 I never use pockets. I always wish they didnt have them so that they would look less bike specific and I could use them across several sports.
I always buy my jersey on the 'flateringness' of the fit. Most size 12 or medium jerseys (my usual fit) are way too tight making my chest look like it wants to burst out! Or they are baggy and unfitted and ride up under the camel back.
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 Sticky stuff is good to keep jerseys down, especially when using camelbaks and I would like to see some pockets more to the side not the very back of the jersey. I find rear pockets a bit hard to get into wearing a camelbak and would like somewhere more convenient to stash a snack or two instead of having to take off ruksack. One zipped pocket is good to keep a phone / keys in too if you do decide to travel light and use use a jersey for storage. Flattering fit and feminine details do it for me too, I don't want to look like a boy and I like colour :-)
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 Definitely want three proper pockets when on the road. Don't care for them on the mtb as I always have the CamelBak on. I'll have a sweaty enough back as it is - don't need any extra layers of fabric between me and the fresh, fresh air! I tend to buy tech tees from wherever and use them for lots of other things like running/yoga/gym/whatever is taking my fancy at the minute, although I have a nice Nike one designed for biking (longer tail, meshier back panel) that is probably my favourite.
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 3 pockets
One with zip for mobile phone.
One pocket for energy gel.
One for waterproof.
Some companies could make the pockets a bit deeper.
Got to say my SheCycles one is my favourite.
Don't use a camel back.
MTBer
:oD
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 I prefer no pockets as always have camelback.
Definitely prefer longer tops as too many ride up and exposing stomach flesh is never nice :) I also like a slightly looser fit - bit more flattering. I found the minx tech tee has a good cut and looks 'normal' enough to wear off the bike without feeling silly.
Other issues I've discoverd with tops I wear a lot is on how they wear. Some seem to rip easily with falls so a strong material for mtb is good. Also on long sleeve base layers the elbows seem to wear through before too long (all my howies merino ones do this - anyone else find this?)
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Thanks for all these comments guys, it makes for interesting reading.
Something Sara mentions though is feeling silly in cycling kit. Do others feel silly wearing traditional cycling kit? Even if you're out on a bike? Why? I have no qualms about stopping off at cafes in full race kit. When I go out with Andy we look like Mr & Mrs Incredible (me with the generous bottom). I think it's kind of cool. Is that just me then?
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 Doesn't bother me at all Jenn. Although there are some situations I choose to wear baggy shorts, meeting all the OH's work mates for a drink in the pub being one.
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I think it depends where you are. Sometimes it can be good to have more normal looking stuff. Now, it doesn't matter so much to me - in fact in most bars here (Morzine) you stand out if you're not in cycling kit and covered in mud - but when i used to commute in London I wanted a top and shorts I could wear comfortably to ride in and yet not stand out in a city pub. As trio mentions, in most cases it's fine, but there are times when you don't always want to stand out or be in full on lycra. This is something Sombrio generally seems to do well. I wear my Sombrio baggies for hiking and just around town as well as for biking.
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Oh and was just thinking about this :) While sometimes I think it can look cool to be in cycling gear, I think it can also look cool to be cycling and not look like you're wearing cycling gear. Kinda like the denim look waterproof trousers (my OH has a pair) - so much cooler than my sensible look Gore ones. I like looking like I'm not wearing cycle specific clothing, yet want to wear it as I want to be comfortable when I'm riding all day.
Oh the dilemma between comfort and cool :)
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 I haven't got a problem with wearing cycling kit either, It's pretty normal round here. I have also been known to ride to work in lycra, get sidetracked and not get changed until lunchtime - didn't go unnoticed amongst the besuited office!
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I like wearing my cycling gear, don't commute so can't comment there but if I did would change anyway so not an issue being in cycling gear while riding.
I like looking like an MTB'er, it defines my character and I like that, especially being a woman we're different to most other women and are a minority group I think we should stand out and be proud of it. Or, maybe I'm just a closet exhibitionist who doesn't care what people think anyway lol !
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Maybe I didn't explain myself well. I am pretty much always easily distinguishable as an MTBer, i just think there's something cool about being on a bike, but not looking like you're in bike gear. I'm proud of being a biker and it pretty much defines who I am, but I like turning up in my helmet and gear but in more 'normal' looking clothes. I rode with a girl in denim shorts last weekend and it looked cool - she looked cool and rode well with no bike-specific clothing. I prefer Sombrios to denims, but I like that I could wear them into town with no bike and helmet and not look like I was missing something. I think I just like multi-function. Or maybe I just never seem to be without mud and helmet so I feel too obviously a biker and like some non-obvious stuff. Who knows...I just know it's a look i like.
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Lycra shorts and three back pockets feels too roadie, if I'm not out for a road ride - I only feel comfortable like that off the bike if I'm accompanied by others in their kit and I always mtb in baggies. Quite like sitting in the train dressed in head-to-toe mud though. :-)
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Three pockets for me please!
As with others - waterproof, multi tool, phone, keys, food, money all evenly distributed.
I use a camelback type rucksack for commuting - just don't put anything in the pockets with no problems.
Usually get mens ones, I'm not exactly an hourglass shape so no problem for me - also there is a better selection and usually cheaper as well.
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3 pockets is great so long as they aren't too high up. I have a bad back and if its really playing up I find my shoulders dont rotate enough to get into them! I have 2 best jerseys and they are best because of the pockets! The first is a scott one which has three pockets. Two normal ones with no zip and then behind one of those is another pocket with a zip. This is clearly designed for use with an ipod or mobile as it also has a little hole from that pocket and another one in the back of the collar to put your wires through. Means your wires are tucked in and you can put valuable stuff in the zippy bit. The other jersey just has three pockets with a zip on one. I dont find zips a problem and use some of my jerseys for pilates as well cos they are easy to contort and roll around in!!!
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3 pockets definitely! that way can keep them more balanced, 1 pocket is not enough and 2 can be unbalanced! and pleeeeeease remember we ladies are shaped differently to men, our waists (generally) are narrower than our hips so if the hem is elasticated it does not frip the hips but rides up to the narrow making it look untidy, baggy and the pockets impossible to access. and no have no problem with how I look when out in cycling kit, as long as the kit is relatively smart, fits nicely and does not make me lok like a sack.
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