Cut

In general, most women’s specific cycling gear will have a feminine cut. In short, this means it will be cut in at the waist and out at the chest, in addition to the usual cycle-specific design features.

There isn’t the range of women’s kit out there yet to give us as many options at the men, and of course the female form varies greatly from person to person. Issues like jackets that don’t have room for bigger breasts, jerseys that aren’t cut for tall thin women, or bib shorts that don’t work on big thighs are regular issues, so if you can’t try it on, a review will give you an idea on cut and sizing.

Different types of cycling all have their own variations on cut and styling, so check out our guide to the Differences Between Road, Mountain Bike and Commuter Cycling Kit to get to the bottom of it.

Sizing

Mens kit will usually come in mens sizing, and women’s in women’s sizing, which annoyingly doesn’t usually conform to high street sizing in either case.

For women, it may be in UK dress sizes (eg 12, 14, 16 etc), general sizes (small, medium, large, etc), or european sizes (28, 30, 34 etc). As a very general rule, a cycling medium equates to a UK12. Some brands, typically continental road cycling clothing brands, are well known for sizing up small in women’s specific cycling gear.

Choice is improving all the time, and there are thankfully more options for plus size cyclists than there were before too, with new brands like Fat Lass At The Back.

Buyers Guide: Women’s Bicycle Saddles

Chamois Pads

One of the most important physiological differences, arguably THE most important when it comes to cycling, is what’s going on in the undercarriage region. Men and women have different structures which require padding and support in different places.

Chamois pads are designed to provide cushioning where it’s needed, and to work in conjunction with the saddle – an equally important part of the equation. Cyclists typically spend a lot of time sitting so it’s crucial to get this right.