Clothing

[[old] Janice]

I'm having a lot of trouble finding sleeveless tops to exercise in and feel like I have looked everywhere (sports shops, Target, Old Navy, Mervyns). I see them in the shops, but I’m a reasonably tall lady of some size (I wear a L) so finding anything that goes past my waist band seems impossible. <br /><br />Any ideas where I could find some? I’m working at a higher rate now so t-shirts are too hot and well I like to look at my muscles. I’ve tried men’s tops and they just don’t seem to fit right. <br />

[[old] woolsmith]

Hi Janice!<br /><br />I get most of mine at garage sales or rummage sales. I figure if all I'm gonna do is stink them up with sweat, then garage sale stuff is good enough. C2 has some on their website for purchase that look pretty decent--but I know what you mean about getting stuff for taller folks. My dh is 6'4", and he has a heckuva time trying to get shirts in particular that are long enough to tuck in.<br /><br />Could you work out in an exercise bra that's designed to be worn by itself (I couldn't because of my "rolls")? Or maybe wear a men's style sleeveless shirt over it? Some places sell some yoga clothing that might fit the bill for you.<br /><br />My arms have improved soooo much since I've started rowing--I almost wish I could see them in action--if I could find a way to only look at my arms--the rest of me still needs a LOT of work yet! <br /><br />--Jen from WI

[[old] Janice]

Jen,<br /><br />Thanks for the suggestions. I had seen some nice ones at Lululemon but I don't want to spend $45 on something I'm just going to sweat in, cute as it was. I have a bra like that, but I'm slightly scary looking. I'll give the men's section another look, though sadly I don't think I'll find pink over there

[[old] TLCoons]

Janice,<br />My top places to scour for deals on quality ladies work-out wear are as follows:<br /><br />www.sierratradingpost.com (you might want to do a search on Moving Comfort)<br /><br />www.roadrunnersports.com (they have a sale section)<br /><br />www.llbean.com (their sale section, though you'll find more sizes in non-sale)<br /><br /><br />I only wear (head-to-toe) wicking polyester to work out in and never cotton. Most running clothes fit the bill for me. If you are struggling to find a few options that really fit, I would recommend buying a couple of great pieces and alternate workouts and laundry. Your workouts will become loads more motivated and enjoyable. Here are a couple of higher priced options just for women:<br /><br />www.titlenine.com<br /><br />www.movingcomfort.com<br /><br /><br />And don't wear men's stuff. You're not a man so they will never feel right. Reward your progress with at least one top that fits right and looks fantastic and I guarantee you'll never look back. Then keep scouring those sale sites for deals and build your wardrobe slo...o...o...wly because your shape is going to change along the way.<br /><br />Make it fun! tlc

[[old] joanvb]

<br />I'm not the most fashionable one out there (my rowing friends all have more stylish tops), but I'm usually comfortable in the tank tops I wear, even on long rows and in races...You might try Sport Chalet online (or some other online store that sells Champion). Here's their link featuring a Champion Double Dry top: <a href='http://www.sportchalet.com/category/ind ... yId=702126' target='_blank'>http://www.sportchalet.com/category/ind ... 126</a><br />You might look at the Racerback Bra top at Victoria's Secret (currently priced at $15): victoriassecret.com I'm 5'9" and that fits me fine<br />If you're near a Costco, I bought some shelf-bra tank tops (probably really underwear!) for something like two for $10.00. They are by "French Dressing." Previously bought similar top at Banana Republic, probably for much more. <br />Good luck.<br /><br />Joan Van Blom

[[old] Cran]

Try JL Racing<br /><br /><a href='http://www.jlracing.com' target='_blank'>http://www.jlracing.com</a> (USA)<br /><a href='http://www.crewroom.biz/stock_kit/' target='_blank'>http://www.crewroom.biz/stock_kit/</a> (UK)

[[old] John Rupp]

You can always cut the sleeves off tshirts and other shirts that have sleeves.<br /><br />We did this a lot when I was running in college.<br /><br />It keeps the sleeves from rubbing on your arms and the shirts actually look much better this way, i.e. shows off your arms etc.<br /><br />There's usually a place where the sleeve is sewn on, and you just cut right around below that.<br /><br />

[[old] Alissa]

Janice,<br /><br />I haven't tried one of <a href='http://www.cafepress.com/gorow.25397171' target='_blank'>these</a> yet (from Xeno's web site), but I've been looking...<br /><br />Good luck! <br /><br />Alissa

[[old] RowedandRode]

I agree with the notion that you don't need to look glamourous while working out, but it is nice to have "professional" looking workout gear. It helps make you feel, well...professional! If you look the part, you'll feel the part...and that mental edge is great. I find that technical fabrics are definitely superior to cotton, etc. And a lot of it is nice enough to wear even when not working out.<br /><br />For a lot of really cool rowing nerd stuff, try <a href='http://www.regattasport.com' target='_blank'>Regatta Sport</a><br />Also, there is some nice workout stuff for running and cycling at <a href='http://www.mec.ca' target='_blank'>Mountain Equipment Co-op</a>, and it's also suitable for rowing. You need a membership to purchase (I think it's $5 CDN for a lifetime).