More and more big women are choosing cycling as a healthy way of getting fit and losing weight. But where do you find comfortable plus size cycling shorts? This article looks at some of the best options on the market.
Women’s Plus Size Bike Shorts
Large ladies generally don’t want to wear skin-tight Lycra when cycling so plus size women’s bike shorts need to be flattering as well as offering the essentials of comfort and breathability. It’s important to choose a style where the legs of the shorts don’t ride up and cause chafing; equally, you don’t want tight leg grippers that cut off your circulation after a few pedal strokes.
Comfortable Cycling Shorts for Big Women
Junonia have been making comfortable activewear including cycling shorts for big women since 1995. Their mission is simple to “serve vibrant, plus size women who love to walk, run, swim, hike, bike, golf, ski and travel.” With sizing starting from XL through to 6XL they have plus size activewear to fit women up to a 58” waist and 70” hips. Some of their most comfortable plus size cycling shorts include:
- Dual Layer shorts – consist of a moisture-wicking breathable and padded inner layer and a full-cut durable nylon/cotton outer layer. With only the inner short touching the thigh, the shorts won’t ride up as the layers are attached at the inner seam making the outer layer stay put.
- QuickWik® basic bike short – soft and stretchy wicking shorts that won’t chafe, made of odor-resistant fabric.
- Liquicell® Chamois Pad bike short – 6 panel design with a unique pad to reduce friction for greater comfort. A soft leg gripper stops the shorts riding up.
All the above are available to buy from Junonia.com.
Big Shorts for Cycling
A quick search online will reveal several other good quality brands that make big plus size cycling shorts for women with or without a padded chamois liner. Consider these styles for a flattering comfortable fit:
- Corrine Dennis Double Comfort shorts – seamless padded shorts made from breathable non-shiny Supplex material; the wide waistband does not squeeze the stomach and the soft leg cuffs stay put without constricting. Available up to size 20 to fit a 37-38” waist from CorinneDennis.co.uk.
- Georgena Terry Flare Skort Plus– a padded nylon/Lycra short is beautifully hidden by a poly/Lycra mesh overskirt, otherwise known as a skort. The skirt has dual side pockets and slits on each side for practicality and flexibility on the saddle. Available up to size 4XL for women with a 50” waist and 59” hips from TerryBicycles.com.
- Mt Borah Mystic baggy short – perfect for mountain bikers, this short has a supremely comfortable padded chamois and a stretch yoke at the back for freedom of movement. The inner short attached to the outer ensures no chafing through riding up. Available up to size 4XL.
- Gore Roadie’s Loose Fit Short – an outer loose-fit short that wraps around a liner short, stitched together at the inner thigh gusset to avoid bunching in the saddle area. Available up to size XXL to fit an approximate 33” waist.
Find Mt Borah and Gore plus size shorts at TeamEstrogen.com.
Buy XXL Shorts for Women Online
If you’re looking for XXL shorts and can’t find them in your local stores, go online and look to buy some of the options above. Most online stores will ship worldwide, but check shipping rates and the returns policy before ordering.
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Also of interest may be
Best Women’s Bike Shorts Padded for Comfort with a Chamois Liner
Comfortable Bike Saddles for Women with Large Butts
XXL Plus Size Cycle Tops for Women
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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