General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat Rss Feed  
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2009-08-17 11:11 PM

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Subject: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
 I'm a 40 year old guy who recently just got into triathlons.  Like most guys my age, I have a little more that I'd like around the middle.  I'm by no means fat but I don't have a six pack.  It's easy to hide in a loose technical shirt or a cycling jersey, but many of the tri tops and suits I've tried on accentuate my mid section.  Needless to day, this doesn't look good in my race pictures.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a better looking tri top/suit?

Thanks.

Ray


2009-08-18 2:25 AM
in reply to: #2354827

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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
The more tris you do and the longer you're at this, the better you'll look in them
Seriously, you're not going to be the heaviest person in sausage casing come race day, I would almost bet on it.
2009-08-18 2:29 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

Besides the obvious "train more and eat less"? 

The problem with tri clothing is that it needs to be snug to work well, which accentuates both the good and the non-so-good.  If it really bothers you that much, then I'd suggest dark colors, black or gray.   Look for tops that are advertised as "relaxed fit"; avoid tops that are "pro fit".

I'm short and stocky and built like a fireplug - I'm never going to look like any of the guys in the magazines.  Seeing myself in less-than-flattering race photos just inspires me to do a better job of sticking to my diet. 

Nobody else is going to really care what you look like - I've always found that there is a mutual respect between competitors that tends to overlook physical appearance - respect that comes from having the courage to be out there in public giving it a go.

Mark

 

 



Edited by RedCorvette 2009-08-18 2:47 AM
2009-08-18 9:32 AM
in reply to: #2354827

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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
If you find such a thing, buy stock in the company and promote the hell out of it. :p

It's just not a sport with flattering accessories.
2009-08-18 10:02 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
I feel your pain...the only thing i will say is you will not be alone and no one really cares what anyone else looks like, we are all hurting just like you when racing!!!

Best of luck!!!

2009-08-18 10:17 AM
in reply to: #2354827

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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
I feel you... I just finished my first tri and didn't think I was the body type to wear compression/tri shorts and a tight tri top... so I opted for 2 layers... basketball shorts over compression shorts and a sleeveless running shirt over a compression shirt...  I don't know why I was worried about looking heavy.  I looked like an idiot anyway, I was the only one wearing baggy clothes.  Plus I had an 8 min T1.

Next purchase tri shorts and top.  Hundreds of people with a little extra, nobody stupid enough to wear 2 layers...  I learned my lesson.


2009-08-18 12:02 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
HA! I was in the same boat Ray.  When I walked out and showed my wife what I was planning on wearing (tri shorts and a tight running performance shirt) she laughed so hard I even started laughing.  At our age (I'm 38) I just didn't concern myself with it but it wasn't easy.  I was a little self conscious.  But once I was out there and looked around, I laughed at myself again for feeling that way...I mean what can you do?  Just swim, bike, and run...and deal.  Good luck, and you weren't the only person to be thinking the exact same thing. 

P.S.  I had to promise my wife I wouldn't wear them for anything else....she told me I had kid's reputation to think about.Smile
2009-08-18 2:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
Thanks for the replies, although no one is giving me the answer that I want to hear.Cry

I guess the only real answer to to lose that extra 5 lbs.

Ray
2009-08-18 4:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

rjp7204 - 2009-08-18 3:43 PM Thanks for the replies, although no one is giving me the answer that I want to hear.Cry

I guess the only real answer to to lose that extra 5 lbs.

Ray

So what was it you wanted to hear?

Short of losing the weight or wearing an oversized tee shirt, as I mentioned in my initial post, look for tops advertised as "relaxed fit" - they're not as snug around the middle.

Mark

 

2009-08-18 4:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
rjp7204 - 2009-08-18 3:43 PM

Thanks for the replies, although no one is giving me the answer that I want to hear.Cry

I guess the only real answer to to lose that extra 5 lbs.


No, you could quit caring what others think and just go with it
2009-08-18 4:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
Wife: Does this dress make me look fat?

(soon to be baadly bruised) Husband: No, baby, it's your big @$$ that makes you look fat.


2009-08-18 7:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
It has absolutely nothing to do with what others think and everything to do with what I think.  I wonder what made you assume the opposite?

While I was (and am) looking for personal experience with tri apparel, much of this post was "tongue in cheek".  It's obvious that many of you have the same thoughts as I, but there is no easy solution. 

It's funny (depressing?) how I can wear a semi form fitting cycling jersey and look fairly "buff", but that large Pearl Izumi Chronos Tri top (the only tri clothing I own) exaggerates the extra 2 inches I have on my waist.

For the record, I'm 5' 6", 175 lbs, 44 in chest, 33 in waist.  The only reason I even know this is because I just measured myself for a wetsuit.

Anyway, I'm with all of you on this one. 

Thanks for all the input.  If anyone finds that perfect tri suit/top, let me know.

Ray
2009-08-19 12:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
I've come to accept the fact that I will look like an overstuffed sausage in tri suites... still wear them though since they are not only comfortable, but also very practical.

Just avoid the mirror before the race!

But, joking aside, there are some brands that will fit better than others... Pearl Izumi works well for me (and since it fits better, it does make me look less funny)
2009-08-19 7:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
Wear Black, it helps a bit.
2009-08-20 10:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
For me, going with the 1 pc tri suit has helped take away the "muffin-top" look that I absolutely hated from my 2 pc outfit! Good luck!
2009-08-21 8:19 AM
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2009-08-21 8:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

Dude,

I look damn good in a golf shirt, or even in a clingy performance T-Shirt.  I am even to the point where my naked reflection doesn't make me wince.

In my tri-top, I look like Santa Claus, only lumpier.

2009-08-21 12:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
This thread sums up my pain! My wife laughed her azz off when I tried on a new White tri shirt I bought the other day. I took it back and traded for a darker color!
2009-08-21 1:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

If you've got a couple of extra pounds, why do you think that you need a tri suit?

Why not just wear cycling shorts and a cycling jersey until you've lost those 5 pounds?

2009-08-21 2:17 PM
in reply to: #2361998

Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
pga_mike - 2009-08-21 9:43 AM

Dude,

I look damn good in a golf shirt, or even in a clingy performance T-Shirt.  I am even to the point where my naked reflection doesn't make me wince.

In my tri-top, I look like Santa Claus, only lumpier.



Read this post again if you read Lumpy- Naked- Santa Clause like I did!

I ll be honest, I could care less what others think, however, since my next tri is a local event, and I am a coach in the area, I would prefer not to have fodder for the kids to use when poking fun at their coaches.  I ll probably rock some tri shorts for the swim and a technical shirt for bike/run.  I don't think I ll pick up a whole lot of time, or use less energy by wearing a tri suit.

I don't like the words "overstuffed" and "saugage" used together unless you are talking about the front side of my shorts.
2009-08-22 8:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
mrcurtain - 2009-08-21 1:49 PM
If you've got a couple of extra pounds, why do you think that you need a tri suit?

Why not just wear cycling shorts and a cycling jersey until you've lost those 5 pounds?



A bicycling jersey would rip up my errrr...central chestal area...during the run ....then I'd be both chubby and bleeding.


2009-08-23 3:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

Hmmm... I do all of my long runs in a cycling jersey and have never had a problem with it.

2009-08-26 1:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
Show that back Fat w/ Pride; It took 40 Years to make it! Once you begin, that will be the last thing on your mind.
2009-08-26 2:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat
Umm, I find a cycling skirt and running skirt very flattering.
2009-08-30 8:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri clothing that doesn't make me look fat

As long as it isn't see-through no one really notices what anyone else has on. Wear something that blends in if you don't want to be noticed.

Last year I volunteered at IMFL as a sunscreen applicator to male athletes. Yeah it was a horrible job but someone had to do it! lOL! I put sunscreen on lots of lower back fat and muffin tops. Didn't bother me in the least. No reason to get sunburned at the IM.

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