I’ve worn just about every other brand of tri short except DeSoto, but would really like to give the Riviera or Forza a try. However, I have looked at the DeSoto size charts and it appears that their sizing runs a full size smaller than most other manufacturers. Specifically, DeSoto shows a Men’s Small as 24"–27" waist and a Medium as 27"-32". I have a 29-30" waist (and larger thighs, making sizing tough sometimes) and would normally fit a Small in most other brands. . . but does DeSoto truly run small enough for me to bump up to a Medium? I’d prefer a tighter fit, but not at the expense of cutting into my waist. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. . .
Choose a Medium.
What other brands do you wear a small in?
I wear a small Desoto Forza, Riviera, Carrera and wears a small in just about everything else including:
Kiwami Prima
Tyr Carbon and Competitor
Oomph Vigor
Sugoi Piston
Although among those listed the Forza is the longest of them all
I also have a 29-30" waist. I have a pair of the Desoto forza tri bibs and also the 400mi bib shorts and wear a medium in both and they fit fine. Can’t speak to the waist exactly since they are bibs, but medium would probably be fine for you. I wear small in most things (Pearl Izumi, 2xu, etc) but do wear a medium in things that are more “euro” sized like Castelli, mavic, etc.
I bought the Riviera Tri Bibs in XL. I have a 35" waist and a 46" chest, and I’m 6’3". By their chart, I should have bought the XL size. Now, I’m wondering if the L would have fit just a tad better. Some parts feel great and others feel just a tad loose. The circular leg cuff felt loose dry, and when wet, feels even looser. That’s probably the only complaint I have though. The construction is great and the Riviera pad is perfect for pretty much any race distance. I haven’t done a full, but I was perfectly comfy during the 70.3.
I think they run a tad small. I’m 6’ 175 lbs, 32 in waist and I wear a large.
Call them. Emilio has a very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
1-800-453-6673
I recently bought and had to return a pair of large Riviera tri bibs. I hover around a 33-34" waist and I thought I was going to pop the seams on the bibs just trying them on. The bib/upper body portion fit well and felt good, but the crotch and legs were way too tight.
So I agree, they run small.
i am about 30 waist (not 2-27) and wear small in everything DeSoto - 400 mile bibs, forza, forza riviera, and their running shorts. only thing i need a medium for is the fleecy leggings or watever they call them (esrmest clothing ever invented).
as others have said - just call - they will answer all your questions…but i expect you to need a small.
According to their size chart, I should be in a medium, but I went with a small in the ITU trisuit and Riviera Tri bib. I find the fit good, though next bib I order from them may be a medium just to see the difference.
I recently bought and had to return a pair of large Riviera tri bibs. I hover around a 33-34" waist and I thought I was going to pop the seams on the bibs just trying them on. The bib/upper body portion fit well and felt good, but the crotch and legs were way too tight.
So I agree, they run small.
I had the exact same experience. I can normally get a medium or large depending on how tight I want them and bought a pair of Desoto’s in a large as everyone said they run small. I had to sell them after a couple rides on the trainer and bought another pair of XL’s. The legs are still super tight but the waist is good. I’ve yet to run off the bike in them but I’m afraid they will work there way down (crotch especially) since they are so tight around my legs and not long enough to extend down towards a less tapered of the thigh towards the knee. They are not made for a guy with large thighs (tree trunks I’m told).
I typically wear a medium short (6’3", 170 lbs) but the DeSoto Riviera mediums were way small, particularly on my thighs. I can wear the large fine, considering trying out XL. Good news is they have a 100% money back guarantee. I would call them directly, then try them out. If you don’t like them, send them back.
I’ve worn just about every other brand of tri short except DeSoto, but would really like to give the Riviera or Forza a try. However, I have looked at the DeSoto size charts and it appears that their sizing runs a full size smaller than most other manufacturers. Specifically, DeSoto shows a Men’s Small as 24"–27" waist and a Medium as 27"-32". I have a 29-30" waist (and larger thighs, making sizing tough sometimes) and would normally fit a Small in most other brands. . . but does DeSoto truly run small enough for me to bump up to a Medium? I’d prefer a tighter fit, but not at the expense of cutting into my waist. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. . .
My real waist measurement is about 29. I wear Desoto Smalls. they fit tightly, but that is what I am looking for. Above all, just order one of each and send the one that doesn’t work back. Before long Emilio will chime in and that will be what he tells you to do. No risk to you, no questions asked returns. Best customer service in existence.
ETA: they will only get looser after you buy them, so start on the tight side.
Hello, Emilio here. Thanks for considering the Riviera Tri Short. One thing to keep in mind is that this garment is low cut, so it does not sit on your waist, it sits on your hips a few inches below your belly button. So far and based on the info you have supplied I am going to recommend size medium, especially because if the big thigh comment, but send the the following by email to emilio@desotosport.com and I will personally fit you.
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
CHEST (circumference measured at the nipple line) IF YOU ARE MALE
WAIST (circumference measured at the belly-button line)
HIPS (circumference measured at the widest point, not just at your hips. typically this will measure just a few inches below your hips bones and around the largest part of the glutes)
All this gives me an idea of how you are built and from there I accurately fit you.