I'm not sure how someone with a 35" waist can fit into a 32" waist jean. I wear 34" jeans and my waist measures 34.5" but my brand of jeans use vanity sizing so they're more like 35".

Anyways, Pearl Izumi lists the fit on those tights as "form fit" which they use on many other products. If you can try on some shorts/tights in a store that are also "form fit" you can get a better idea of fit. I use large Pearl Izumi Attack shorts which are form fit and since I'm losing weight they feel a little big (currently 5'9" 173lbs. down from 195lbs.) They fit fine but wrinkle up in the rear when standing after 30 minutes or so on the bike. I would say to go medium but if your legs are really built the large size may be too tight.

 

I'm not sure how someone with a 35" waist can fit into a 32" waist jean. I wear 34" jeans and my waist measures 34.5" but my brand of jeans use vanity sizing so they're more like 35".

hey, thanks Dunbar. As usual I'll wait until a few replies pile up, there's usually someone with similar sizing who chimes in.

I'm still thinking Medium will do the trick. With stretch fabric such as this the cut is important though so I'm hoping someone will relate with experience fitting this particular Amfit tight.

As for your question as to street sizing jeans, in the North American garment industry street sizes are usually downsized anywhere from 2-4" off true. Most 32"/Medium sized jeans are actually anywhere from 34-36" waist. Check it; simply measure (this holds true for Buffalo, Levi's, Zoo York, etc). More sports-oriented and tailored brands try for closer to true sizing, but even then most downsize their reported size an inch or so because of the crazy denial of North American consumers as to their true size (so Patagonia jeans, for example, will be somewhere inbetween).

Euro fits are, on the contrary, usually accurate and you can trust the size charts (though Castelli also assumes you have pike arms, no chest, and no ass either). The problem with North American size charts is that they usually aren't accurate, but build this false perception of size into their numbers.

 

Most of my cycling gear is PI.
Dunno if this helps, but my numbers:
5'10", 34 waist, 32 inseam, 44 chest, 170 lbs.
Quest jerseys and shorts - size L
Elite Thermal tights - size L (awesome tights BTW)
Various PI jackets - all size L
Various PI long and short finger gloves - all size XL

Note, I do prefer a slightly looser jersey fit for comfort.
The size L PI tights are form fit (big quads ).
Medium would be uncomfortable for me.

Have had good luck with all the PI stuff I've purchased.
Tried other brands and keep coming back to PI.

 

IMe as a chick. PI runs bigger, I can wear a small in PI and a medium in LG, for example. So PI probably vanity sizes just like the jeans brands do to soothe the ego LOL.

 

First of all great choice with the Amfib bibs. I love mine; they're so warm. Lots of fleece on the inside and almost wet-suit like in places on the outside. I've never worn Castelli and I'm not your size, but I'll still share my sizing experience.
I'm 6'3"ish, ~190 lbs with a 32 or 34 waist in jeans depending on brand. Anyway, I wear a Large in the Amfib and they fit me just like I like them to.

 

I am almost exactly the same height, weight, waist and leg length as you. I wear PI Amfibs in size Large and they seem to fit fine. Make sure you get the bibs. I initially got the tights but they kept creeping down, so I exchanged for bibs and they fit much better.

 

Awesome. Blind internet trust sounds good to me — so THANKS. :thumbsup:

I'm getting the ones *without chamois* so any issues with wearing bibs under the bibs and doubling up the straps? Shouldn't be, but just checking.

 

I have both Castelli and PI bibs in a race cut, The Castelli seem to run a bit smaller within the same size. Hope this is a help.

 

I just headed down to the LBS for CDN Thanksgiving blowout & tried on a bunch of PI jerseys. I fit the Medium, but the Med isn't even as tight as the Castelli Large, with minor bunching over the torso when in ride position. I actually fit the Small in PI jerseys (super tight, but feasible) were it not for the front being cut too low (deal breaker).

So at least for me, PI is 1.5 sizes larger than Castelli, and sizing one down for PI, doesn't have the same form hugging fit as a Castelli.

Also tried the PI Elite Barrier vest in medium. No small to compare to, but the Medium was flappy, plenty of fabric bunch in ride position, and too long in the front. Wouldn't mind trying the PI Elite Pro Barrier one though.

I think I'll make the 2 hour trip to a LBS that carries the AmFibs & will buy from a retailer. Sizing here with PI seems variable and not as well cut as Castelli. What can I say, I've been spoiled by the Italians... ;p

 

Yes, I think Pearl Izumi is made more for the typical American body than the Euro brands. I've tried on Castelli jerseys and they look ridiculous on me. If I size up so it doesn't look ridiculous than the jersey is too loose in the riding position. I'm convinced you need to be pretty lean to pull off the Euro fit jerseys. The PI form fit jerseys (medium for me) fit tight without looking bad on my physique. The only problem I have with PI jerseys is the zippers have a wavy appearance in the riding position which I think has to do with their zippers being fairly rigid (so they go all wavy in compression). With bibs and cycling shorts I don't think it matters as much since they all look skin tight. You just size up or down until you find one that fits.

 

Alright, so I made it down to MEC and tried some things on. (Or tried to, MEC sucks for having sizes in stock. The place was chaos too. Mad toddlers running around, ripping down pricey Rossa Corsa line jerseys, knocking over clearance racks... the place has become the Walmart of outdoor shops. But I digress.) Here's the results, FWIW.

— PI Amfibs. Tried the Mediums. Legs fine but seriously too tight in the waist. No Larges to try but I am guessing the Large would be spot on for overall fit. But I didn't get them as the legs are just too long for me. The fabric is thick, closer to neoprene, and so there was no hope of adjusting the fabric around to make them work. They locked wicked warm but with a 30" inseam I am unfortunately hooped. So a no go.

— Castelli Sorpasso Wind Bibtights. I ended up grabbing these in a Large. The legs are a tad shorter, and for whatever reason you can shift the fabric around if you have punter legs like me. I got these because there's more than just a front Windstopper panel on these, but thicker backed thermoflex (ie brushed back microfleece) throughout including in the nethers for the boys. The Large also fits decent... tighter in the nethers which should help eliminate cold air pockets. My only concern is tightness around the knee with the Windstopper panel. The fabric pinches in behind the knee and is restrictive around the knee cap. Others have noted this on the forums. I'd size up (my standard Sorpassos are XL) but I don't think an XL is going to have wider pipe in the legs. So either the knees stretch out or I make use of MEC's return-it-whenever policy.

— Also of interest, I fit a Small in PI's Elite Barrier Jacket. I've noticed their stuff is "semi-form fit" for a lot of cuts. As in: size down if you want a form fit.

Alright, enough blah, time to get out riding!

 

I had as set amfibs and ended up returning them after a couple cold weather rides. The thick fabric didn't deliver the insulation I was expecting. It acted more like a heat sink on long down hill runs. I have some Craft and Assos winter bibtights that equal the amphibs for insulation without the thick bulky material.

 

Which Crafts? I recently picked up a lightweight nylon cycle jacket of there's and love it. Excellent form-fit too, true to their fit charts, well cut and well made.

 

Check out the Craft Storm

 

I'm 5'10", 168 pounds and the size large AmFib tights fit me well. Mediums would be too small, I'm quite sure. Wore 'em yesterday but they were a little too warm (about 52 degrees, somewhat windy).

 

Just wondering what Pearl Izumi has in mind for the correct fit. I ordered a pair of the AmFib Bib Tights (no chamois), in size Large. I'm 6'4", 185lbs. Typically, I wear size Large bibs. These AmFibs have a perfect length, but the thighs & waist are baggy. Since they have "tights" in their namesake, I'm confused. Are they not supposed to fit like lycra cycling bibs? I don't want to waste time sending them back, for a medium, only to have a similar baggie-ness....but with legs that may be too short. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!