What to wear for cycling if you are bigger than a size 14?

[starlingsintheslipstream]

I've just started cycling again after 20 years and need to kit myself out with some hi-vis gear but have just returned from our local cycle shop empty handed because their ladies jackets only went up to a large which was a bit snug (was probably more like a 14 which hardly equates to large in my book!) and the gents wouldn't fasten on my hips . I'm hardly huge - about size 14/16 but maybe I'm big for a cyclist .

Does anyone have any ideas where I might find something suitable?

Also after 2 days of cycling in the rain in jeans do I have to bite the bullet and get Lycra. I'm a bit reluctant with my wobbly thighs. Initially I'm only intending to cycle back from work so I'm not too worried about being ultra waterproof and having to arrive looking presentable I just want to be comfortable really.

Hopeful bump for the evening crowd...

Sports Direct has some neon yellow running/cycling jackets that go up to at least a 16. I just wear running leggings but they sell the padded type too I think.

Not sure on the sizing (runner not cyclist - thighs can't take it) but I would go for the lycra just to stop the chaffing. I also find the ones to just below the knee are good as I don't get too hot in those, I wear them in winter too.

Have you had a look at sheactive - they have a good selection.

Can you not just get a reflective shoulder strap thingie?

I bought a waterproof running jacket with high vis stripes (probably not enough) from Sports Direct in a size 16.

I wear proper lycra cycling shorts with the chamois pad but always bung a pair of 3/4 trousers over the top. I usually nick DH's outdoory cargo pants.

As for cycling jackets I found Altura fit me in either largest WOman's size or a smaller men's size. Again, have been known to steal DH's when required. OR a standard Hi-vis vest would do the job.

Google for "Minx Girl" - it's a website that sells women's cycling kit.

Rather than lycra, you could get some mountain biking 'baggies'.

please don't be my dd2 is a size 6-8 and she needs a medium in cycling clothes as they just come up really small.

Make sure lycra shorts fit well as I have a pair that are to big and they chaffed me terribly. I have padded ladies shorts in xxxxxxlarge now which are comfy

We are going into the winter though so you may prefer to buy some longs to keep your legs warm here

Thank you everyone. Definitely some possibilities here, am browsing the links now.

I'm a size 16-18.
I have cycled as my main form of transport since I started work 20 years ago (and cycled to school/uni before that)- I have never used any special clothing except waterproof overtrousers and a hi-viz waistcoat in size XL(£5 from the alexandra uniform shop, but I'm not sure they are around anymore). This is lose enough to wear over any coat or jacket.
I wear long denim shorts in the summer, and in the winder I cycle in my grey work trousers. I can't quite see myself in lycra somehow.
I only started wearing a helmet a couple of months ago, when my boss had an accident, which was enough to scare me into thinking I ought to wear one.

I commuted by bike all year round until I got pregnant, and used to wear cycling shorts with track suit bottoms (clips on the ankles), breathable waterproof coat in winter and 3/4 length trousers and tshirt in summer. For hi-vis I had a cheapo hi-vis workman's vest over the top, plus hi vis bag covers with reflective strips. Hope that helps.

Well, I ventured into Sports Direct today - it's such a chaotic shop I was dreading it! But, I was really pleased as I've got fixed up with an orange Muddy Fox cycling jacket (not my first choice of colour but it fits and was only £20) and some bottoms similar to the ones ivykaty44 linked to for £13. So a bargain as the cycling shop were charging £80 or so for their jackets - probably better quality but this will do me for now. Thanks again .