Women's tights don't look much different to blokes but there are a couple of subtle alterations that can make life much more comfortable for ladies in the saddle. Firstly a chamois or padded insert that is designed for the female anatomy makes all the difference on long rides and a wide waistband prevents any uncomfortable pressure across the tummy.
How many panels?
The shapes of the panels on women's tights allow for female curves, so it's well worth looking for women specific versions as they tend to fit better lengthways too. The more panels, the better the fit will be in general, although part of the fit can be down to fabric choice and stretchiness too. The panels allow for the tights to be articulated giving a much better range of movement and avoiding excess fabric to bulk up behind the knees whilst pedalling. More panels equates to greater manufacturing costs and therefore a higher price tag.
Full-length bib tights or simple legs only?
This is a common question and generally women opt for legging/tight styles, that is without bib straps, mainly because bibs make going to the loo rather clumsy and time consuming. Also some bib tights have straps which run awkwardly across the breasts and in general are designed for a man's body. It is possible to get women specific bib tights, they have a totally different style of bib strap up the front with a single strap from the tummy that fits either inbetween your boobs or at least takes their comfort into account. The prime advantage of bibs is the freedom around the belly they allow, no more waistband digging in and they're cosy round the midrif too!
Pearl Izumi Therma Fleece tights available from www.minx-girl.com
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Fabrics range from lightweight Lycra mixes to fleece lined and windproof fabrics like the Gore Windstopper fabric for seriously cold days. Fleecy or brushed interior surfaces add a further degree of thermal warmth to winter tights and is a welcomed benefit on chilly mornings. Endura and GroundEffect use additional fleece lined panels on the knee area, a common cold spot on the legs. Pearl Izumi's AmbFIB tights have water-resistant and windproof fabric panels across the front sections of the tight whilst Therma Fleece panels offer extra warmth and good wicking properties too.
As with lycra shorts, choosing a chamois or padded insert that suits your body shape and style of riding will always make for a more comfortable ride. Larger and thicker chamois are fine for new comers but the more pricey variable density padded versions offer a sporty alternative. The high-end padded inserts are seamless and have anti-bacterial properties for hygiene reasons as well as recessed channels to encourage ventilation.
Zipper ankles not only make for a close fit but also keep out draughts and aid pulling them on and off too, especially helpful after a sweaty training ride. Elastic ankles and grippers prevent the tights from riding up the leg when pedalling keeping flesh from being exposed to winter chills.
Whichever tights you chose, make sure you try them on and do lots of bending over to get a feel for how they fit in the cyclling position. If you'll be wearing them over seperate shorts then take them with you to see how they feel one together.
Top tips to save cash
Buying out of season means you can get some great bargains - worth bearing in mind if you're looking for some wind proof tights.
Get the best quality you can afford, they'll last longer and you'll want to wear them more - thereby getting more use out of them.
Buying tights without a chamois built in may mean you have to double up with a pair of shorts, but you can use them for the gym or running etc too.
Bry
