip!
I only ride step-through/mixte frames. I find getting on and off a diamond in a dress... disturbing. LOL
How to: bicycling in a long dress | Let's Go Ride a Bike
For the frilly blows about madly dresses.. I keep an old heavy claw clip on the bike. I snap it down in the center of the skirt, between the knees.
And for the fuller ones.... there is a hair tye next to that claw clip!
I only ride step-through/mixte frames. I find getting on and off a diamond in a dress... disturbing. LOL
#6
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Joined: Jul 2005
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[MENTION=351938]Giant Doofus[/MENTION], ok, I guess you were right in that other thread when you said I was probably happier not knowing what goes on in the gated 'women only' forum. This...erm... peek behind the scenes has been... enlightening...
#7
I agree. In warm weather, wearing a skirt is a lot cooler than wearing pants or even shorts. And in cold weather, a pair of leggings works wonders. Next winter I think I'm going to get a pair of cold-weather cycling tights that I can wear under dresses on really cold days. I'll just take them off once I get to the office.
Maybe. On the other hand, how many threads have I read with men expressing various concerns about the "family jewels"? I suspect the men on this forum are mature enough to handle a conversation about women's clothing.
@Giant Doofus, ok, I guess you were right in that other thread when you said I was probably happier not knowing what goes on in the gated 'women only' forum. This...erm... peek behind the scenes has been... enlightening...
#9
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
skirtcafe.org ? View topic - Riding a Bike with a Utilikilt
#10
I'm not a woman, but regardless, I avoid wearing anything that is not tight to the body. Can't stand flapping material for an hour ride. The only stuff I have that makes any movement is raingear, and it is thoroughly annoying. Perhaps you can just change when you get to work?
#11
covered in cat fur
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 612
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From: Willkes-Barre, PA
Bikes: Papillionaire Sommer, '85 Schwinn World Tourist, 2014 Windsor Kensington 8, SixThreeZero SS Cruiser
@Giant Doofus, ok, I guess you were right in that other thread when you said I was probably happier not knowing what goes on in the gated 'women only' forum. This...erm... peek behind the scenes has been... enlightening...
But a woman asks about a flapping skirt and... yeah. No one should be shamed out of asking these questions. We all have some sensitive parts that need protection.. and we all have fit issues to deal with.
I agree. In warm weather, wearing a skirt is a lot cooler than wearing pants or even shorts. And in cold weather, a pair of leggings works wonders. Next winter I think I'm going to get a pair of cold-weather cycling tights that I can wear under dresses on really cold days. I'll just take them off once I get to the office.
Maybe. On the other hand, how many threads have I read with men expressing various concerns about the "family jewels"? I suspect the men on this forum are mature enough to handle a conversation about women's clothing.
Maybe. On the other hand, how many threads have I read with men expressing various concerns about the "family jewels"? I suspect the men on this forum are mature enough to handle a conversation about women's clothing.
Agreed. Skirts are just so much more comfortable in the heat. Everyone should wear them. ...I keep telling my guy that nothing is manlier than a kilt... and that he has the legs for it but alas, he's still bifurcated. Woe is me.
On cold days I wear fleece leggings under a skirt. It's actually warmer than jeans. (Disclaimer: I own no cycling specific clothing!)
I'm interested to see the woman's forum. Can't wait till I hear back about getting access.
#12
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
Speak about whatever you want.
Last edited by cooker; 04-18-14 at 02:06 PM.
#13
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Wow that is so weird to make you men uncomfortable. How is this any different then if I asked about wearing pants that get stuck in the chain or loose shorts that catch the wind... I think it's quite odd for grown men to feel uncomfortable.... As if you've never seen a woman in your life...
any who, I really like the idea of the men's style bike holding the dress up, I'm still in the process of new bike shopping maybe ill keep this in mind!
any who, I really like the idea of the men's style bike holding the dress up, I'm still in the process of new bike shopping maybe ill keep this in mind!
#14
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Vancouver, BC
Not a lady and not uncomfortable but there are lots of examples here: Cycle Chic®: bicycling in skirts and dresses
#16
covered in cat fur
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Willkes-Barre, PA
Bikes: Papillionaire Sommer, '85 Schwinn World Tourist, 2014 Windsor Kensington 8, SixThreeZero SS Cruiser
#17
Wow that is so weird to make you men uncomfortable. How is this any different then if I asked about wearing pants that get stuck in the chain or loose shorts that catch the wind... I think it's quite odd for grown men to feel uncomfortable.... As if you've never seen a woman in your life...
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#18
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Not a woman, but married to one! Does that count? My wife likes to wear skirts while biking too. She usually goes the 'modesty protection' way and wears some black, mid thigh length yoga shorts under her skirt. She does this whenever she's wearing skirts or dresses.
#20
Banned
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From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
I am just a guy, so I don't know anything about wearing skirts, maybe I am wrong about this, but next time you wearing a skirt try using a bike garter clip...
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Last edited by wolfchild; 04-18-14 at 05:50 PM.
#21
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
I am just a guy, so I don't know anything about wearing skirts, maybe I am wrong about this, but next time you wearing a skirt try using a bike garter clip...
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
#22
I am just a guy, so I don't know anything about wearing skirts, maybe I am wrong about this, but next time you wearing a skirt try using a bike garter clip...
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
#23
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
I am just a guy, so I don't know anything about wearing skirts, maybe I am wrong about this, but next time you wearing a skirt try using a bike garter clip...
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Eleanor's | Bird Industries Bicycle Skirt Garter
Omg you are brilliant!! Ordering one right now!!!
#24
Interesting thread. I've been biking for over 20 years now and have only worn a skirt on a bike once, while on vacation in Florida... I rented a beachcruiser and was wearing a knee length, wide A-line skirt. There was enough fabric that I could sit on it in such a way as to not worry about the wind kicking it up.
For commuting, I generally want to ride fast (at least on the way to work). Any kind of worrying about Marilyn Monroe skirt moments, clips to hold things, wardrobe malfunctions, etc. would be distracting and slow me down. I ride in bike clothes: shorts, tights, jersey, etc. and change clothes at work. I do, however, keep a bunch of skirts at work. I find that I cool down easier and feel more comfortable wearing a skirt after the bike ride while I am at work. I try to keep all my office clothes synthetic as well, mostly polyester skirts/tops.
For commuting, I generally want to ride fast (at least on the way to work). Any kind of worrying about Marilyn Monroe skirt moments, clips to hold things, wardrobe malfunctions, etc. would be distracting and slow me down. I ride in bike clothes: shorts, tights, jersey, etc. and change clothes at work. I do, however, keep a bunch of skirts at work. I find that I cool down easier and feel more comfortable wearing a skirt after the bike ride while I am at work. I try to keep all my office clothes synthetic as well, mostly polyester skirts/tops.






