Please cc me with pics. I'm uhhh... Emilio's research assistant. Yeah, that's it...

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Can we also give you our opinion on colors???

I'll have to go through my mulitude of DeSoto wear and get back to you.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Hey Khai,

I am know you are trying to be funny, but I will wager that not a single woman found it to be that funny, in fact my wife read it and found it to be a bit creepy, so don't quit your day job!

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

that would be greatly appreciated cath!

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

I laughed. But just because it's Khai.

I'll send you an email with a lot of information about my weight and what sizes of your stuff I've worn the last couple of years.

I PM'd my measurements to you. I currently have a pair of de soto tri bottoms, top and a trisuit (all medium size)
I do like all of the pieces, they are well made and comfortable to race in. About the only thing I would like to see is a top or trisuit with cap sleeves to save my shoulders from the sun.
Hope this helps you out.

Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows me...

If you or the forum admins want me to delete it, I'll happily do so.

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Right now, all I've got are the coolwings (which I LOVE) and the insulated cap, but I lust after your 400 mile shorts.

I'll happily PM you measurements in the morning when I find the tape measure.

---

http://aclockworkmango.com

I do that sometime too. People may know us by name on the forum, but not personally. I wouldn't delete.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

got it beth, thanks.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

FWIW, I bought a pair of MENS 400mi bibshorts (I love bibshorts that's why I bought them) and they are fantastic for long road (slack) riding - I don't like them for riding aero for too long tho.

AP

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------------------------
"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS

Very happy to see this.

I love your clothing but it runs so small I can't wear it. I think your design, fabric and construction is the best of all tri companys. I used to own and mfg women's tops in the mid 90s and enjoy finding quality made women's clothing.

I bought a bunch of your tops last September even bought the one top you carry in XL hoping to wear it at IMFL last year and they were all to small and smaller than some L tops I bought from your company in 2008. I even tried men's tops hoping they might work as I like 3 back pockets similar to bike jerseys for IMs and hardly any women's tri top come that way. From my tri friends I have heard similar experiences with your clothing.

I'll send you an email.

You should post this on BT as well.

Hello,

Thank you for doing more market research on womens line of clothing. I find that we're often limited in terms of selection, choice & design.
My background: I'm an Asian American female and have been racing in Olympic/HIM distance triathlons for 3 years.
I don't own any Desoto tri clothing because when I tried on stuff in the Desoto line, certain items didn't fit as well as I would have liked them to.
I would still like to share my feedback:
1. Tops: Since I'm A/B cup there seemed to be good support however the tops were cut in a way that felt awkward at the waistline. I don't like showing my belly, so I won't go for the corset tops. I have an avg legnth torso but the tops would land right at or just below my waistline, and enhanced the hips. If I bend over, will show my belly or lower back. I would recommend designing a slightly longer top to land right at the hip line with the same or compression design for aerodynamics, but won't make a lady feel shy about accidentally showing belly-age or back flab.
2. Bottoms: I didn't really like Desoto color choices/designs in comparison to other brands. I think it's personal taste. However, I think white seams against black fabric are not flattering for most body lines. Dark Lines against Dark are usually my prefernce, or all black, or new colors such as dark purple, maroon red, etc.
3. Diversity: I was also looking for compression gear, which I did not see Desoto marketing.

What I own:
Desoto arm cooler wings + leg coolers. I aboslutly love these!!!!! I have highly recommended them to many girlfriends who are weary of sunburns on their back and shoulders. I bought them in small, which fit my arms in circumference & length perfectly. I train in Taipei, Taiwan so these coolers are a lifesaver in the humidty and high heat. I would buy compression cooler socks/calf socks if Desoto made them. also Cooler headbands, because women don't like wearing beanies with ponytails stuck inside the beanie.
I recommend Desoto to push marketing for their cooling brand in Asia!!! :)

I hope these comments were helpful. Please message me if you have any other questions. Best, EWH

i don't own any desoto stuff, but after all their praise here i think i'm gonna have to get some!

I think my suit is older, but I would LOVE if I didn't have to use a bra with my trisuit (small). 32C and my Forza trisuit does not have nearly the support it would need to be worn alone. It's a theme in the market. I used to have a matching bra to my trisuit but even that stood out as obvious under the suit.

Jodi

 
De Soto does make compression leg sleeves, which are awesome! And they also make compression socks, which I wear for my recovery. Check 'em out.

---

Tracy M. De Soto
Femme Designer/CFO/Attorney
De Soto Sport

Please make a one piece padded bikini bottom racing suit with zippered mesh pocket at the back. It seems all manufacturers have stopped making these.
I would buy a couple and then have input re: sizes. Unfortunately I do not own any current despot, but had a couple of shorts in size s way back when. They were all too high in the waist, but it may have to do with my lack of height (5'3").

hello kathy,

thanks for your input and look forward to getting your email. i will see if the folks at bt allow me to post something similar there.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

thanks for this input. i would be curious to know when it was you last tried on our garments, and what store it was as i have found there are a few stores that are trying to sell off de soto garments from past seasons as if they were 2011. we always suggest that customers seek our authorized retailers as they have our latest and greatest.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

by the way, as for compression, we were the first company ever to utilize compression fabrics starting back in 1997. our entire high end collection for women features compression fabric we call "forza compressor." it lifts and supports muscles to reduce the onset of fatigue. we also offer compression recovery socks.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

thanks for your suggestion. the reason all manufacturers stopped making these is that they (including us) saw this garment's demand completely drop. fortunately were were among the first to offer it and also among the first to see this trend decline. some companies sold off their remaining stock for pennies on the dollar. women have always been sophisticated in what they wear to race which is why you rarely see them racing in bikini bottoms or swimsuits anymore. they prefer some sort of trishort and top or a trisuit.

as for your old trishorts, we make a number of trishorts that are very low in the waist....even one that has a folding waistband that can fold up as high as your ribs or fold down as low as you want to go. see the photo below:

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

Funny, I have the exact opposite opinion. I've only worn the 400 mi shorts, but I think they run big on sizing. I'd gladly take an XS if one were offered, although I wear S in every other manufacturer. Will send PM with more details.

And x2 on nixing the white on black piping! For me that's a no go.

Hi Emilio,
The last time I tried on DeSoto products was actually in 2009. As mentioned, I currently train (live) in Asia so I only go home once a year (or shop online) to get all my triathlon gear. As mentioned, Taipei doesn't have a huge selection of clothing for women, so I still encourage you to push marketing here in Asia!!!! :)
The store was Sports Basement located in Sunnyvale, CA. At the time, it was end of summer so perhaps tri season was over and I was trying on older stuff. I also regularly shop at Trisports.com or Onetri.com.

Compression: I didn't realize DeSoto had compression gear in the Forza line. Whenever I click "Compression gear", I don't see Desoto listed.

Thanks,
Emily

Hey Emilio,
Did you get my pm with measurements? Basic summary is that I love the DeSoto line but have a hard time fitting in it because I'm short and stocky.

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

Emilio,

Wrote you an email mainly re the Carrera shorts yesterday. The are Awesome BUT it would be great if you made them to pair better w adamo saddles.

( seams hit exactly where saddle sits)

Hope you got my more extensive feedback !

---

________________________________


http://bethanyrutledge.com

Hi Emilio:

I'm 5'3" and typically race at about 127-130. Normal clothes are a 6 petite. Most of my DeSoto stuff is size M and fits well even with some weight fluctuation.

Several years ago (6-8 perhaps) you had a women's tri top/bra with a full back. I'm large busted and could *almost* wear it without doubling up on sports bras. It may be a pipe dream of C-D cup women, but to have a race top that fits tight enough and has enough support to wear it solo would be a godsend. Maybe even a top with a triple lining, so even if it's thicker, at least it would just be one garmet. Racerback tops just do not work as far as support.

You took out some back length on one tri top for me (the green year), the spring that you came to women's camp at Dan/Monty's, but the shorter fit in the back made the neck ride up too much and I felt like I was choking. I sent it to Kylie but I don't know if it worked out for her or not.

Cheers,
Erin

X2. Need to 1: have enough boob compression to keep the sweater puppies in place; 2) have enough coverage to hide the nips. Racerbacks only work so well (I have a bunch of them, mostly Sugoi) but my tried and true long mileage bra is from Champion, and has 3 settings in the back and adjustable straps (works well for shorties like me) - and has like 3 or 4 layers over the nips. I have had this bra since (I kid you not) 2004 and it is still going strong.

Erin, check out some of the bras from Moving Comfort. I have recently found this brand and it is amazing - and - bonus - very low on the price point too! ;-)

AP

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------------------------
"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS

I agree with the others about the white stitching on dark coloured shorts. Just don't like it. I would buy more de Soto if there weren't so much white stitching all over the place.

I'd also like to agree on the need for non-racerback tri tops. I am a E/F cup so my jog bras are serious (ugly, bulky) business. I'd love a tri top that was long enough to cover my waist, covered my shoulders and covered my ugly bra.

I would also like some women's 400 mi bib shorts.

Thanks for asking

got your pm thanks.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

thanks for this erin. shoot me an email so i can send you the coupon code when i send them to everyone else early this week. i will not be posting it.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

X3.

I am thinner now but the wetsuit 'creep' was my nemesis. Before I lost weight, I was the about the same size as Andy and Erin. The T1 top would end up bunching around my waist because my hips were more hour-glass shaped (OK, wide) than the top would accommodate. I realize that most of your customer base is sleek SoCal six-foot, size zero's, but the rest of us in the heartland would like clothes that fit too :-)

Although I love my 400 Mile Shorts, I too, was less than pleased with the contrast stitching that ONLY works if you are one of the super-skinny gals described above.

---

DFL > DNF > DNS

I have some of your tri pieces but can't think of the names right now but will share my thoughts. I like the clothing lines but I think they are a bit "too sexy" for the average woman. The girls who model your lines are rare and not at all like most women so it is difficult for us to gauge how some items will fit and look on us. The tri shorts that I have are low rise (coochy low) in the front and a bit baggy but rather tight around the rump. They make me look like I have a dong. Not cute! I think what was once considered to be "ethnic sizing" should apply to your sizing because women are a melting pot of digits when it comes to what will fit. As you can read, some are small on top and large on the bottom or vice versa. Fortunately I am an XS top and bottom but some pieces don't always fit properly or are not age appropriate. I do like the Tuesday Shorts and wish they came a bit longer.

---

_____________________________________
DISH is how we do it.

Thanks for your input and, as the OP indicates, we are seeking it to make our sizing more accurate for 2012 and beyond.

As for a longer version of the Tuesday Run Shorts, we have them. They called Solana Run Shorts.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

My issue with women's clothing is that once something fits my broad swimmers back/shoulders, it's a tent around my small waist. Women's tri tops never fit me,- if I can get it over my shoulders the bottom half flaps in the breeze. Women's wetsuits don't fit me, I always end up with men's size small.

However your liftfoil suit fits! I love it.

Also, if somebody doesn't manufacture this soon I am going to sew my own.... armwarmers with retractable mittens! Lots of women (I read somewhere one in six) have Raynaud's and our hands get cold.

thanks. if you want to get the coupon code for your input, please email me the info requested in the OP.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

thanks. if you want to get the coupon code for your input, please email me the info requested in the OP.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

thanks. if you want to get the coupon code for your input, please email me the info requested in the OP.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

Your arm warmer idea is AMAZING - Love it!

I sent a PM with the info last week.

Keep making good stuff!!!

I sent a PM this afternoon. Thanks for asking for feedback. Love your products and have been a De Soto devotee for 7 years.

Talk to Erika, maybe you two can collaborate to make some Womens ones - I'd buy them!!! ;-)

AP

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------------------------
"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS

got the pm, thanks. will reply when i come up for air.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

lululemon makes arm warmers with retractible mittens. just your thumb sticks out.

i've had mine for a couple years so i'm not sure if they still carry them, but since a lot of their tops are made with them i'm guessing they do. might be hard to find this time of year.

to emilio...

i have a number of desoto items. i'd say they fit me pretty much as i expected them to fit.

i like the fact that your sports bras don't have a ton of material to them or a huge band.

One other thought (that I'm reminded of as I get set to hop on the trainer)--a tri short made with padding specific to ladies riding in aero position would be a first--and much desired. Specifically, less padding on the back side (don't extend it so far up and across the butt) and a little more in front (maybe the same width as you have now but run it up about an inch to 1.5 inches higher).

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

have you looked at this garment? it was designed specifically with that idea in mind. i might also add that our women's 400 mile bike short has a bit thicker pad situated the same way.

forza long distance tri short

this is what the pad looks like

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

I would buy that in a heartbeat.

Hi Emilio,

Just checking that you got my PM. My computer is kind of crazy sometimes.

Thanks!

got it pugsy! code will be sent later this week.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

So looking at the Forza short on the model, you could chop off the top two inches of the pad on the back side, and more is needed higher up on the front side. Saddle contact points on the back side are pretty low, and on the front side, if you're relatively flat in aero, pretty high.

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

would you be surprised to know that the pad already does that?

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

Yes, I would, since it does not look like it in the pics on your website. But who knows, once I get my discount coupon maybe I'll find out for myself--that is, if I can find a pair that fits since I'm not a twiggy supermodel. ;-)

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

First let me say that I do not own any DeSoto tri clothing...it just flat out does not fit me as well as some other manufacturers. However, I would have to agree 110% on the tri short chamois issue. More padding up front and a lot less in back! I can ride my road and tri bike with no padding when I'm actually sitting on my sitz bones but when I rotate my pelvis to ride the tri bike in the aero position I am essentially laying on soft tissue and a little bone.

Also, I am not a fan of low rider shorts. They just don't work for my body type. I am 5' 2", 115# but I have hips (high hips)...and a waist. A lot of manufacturers are getting away from shorts that actually sit at your waist.... :-(

Along those same lines, having hips and a waist, I can never wear "tri tops" because they are never tapered to flare out at the waist to accommodate hips, thus causing them to ride up/bunch up at the waist.

I wish I were built like a stick model but I'm not. I'm just you're average (albeit a bit short) athletic woman.

Thank you so much for this input. This sort of information is the reason for my original post. Without knowing when it was that you last tried on De Soto products, but I would bet that perhaps the store where you tried them on did not have a complete selection of all the shorts and tops we make. We have trishorts that come way above the waist, and we have tri tops that accomodate hips.

As I replied above, we do make trishorts with padding high in front to offer padding, but not so high that it looks like you have a.....um, and I am using this term only because another woman on the forum used it.....like you have a dong. No matter how comfy, my research has showed me that no woman would buy a tri short if it did look like that when they wear it.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

Hey Paula,
It sounds as if we're built similarly--and I too am not a fan of the below waist shorts. I will say that the old DeSoto Forza top (the one without the support bra built in) does have a nice flair to it (narrower in the waist than the hips) and is a little longer than most tri tops. It has worked out well for me, particularly for (cold) Fall and early Spring races where I wear just a sport bra underneath the wetsuit, and then want to put a dry top on in T1.

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

You are correct in thinking that I did not have a good selection of DeSoto tri clothing to try on. I may just have to order some online and give it another tri ;-)




Edit:: Just ordered the Forza Long Distance Tri Short...

I've never owned or tried on DeSoto clothing - but I have the exact opposite problem everyone else seems to have with curves and women's clothing - in that I don't have "enough" hips and boobs. Every single time I've tried to wear women's specific fitted athletic tops, they're way to tight across the shoulders, and just flare out at the waist/hips and look ridiculous. And the shorts are always baggy at the hips and waist but then tight around my thighs. I pretty consistently stick to men's XS and S now since the cut ends up longer, more fitted and more flattering (I possibly also get mistaken for a short man on the bike though, so I have to compensate with girly socks and hot pink sunglasses...)

Oh shucks, I am laughing. Ladies and Emilio, I have to admit that I love the padding and find it to be the best on the market. It is small, fitting and comfortable unlike the diaper-like thick padding used in Shebeest bottoms. Depending on the weather, I wear DeSoto shorts for my commute then throw on a skirt and forget I am wearing shorts. Because I have big thighs and some back action, I am rather small in the crotch area and this causes the dong-like bunching. I checked out some of the links sent and as much as I like the Carrera tri tank, I think by adding another inch would make it a lot more flattering on the female shape since many tops ride up in the back. Also, a hideaway drawstring in the Carrera tri capri would be an added bonus for women like myself who, while running have had to pull up the back. Lastly, please make liners and padding in black because I do not like to see colors gone dingy or left over trash in the pants.

---

_____________________________________
DISH is how we do it.

Yes! Me too. I was looking at the Forza line and there is a long tri top that I am very curious to try. It appears to taper and I am wondering if it would stay put...

Jodi

Carrera Full Top will be 3 inches longer in 2012.

The Carrera Tri Capri does have a drawcord already!

All pads are black this year, and all run short liners will be black starting in July of this year.

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

So you want my sizes, UGH!

Height - 5'2"
Weight - 112.6 lbs
Bust - 35.5"
Waist - 25.5"
Hips - 36"

De Soto Bottom - 400 Mile Short, size small
De Soto T1 wet suit top - size 1
De Soto T1 wet suit bottom - size 2

I hope this helps. By now, you have already heard from two others on this thread who are about my size.

---

DFL > DNF > DNS

I own the 400 Mile Shorts with the same pad as the Forza. It worked well for me on my 138-mile bike leg of the May 14 Leadman Triathlon.

When I bought the size small, I weighed closer to 130 lbs (at 5'2") and what I really liked was that the leg was very forgiving. It didn't make my inner thighs 'pooch out' and make my legs look deformed. The compression on the fabric is uniform from end to end and gives a flattering profile, regardless of leg size.

I will use my coupon to buy the Forza shorts and see how they compare in comfort to the 400-mile shorts I already own and love.

---

DFL > DNF > DNS

Thanks SSP. That's good to know.

---

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball

Hello Ladies,

First of all, thanks for participating. The survey is now over, though you are always welcome to send me your input.

If you contacted me by email or by private message, you should have received a reply from me with a discount coupon code. If you did not, please email me. Again, I only offered the code to those who emailed me or sent me a private message.

Thank you so very much for responding to my post about women's sizing. We are trying to provide the best possible product along with the best service. Part of both is making sure our sizing remains accurate. I may have responded to your submission with particular questions or concerns already, but if I have not done so, I certainly will try in the upcoming weeks.


We received responses with measurements from over 250 women from all over the world who volunteered their sizes and measurements to us after purchasing our products. We eliminated extreme exceptions and focused on where the largest majority of women fell into our existing sizes. This is our first and immediate step to improving your satisfaction with our garments. In the seasons to come, we will be adjusting the sizes of our garments to more accurately represent the measurements of the women who now compete in triathlon.





It is our goal to do a number of things with your information:


1. Make our current size chart more accurately fit customers to our current 2011 collection (the new size chart is available if by emailing me, and it will be up on our site before friday June 3, 2011.


2. Help educate women how to properly measure and size themselves, how to properly wear triathlon apparel, and in particular, De Soto women's apparel.


3. Adjust the sizes of the garments in our future collections, as well as our size chart, to more accurately represent the measurements of the women who now compete in triathlon,


4. Finally, while we want to be able to sell our product to all women, we need to be realistic in knowing that we cannot please everybody.


5. Keep it completely confidential and never share it in any way.


Again, thanks so much!

---

Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

I don't currently own any DeSoto but have looked to buy quite a lot.... but I can't try on and live outside CONUS so will have to wait til the summer when I'm in the US!! I'm making do with really old and crappy 2xu stuff and other kit I have lying around. I find their kit lasts about a summer then shrinks even on cold wash, or looses form/colour/elasticity.

Here is what I don't like about 2XU, TYR and any other tri brand I've tried (but still live with for now!)

Tops - ALWAYS too short. And always baggy around the waist. Often end up buying a size smaller to get required support (A Cup) or fit round the waist and then find it's short or too tight round the biceps or cuts in under my arms. Long tops with fitted waists and also a longer back would be ace.

Shorts - LOVE DeSoto wide bands!!!! All other shorts have tiny elastic waist band : uncomfortable, cuts in to flesh (regardless of how skinny you are). But the next size up is always too big? Legs always made for stick insects who don't have muscle and the bands always cut in (I'm a size US size 6).

Colour - Only ever seem to get black OR white OR pink. And always a horrid pink. I'd love to see more split colour e.g. black with a colour piped in e.g. white, red or blue. Blue and black, red and white/red and black. Black and pink.

The only thing that has kept me from trying DeSoto is that I have literally NO WHERE to try these products on locally. I would have to drive 2 hours to do so. I don't mind ordering something and returning but it can get to be a hassle.

I am tall (5'9") and end up buying men's tops to be long enough to cover my torso.
Emilio, I will post my measurements and maybe you can give me some direction as to what might work best...or send me the size chart and I will figure it out from there....I am a mom of 3 and I don't want to mortify my children when I race :)

Chest: 33
Waist: 25.5
Hip: 37.5

I have a butt, I have hips. I have a strong desire to NOT wear 2 bras to swim/bike/run in, so a compression top that would be sufficient to not ruin what chest I do have would be super. That, and I don't really love the idea that every race picture would have nippage in them.

As far as colors go...white? seriously? Anything that won't cause me to look like Bo Derek's tata's in "10" would be super.
Thank you so much for taking time out to find out what female racers want. Your customer focus alone is what will cause me to buy your product.

So, now my question....how tight are these supposed to fit? I can get them on but the (non) band at the bottom of the leg is just about stretched to it's max. It's not uncomfortable but there isn't really much stretch left to give. The upper hip/waist area fits similarly.

Also, it seems that the seams where the legs connect to the crotch area are a bit rough feeling from being stretched almost to their max. Will this cause any irritation when riding since this is the place where the leg/crotch line hit the saddle? Should I keep these shorts or try a bigger size?

I assume that "new" these shorts are the tightest they will be during their lifetime. I suspect that even after a few wearings I might notice a bit of relaxation? Yes or no?

Thanks for any help!

as i always say, the tightest any of our product will ever feel is the first time you try them on! so yes, give them a chance!

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

That's what she said.

When are you coming out with a good purple color?

We will have a really nice green with a print, and a turquoise with a print in 2012. As for purple, we will see. I love many hues of purple.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

I haven't been on this forum for two weeks, and look what happens. I miss my chance for a coupon for DeSoto!

Here are my measurements. I am giving them to you because they are not the same as the others, being a middle aged woman. Middle aged women are a fast growing triathlon group and not like the models in your advertisements (six footers size zero, as another poster pointed out). I do take a size 0 or size 2 dress size, but I'm short. My waist is big and my hips are small as I have had two children and I have some extra skin around my waist but an athletic build with huge shoulders and I struggle to get tops on over my shoulders.

Height - 5'3
Weight - 122 lb
Chest - 33.5
Waist - 29
Hips - 35

I usually take a small for just about every line out there. The other reason why I am writing is to second the request for the 400 mile bib shorts, women specific. It solves the problem of back and tummy exposure and high/low waists, and offers a flattering silhouette to everyone.

Thanks!

Hey Karen,

shoot me an email and i will send you the code, even though the survey ended.

as for women's 400 mile bib shorts, you are only the second woman who has requested them.....ever. other companies have offered them, none have ever done well with them. If you have a tummy and low back exposure issue, you might just like these Forza Long Distance Tri Shorts.

The waistband folds up as high as over your belly button or as low as you dare to wear them.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

As a cyclist, I only like bibs......

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

And what brand(s) of women's bibs really have it going on?

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

voler and sugoi - the 2011 sugoi RS women's bib are freakin' amazing (on road/cross or in aero), and i LOVE the voler diamante pad on my cross bike!

i'd be a third to request women-specific 400 mile bibs. the only reasons i haven't bought the 400 mile shorts are:

a) i only wear bibs or trishorts
b) i'm short through the torso, so men's bibs generally have straps that are too long

re: the forza shorts. i have shied away from buying any of these because i have a pair of 2008 carrera shorts with the invisipad, and the seams at the edges of said pad are in exactly the wrong place on my v-flow max saddle. i had a REALLY unpleasant time figuring out that i couldn't wear those shorts to ride and took months to heal from the damage done by them. since the forza line shorts all seem to have the same pad seam placement, there's no way i'd spend a dime on them only to end up in severe pain. others' mileage may vary, but i know i'm not the first to bring up the interaction of pad seams and wider saddles like the cobb and adamo models.

cheers!

-mistress k

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__________________________________________________________
ill advised racing inc.

I wear Voler. I can't quite bring myself to shell out for Assos. Maybe if I were riding huge miles all the time.

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

thanks for your input. I wish you would have contacted me about your issue with the short back then. The sound like they were possibly defective. Anway, the Carrera shorts you bought in 2008 is very different from what we offer now. The design is different, the pad is different, the stitching is different, and the thread we use on the stitching is different. The Forza shorts are completely different than the Carrera shorts as well.

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Emilio De Soto II
Maker of triathlon clothing, T1 Wetsuits, & Saddle Seat Pads and AXS since 1990
emilio@desotosport.com http://www.desotosport.com

my only objection was with the seam placement - i have the same problem with 2 pairs of sugoi tri shorts and the v-flow max saddle. i understand the forza shorts are a completely different item, but the seam placement looks the same as on my old carreras (from the photos i've seen, anyway). i have nowhere to try on locally (all 3 ontario retailers are 1-3hrs away) and cross-border shipping sucks for exchanges, so i haven't wanted to risk it.

cheers!

-mistress k

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__________________________________________________________
ill advised racing inc.

I have a Cobb V-Flow Plus saddle. I ride steep. I recently purchased the new Forza Long Distance tri short. I rode 110 miles in them yesterday and I'm paying dearly today for the reasons you mention above. I love the fabric! I love the pad! BUT...when in the aero position the stitching at the edge of the pad and the stitching on the seams joining the front/back to the legs of the short (this seam line is probably the worst offender) feels like a serrated knife is trying to separate my legs from my torso with every pedal stroke. Sadly, they are going back :-(.

Love the Pearl Izumi drop tail. Not compressive, but nice not to have to strip at a rest stop...

I have a terrible time with the sugoi shorts. Their seams are HUGE! DeSoto not so much. Unfortunately our team kit is Sugoi, but I will never buy a pair of their shorts outside of a kit for a team I'm on.

I've been okay wearing the sugoi shorts this year with the Adamo saddle, but I still prefer desoto's forza because they are so much snugger. Sugoi's size small is saggy on me (especially when they get wet from rain or sweat), and desotos size small is very very snug. They aren't going anywhere so no chafing etc...

I just bought the Forza Long Distance Tri shorts - I did 2 rides of 20 and 45 miles and had the same issues - I use an Adamo saddle, and the seam of the shorts rubbed at one spot on the saddle and left a pretty good welt on my inseam. From a cosmetic point of view, the fabric where I was sweaty turned to a lighter color, so I had slotchy patches, especially around my thighs - I stopped at a convenience store to refuel and was embarrassed to go in. Also, I had applied chamois butter like I always do, and it seeped through the fabric. I've been wearing the 2XU tri shorts and will stick with them until I find something that works better.

Unfortunately, I only have one pair of women specific bib shorts, Champion Systems (team kit). Unless I *really* slather myself in Beljum Budder, I get hurt. All my other bib stuff is men's cut, hand me downs from my husband when he buys them and finds out they're a bit too small.

Generally, I prefer less padding. The Champion Systems performance pad is really too thick and there is just too much stuffed down there to avoid injury!

My team uses the Sugoi custom RS bibs. They fit a bit big but I find their XS super comfortable. Sugoi's women's RSE bibshorts are *really* comfortable. The straps sit really wide as they cross in the back which is surprisingly comfy and doesn't budge at all. They have quite a few panels that make them fit super snug, and the material and chamois are nicely breathable yet "firm" enough to feel like everything is being held nicely in place. Definitely worth the $200.

I've used custom Champion System bibs and am pretty unimpressed. The chamois is uncomfortable and the fabric goes see-through far too fast. I also have Atac shorts, the chamois is OK if you like minimal padding but they stretched out like crazy really fast.

I have been babying my Hind bibs forever (since you can't get them anymore). All my other bibs are men's (Castelli and Cavalo).

I really want bibs for my IM though or at a minimum black (instead of blue Carrera) shorts.

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http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit

Emilio,

Great to see you soliciting input from real women!

I have loved DeSoto's longer running shorts (used to be Tuesday and unisex) for years and recently had to try the men's version because that is all you offer any more. They work in a small, but are a bit baggier than even I like. So maybe a longer running short for those of us that like them......at 53 you should be be happy I don't wear short shorts anymore.

I have several pairs of the 400 mile shorts and recommend them to clients and customers ALL the time, but most of your women's line seems to be designed for 20-ish fitness models......yes, the college girls love the stuff.....but there are a whole lot of us that just want a bit more coverage.

On the retail floor when someone mentions skimpy tri clothing, we assume they are talking about DeSoto. That is probably good for photo shoots, but there are a lot of real people out there who want to wear your fabulous technical apparel too.

FYI, I wear a SM in tops and bottoms.

G

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It's a little like wrestling a gorilla.........you don't stop when you're tired.........you stop when the gorilla is tired.