Sizing conversion question

[Kyna]

So I have been shopping for a decent set of pants to ride in that are comfortable, and have armor in the right spot.  Unfortunately the shops around here don't carry a lot of gear for female riders, and I was only able to find one pair of pants.  They wouldn't work.  I started trying on guys pants and found a several pairs that fit, but the armor isn't in the right spot on the knees and the legs are too long.   Now that I figured out what size I wear can I just buy a pair of female pants in that size or do the sizes not line up?  Does that make sense?  (for example I liked the 32 icons in the waist.  Would a womens pant in 32 be the right size?)

[Stella]

Pants shopping was a big pain in the butt for me. (Pun totally appropriate, no?!) I completely understand!  I may have tried a few men's pants on as well.  All I recall is that nothing fit.      

I wanted and eventually settled on a pair of women's Dainese pants (to zip into my Dainese jacket) however if they were a 1/2 size larger, they'd be perfect.  (They're new this season & in the 'stretch phase' or so I'm told.  We'll see by the end of the season.)  I'm 5'4" with my own curves & can't wear men's pants.  My weight generally never tops 130 (only when I'm bad or during the holidays), waist is 28" & hips a little bigger. Depending on the brand, I can wear either a 4 or 6 in US sizes.  My Dainese pants are a Euro size 42.  These personal stats better be of some benefit to someone! 

I'm not familiar with the Icon brand but if their US mens size 32 works for you - I would consider getting the equivalent in women's - knowing you may have to alter somewhat.  I wouldn't give up on women's yet - since they're typically cut to fit our curvier shapes!

Maybe find a women's pair that comes close in one direction or another and then have your retailer order the size you think would work best. But also confirm return policy worn & not worn.

Hope this helps!  Good luck!

[somegirl]

I also had lots of fit issues.  Since sizing will really depend from company to company, I'd recommend calling up Icon to see if their women's 32 is similar to the men's 32.

Also, when you are trying on the gear, don't forget to sit on a bike and see how it fits in riding position.  The armor will be in the wrong place if you are just walking around, it's how it fits on the bike that counts.

Good luck!

[Kyna]

thanks, I'll probably give them a call.  Thanks.  That answered my question perfectly.

[Ducatista]

Check with some of the online retailers.  Some of them have free returns policies.  All you have to do is pay for the shipping of the item back to them and they will do an exchange for free shipping back to you.

Also, if your local Ducati dealer is a good one, they will sometimes stock stuff for you.  I know that if I asked Donnie to get something in, he would.  When I was shopping for leathers, I just didn't have time to work with him on it.