tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post8715304870380497808..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: New Perspectives on HemlinesVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83823679650754467162012-02-11T14:21:50.212-05:002012-02-11T14:21:50.212-05:00I agree with other readers that the pencil skirt i...I agree with other readers that the pencil skirt is a conundrum in that it can be very flattering but hard to bike in. My solution is to wear leggings for the ride and hike my skirt up to my waist, then pull the skirt down at the destination and pull off the leggings. Not ideal, but a workable solution.<br /><br />Switching from a road bike to an upright bike for daily riding really liberated me from a lot of wardrobe restrictions. For example, I love droopy V-necks but always felt like I was flashing everybody by leaning over so far while riding.Marbohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02429061311569967063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33530084181892549022012-02-11T14:06:54.678-05:002012-02-11T14:06:54.678-05:00i like number 14 personally.i like number 14 personally.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39057205380692572052012-02-10T05:25:59.204-05:002012-02-10T05:25:59.204-05:00Midi, if anything, as far as professional style of...Midi, if anything, as far as professional style office based work goes, women already have a wider selection of cycling suitable work clothing then men.<br /><br />Men have a suit, shirt and tie - dress which is virtually compulsory in most offices.<br /><br />To cycle in such clothing, it has to be loose and comfortable.<br /><br />Women can also choose to wear the female version of this outfit for cycling - often with the choice of adding the tie or not, something usually denied to men.<br /><br />Also women usually have the choice of a comfortable, cycling friendly skirt instead of loose trousers. Men don't.<br /><br />Additionally, even today, many offices allow women to wear a much greater variety of clothes at work than men, of all sorts of styles as they vary with women's fashions, and many of those styles are loose and eminently suitable for cycling.<br /><br />So, as far as work and cycling clothes are concerned, if there is any sex discrimination going on, it is against men.petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988347024466013018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69801171987109377812012-02-08T19:13:22.830-05:002012-02-08T19:13:22.830-05:00That's not what I mean at all. Nona's good...That's not what I mean at all. Nona's goods are designed by her and well made. She deserves to be paid for her time, i.e. make a living wage from her work.<br /><br />I'm saying that I would like to see additional companies in this market.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03262425857471988498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68175532438733635692012-02-08T17:28:51.487-05:002012-02-08T17:28:51.487-05:00I think the issue is more of fashion designers hav...I think the issue is more of fashion designers having adjusted to most Americans having a sedentary lifestyle.<br /><br />There's no reason that clothing can't be close fitting and comfortable... likewise, there's no reason it can't be loose fitting and fashionable.francisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79168134660080402832012-02-08T00:14:23.853-05:002012-02-08T00:14:23.853-05:00Pete--your position that women may dress and look ...Pete--your position that women may dress and look just as men do without any sacrifices in personal and professional lives comes across as naive, or perhaps disingenuous.MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67390477545585524052012-02-07T19:35:16.514-05:002012-02-07T19:35:16.514-05:00nonavarnado: you mean at those prices, they aren&#...nonavarnado: you mean at those prices, they aren't well made, high quality? Ouch!Phil Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06588332937109449568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40637047766910050442012-02-07T19:18:04.048-05:002012-02-07T19:18:04.048-05:00'We'll have gender equality when women can...'We'll have gender equality when women can buy functional clothes when they want them'<br /><br />It's nothing to do with gender equality - or sex equality as some of us still call it.<br /><br />It's more to do with women voluntarily choosing to buy restrictive clothes for all sorts of activities because they place a much greater importance on appearing fahionable and trendy than nearly all men.<br /><br />This can be seen even for the most mundane activities such as walking down the street. Many women freely choose high heeled or otherwise uncomfortable or unsuitable shoes while men usually wear shoes which are suited to the job.<br /><br />I know several men who cycle commute short distances in work clothes - those clothes consisting of a relatively loose fitting shirt, trousers and jacket. Those clothes are also practical for work, being comfortable and unrestrictive.<br /><br />If some vain or dandyish men chose to cycle commute in tight shirts, trousers and jackets people would laugh if they complained their attire was not suitable for cycling and that clothing manufacurers had some sort of responsibility to make them close fitting everyday clothes which were comfortable to wear on a bike and at work.petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988347024466013018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24372348744477844252012-02-07T16:49:06.490-05:002012-02-07T16:49:06.490-05:00I sit fairly upright but even when I am leaning it...I sit fairly upright but even when I am leaning it is not a problem for me, the pockets are a bit to the side from the front.Vickihttp://bicyclesinnewcastle.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24000727122061051842012-02-07T13:53:05.126-05:002012-02-07T13:53:05.126-05:00Best wardrobe and best tailoring goes to dancers a...Best wardrobe and best tailoring goes to dancers and physical comics. The wardrobe cannot interfere with the performance. Fred Astaire could do all the amazing things he did in a conventional men's suit (a good one), the women always have to try harder. <br /><br />It's entirely about quality of tailoring. And the effort put into the tailoring. One of the classic vaudeville showstoppers was the gender-reversal skit in which the true sex of the performers was not revealed until the performers take their bows. In which case clothes did make the man.<br /><br />Hopefully tailoring does not become a lost art. We'll have gender equality when women can buy functional clothes when they want them, and I don't have to work so bloody hard to find something sexy that isn't fruity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-25938319939463233322012-02-07T11:31:36.303-05:002012-02-07T11:31:36.303-05:00I've found that if I wear a size bigger, the p...I've found that if I wear a size bigger, the pants are droopy in all the wrong ways. From belly button to inseam to my back is too big and then all the extra fabric rubs. While sagging pants are all the rage for some groups, sagging pants on a bike isn't comfy.<br /><br />I've also found that pants from some manufacturers are too tight in the thigh to bike with. They fit great everywhere else, but as soon as you sit on a bike, they constrict around the thigh. Jeans with a bit of spandex in them are nice but are found more in plus sizes. Lucky for us plus size ladies, but not for the size 4's out there.<br /><br />Meanwhile Vaude makes Coolmax jeans that dry quickly specifically for sports and biking. The new Levi Messenger series were supposedly really good too. Ralpha makes some lovely button down shirts as well. Some manufacturers are getting the idea, but all for men. Where's the female cycle-chic love??Ronahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096213034605839343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67632075390645719812012-02-07T10:48:16.292-05:002012-02-07T10:48:16.292-05:00Pockets in skirts and dresses are often on-seam, a...Pockets in skirts and dresses are often on-seam, and internal- that is, there is a slit along the side which opens into a pouch into which you put your hand/ keys/ phone, but no external flaps etc. which might catch on things. <br />Many womens' dresses could have such discreet pockets, but they are omitted, perhaps because designers want to sell purses :)cyclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10331461189944538729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66012308659751094342012-02-07T10:07:30.523-05:002012-02-07T10:07:30.523-05:00I think it completely can be a cycling matter, as ...I think it completely can be a cycling matter, as well as simply a fashion matter. My bike-to-be is a men's frame, as my husband (who has made it for me from an old frame) couldn't find a women's frame I liked or was small enough.<br /><br />This has therefore automatically ruled out any skirts above a certain length or a certain level of fittedness, for both safety and modesty reasons!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18437959136053836158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50409595535879588252012-02-07T10:00:19.667-05:002012-02-07T10:00:19.667-05:00This Jcrew wool skirt gets top marks from me for f...This Jcrew wool skirt gets top marks from me for fall/winter cycling. It stays put but doesn't restrict movement at all. <br />http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/solids/PRDOVR~47315/47315.jspAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-92208312735998600872012-02-07T09:27:07.394-05:002012-02-07T09:27:07.394-05:00I resisted the skinny jeans/pants trend until I st...I resisted the skinny jeans/pants trend until I started cycling. Now I'm thankful that they are so readily available. I even bought a pair of Anthro jegging cords with elastic waist and that will be our little secret. They are cozy and warm enough wear on long road rides and I can slip into a restaurant or coffe shop looking pretty normal. I love full skirts and dresses, too. 50s style, belted are my favorites. I only buy clothing that works on the bike now.<br /><br />MonaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21734236062258799542012-02-07T08:11:33.568-05:002012-02-07T08:11:33.568-05:00I agree! Skirts are the most comfortable for me wh...I agree! Skirts are the most comfortable for me while biking in both a physical and fashionable sense. That is, they're super comfy + I don't have to worry about changing clothes for various events that I bike to because of the spandex-butt. I mostly shop at thrift stores for non-technical clothing, so I'm not sure where/when my favorite elastic pencil skirt-esque items came from, but I have seen similar ones at Urban Outfitters. I am usually fine with regular leggings which I find really soothing for soome reason (I like being in tight spaces?) + tall socks, because I can't stand the itch of wool leggings. Will have to try non-Under Armour thermals soon!Coelacanthnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48751720775229118242012-02-07T05:27:23.137-05:002012-02-07T05:27:23.137-05:00'Much of this has to do with the fact that app...'Much of this has to do with the fact that apparel designed for women is more form-fitting than that designed for men; there is simply less leeway and less give.'<br /><br />So why not buy a bigger size or a looser style?<br /><br />Women voluntarily choose to wear restrictive and uncomfortable clothing for much of the time and whatever they are doing.<br /><br />I'm not sure this is particularly a cycling matter.petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988347024466013018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23871554915042660132012-02-07T05:15:20.487-05:002012-02-07T05:15:20.487-05:00More pockets! I must be missing something. Are the...More pockets! I must be missing something. Are these worn on the front? Isn't this uncomfortable if you are leaning forward?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49606149997499889312012-02-07T04:19:11.050-05:002012-02-07T04:19:11.050-05:00Try using iron on patches on the inside of your pa...Try using iron on patches on the inside of your pants, it has worked for me when my jeans have worn through.Vickihttp://bicyclesinnewcastle.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89274692220453903902012-02-07T01:57:28.872-05:002012-02-07T01:57:28.872-05:00Oh yes, of course, I wear lots and lots of wool. ...Oh yes, of course, I wear lots and lots of wool. Classic, stylish wool. Icebreaker, ibex, random cashmere from second hand store. Wool coats... The ibex Lexie coat is beautiful, warm and great for cycling except for when the back gets caught on the saddle loops of the brooks saddles...<br /> Oh and I got some of the merino wool tops from Rivendell and they are awesome! The factory they bought from is closing so if you want some lovely merino wool tops, get them from rivendell before they disappear for good. The label is too cute!<br />I have a pile of wool pants to tailor and several wool skirts. I regret that my job is a rough job so I cannot really wear my skirts and dressses which is what I would prefer to wear. I'm not so big on the skirt pant combo that is so popular in neo tribal faery land where I dwell. Nor would I want to wreck my skirts and dresses at work. <br /> So I only have the occasional day in the winter where I can wear a skirt or dress. I have how many icebreaker dresses? they are perfect for cycling(ibex too). A tip: look for stuff on sale! I got a blue icebreaker dress and a red one on sale because they were last ones left. They are a bit big for me, so will size them down to fit and improve as needed. <br />The stylish cyclist also needs sewing skills or at least knows someone who sews.heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4673852577437293672012-02-07T01:44:52.026-05:002012-02-07T01:44:52.026-05:00Well, the seats of my pants wear out very quickly....Well, the seats of my pants wear out very quickly. Years ago when pants did not include lycra and were made of better quality materials, this did not ever happen. Now I have a pile of pants I cannot wear until I go about sewing patches on them. I prefer skinny pants because I do not worry about getting pants in the cranks etc.., but sometimes pants are too tight, especially with the long underwear.<br /><br />I have to be careful with skirts as some silky ones have ended up in the chain, rear cassettes etc and gunked up and ripped with chain oil all over. There are definitely skirts that I cannot pedal very well in and would have to be on a step through or loop frame bike to ride with some sense of modesty-the skirts have to be hiked up a bit. I used to have safety pins for long flowy skirts, but I don't really wear them anymore-too much bother on a bike.<br />Also, sometimes the back of my coat lining gets caught under the back of the brooks saddle loops and rip rip rip!<br />Shoes-while I did see a girl going for gold up a steep hill in very stylish/useless high heels the other day, I would not recommend biking in heels.<br />I was in Vancouver on the weekend and there were people biking EVERYWHERE. It's common place, not unsual or weird...and it's a fashion show seeing people wearing their every day clothes while biking-as opposed to the lycra leggings and neon visy vest leagues.heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78904928950083302222012-02-07T00:04:21.481-05:002012-02-07T00:04:21.481-05:00"but I previously did love boot-cut and/or fl..."but I previously did love boot-cut and/or flared pants, and most of those disappeared from my wardrobe pretty quickly after I started cycling everywhere!"<br /><br />i KNOW! such a shame. i could sort of get away with it when the bike had a decent chainguard, but when i switched to a bike without one, i learned to love tights or silk long underwear all winter long.gl.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55019999331053256942012-02-06T23:06:47.245-05:002012-02-06T23:06:47.245-05:00Right! More women need to know how warm and discre...Right! More women need to know how warm and discreet fleece athletic tights can be.<br /><br />I have a couple of wool skirts of varying length for winter (mini and knee-length depending on how cold it is), and a couple beat-up skirts I've converted from well-loved pairs of pants for the summer. I think it's a much better look than spandex-butt, and they go better with my Dr. Martens. :)Jessie Kwakhttp://www.bicitoro.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61050776178301113672012-02-06T22:56:38.443-05:002012-02-06T22:56:38.443-05:00Vented dress shirts, Schoeller pants - for I am Ac...Vented dress shirts, Schoeller pants - for I am Action Man.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84083856880514967772012-02-06T22:53:49.215-05:002012-02-06T22:53:49.215-05:00"I can wear them if they are very mini, but I..."I can wear them if they are very mini, but I only feel comfortable in those in winter with dark tights."<br /><br />I would wear that other than Tranny Night if I could get away with it.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.com