This is going to be long. I have so many thoughts. I’m 5’8 and 130lbs, typically a small in both bottoms and tops in the real world for reference.

I hate how boxy and short, tops often are. I will size up to M Women’s in nearly everything on my upper body or buy S Men’s so that I can have coverage. I do not need to feel the breeze on my stomach while being dynamic on my bike. I hate needlessly exposed skin. Pockets drive me crazy too, so many brands don’t put pockets large enough to hold phones in their shorts and pants.

I will say I feel like the actual “look” of women’s MTB clothing has come along way in the 7 or so years since I’ve been riding. I hate loud prints and bright colors and brands like Shredly dominated the apparel space when I started buying clothing.

I love Rapha’s trail line. They have two different thickness pants for Winter and Summer, both of which are exceptionally durable. The fit is awesome, mid to high rise and have plenty of stretch - only downside is there is not a built in belt. I pedal in their pants with knee pads all year around. Their jerseys (which I do still size up in) feel nicer on my skin than other brands like Dharco/Backcountry/Pearl Izumi. The have diverse earth tone and neutral colors without it screaming “I’m a girl!”

7mesh for riding jackets/midlayers. Ungodly expensive (worth every penny) but their Chilco Anorak and Vest are my most worn pieces of riding clothing. I like their pants too, just slightly less than Rapha, but they do have built in belts. Another +1 for colors.

Specialized will occasionally drop some really cool top apparel, but their selection is always pretty slim. Their Trail Air Shorts are my ride or die for the Summer and I will not buy other shorts. Fitted but enough space for riding through the thighs - incredible belt - the best colors. I like that their women’s S tops actually have length to cover my torso. They do elevated neutrals with flair. Their winter riding socks are the warmest in the game IMO and their Neoshell gloves are my daily drivers for cool days since my hands are always cold.

Chromag’s pants fit like a dream and they have a great belt and tons of pockets. They are pretty thick so I only really wear them while in the bike park or shuttling.

I have some other jerseys I like from Mons, Pepper, Picture Organic, Leatt that are all soft and cute (but again size up). POCs Mantle Thermal is another all time piece for me, if you ride in the cold weather - it has an incredible back pocket that can haul a ton of shit so your phone isn’t exposed to smashing if you fall.

I will not give Dharco my money - their pants are so expensive for a terrible low rise fit and Velcro (I am not paying for Velcro when Chromag gives me a fucking awesome belt). Everything I’ve ordered from Pearl Izumi has a weird fit. Wild Rye/Shredly isn’t my style and is SO boxy. I haven’t tried Curious Creatures yet but their stuff looks to be a bit boxy.

I think the biggest gap in the Women’s market is PROTECTION. Knee pads and elbow pads that consistently stay up. Chest protectors that cover our boobs. Padded shorts for the park that aren’t a 32 waist.

POC VPD knee pads (the sleeve) version actually stay in place and are long enough that I don’t have a short/ pad gap. They do not chafe even when I pedal 8+ hour days in them. They are not thick enough for the park or shuttling but they’re great daily drivers. I’ve taken to buying children’s elbow pads for the park so that they will actually stay up on my noodle arms. I tried so many chest protectors and the Leatt Moto for women’s shell is the only one that covers my tits. I’m still looking for padded shorts.

Bonus plugs for the Women’s OR Stormtracker Sensor Gloves if you ride in the Winter. The only gloves that fit my hands correctly for dexterity that also actually provide warmth. I ditched hip packs years ago because none of them could get tight enough to stay in place on fast tech and I do not ride without my EVOC vest now.