Why do you hate Lycra?
So there’s an issue that’s been fascinating me for a while, but I don’t think I’ve ever posted all about it. Mentioned it plenty, sure – in fact it may be the most over-used word in my blog - but as yet there’s been no post devoted to it.
Why do people get so upset over other people wearing Lycra/spandex/stretchy stuff/whatever the hell else you want to call it?
Perusing Stuff’s Australian cousin site, I came across an opinion columnist all hot and bothered over the offensiveness of Lycra and advancing his view that all cyclists (because they’re the most obvious offenders) have superhero complexes.
I’m not sure about that. Leaping out of a phone box with my undies on over my shorts is likely to get me carted off to visit the nice men in white coats – or by the nice men in blue outfits. So funnily enough, I’ve never felt the urge. I’ve also never felt like a superhero on my bike, unless superheros have bad days where they are prone to perspire, curse the wind and wonder why this seemed like a good idea
See, the thing about Lycra is only a small minority wear it to be a poseur. It’s functional. As anybody who has spent long hours on a bike seat will tell you, padded bike shorts are not about fashion, they’re a necessity, just like the helmet and gloves.
And unfortunately, the skin-tight thing is also necessary for road riders. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as clothing that flaps out behind you as you ride, not to mention dangerous – if it caught on the bike you’d quickly be getting cosy with the road.
As far as Lycra shorts and running go, I have one word. Chafing. Not being a runner whose thighs do not meet at the top, for me loose shorts are not good times.
Now, I know it's often not a pretty sight and I have never made it a secret my shorts do indeed make my butt look big. Jennifer Lopez has competition. But if it offends you so much, don’t look. Oh, wait, first you’ll have to make sure you don’t run me over. Then don’t look.
Hey, maybe that’s why motorists hate cyclists so much? Perhaps I have found the cause of so many accidents?
Yes, there is an element of uniform because everyone wears it, so when you take up the sport, you rig yourself out the same. In my opinion, Lycra shirts take it too far – they’re as unnecessary as plastering yourself with the logo of Lance Armstrong’s latest team.
But that would be why I love my retro cycling shirt from the Tri world champs, circa 1989 if the colours are to go by.
But as far as my logo dislike goes, you know what? I don’t have to wear them so I need to build a bridge, just like everyone else needs to get over the Lycra.
It’s Lycra, not a meteor shower that’s going to blind you, a la Day of the Triffids. (Great book, terrible TV adaptions.) It is not Armageddon.
Okay, time to throw open the floor. What do you think? Love or hate Lycra? Think it’s necessary or it's only worn because all us wannabe athletes are poseurs? Time to vent …
» Join Are We There Yet on Facebook.
Sponsored links
Newest First
Oldest First
I find Lycra increadibly uncomfortable - it gives me the biggest chaffing I've ever had & no matter what it always rides up and any shorts/undies always end up with rolled up ends which means I just never wear the stuff and just wear other tight clothes when exercising.
I don't cycle, but I'm with you on running shorts. They might not look too flash but they're functional (my thighs touch too) and quite frankly the rest of me isn't going to win any beauty awards while I'm running either - I'm a long term sufferer of "beetroot face". If someone has a problem with how my rear end looks in lycra , well, that's their problem and not mine. I don't have to look at myself when I'm running! And I'd rather not have to surgically remove my shorts from unmentionable places when I get back home again.
My personal theory is that the lycra haters are just jealous that people like you have the self-confidence to go out wearing something so clingy. It's all about their own insecurities.
LOL good blog today Ann.
I've never been concerned by other people wearing lycra. I have always disliked the look of lycra on me cos I'm not body confident enough. But I have recently got over that since it is very practical!
Thankfully these days the types of lycra you can get are much more varied (not all shiny & flouro like in the 80's) and those smart designers put seams in nice flattering places. I have these great below the knee tights that are firm enough to hide the worst lumps and nice and stretchy for running, cycling and I have even started wearing them horse riding (where you have to get your foot above your hip to get on!).
In summary I think its a necessary evil. And you didn't even mention swimming.
It's necessary for cycling as a sport. Just as a rugby jersey is to rugby or a skirt is to netball. What's the big deal?
While I don't have a problem with the 'ole cycle shirt, being a wearer myself. I do think the guys and girls that deck themselves out in whatever team is fashionable are a bit laughable. They haven't earned that sponsorship so why should they ride with it? I restrict myself to shirts I've earned (Taupo, Taranaki etc) or plain ones.
I'm gonna have to say love. Obviously I don't love it on everyone and even though my work-out gear contains little of it, my actual work clothing is full of it. I love the little bit of lycra they slip into pants/t's/jeans/jackets that means they fit well and I can still breathe and sit down!! (and even eat). Never going to catch me in a leotard again but lycra itself is actually pretty clever stuff.
I think you are 100 % right. Day of the Triffids TV adaptation was terrible! The book was fantastic!
On topic though, Lycra, as you say, is functional not fashion, who really cares. No one is forcing anyone to wear it so why complain, if others wear it, that's their choice.
My girlfriend wears a lycra-esque pair of shorts for her sport and you'll never see me complaining! mmmmmmmmm
that said though.. to the size 18+ female who decided wearing stretch, shiny fake snake skin leggings with a hip length T was a good idea..
Lycra is only an issue because it highlights the curves and bumps. I think that's why people get testy about it.
John Wyndham's classic book was succesfully adapted in the 1980's (great TV series - I have it on DVD) but other attempts - including the recent one have been really, really bad.
School unapologetic for chewing gum expulsion
Author, 12, gives proceeds to cancer research
Plucky mother intent on recovery
Baby murder-accused sobs, sniffles in court
Quakes blow Wellington's benchmark
Cameras capture girl's abduction ordeal
Two Tibetans killed by Chinese security - report
Fraudster's $59m shopping spree brings 15 years jail
Waitangi London pub crawl a beat-up
School unapologetic for chewing gum expulsion
Wrong boot costs adventurer his life
Kewell magic lifts Victory past Central Coast
Wow... are we seriously talking about this again?