Well, “compression” means that it is supposed to be tight fitting.
Men’s XL is supposed to be for 38-39" to 40-44" waist and 44" to 47-48" hip, based on size charts from athletic clothing companies.
Hmmm, if that is the case, that would be the opposite of “vanity sizing”.
I think cycling gear runs really small. A lot of it is European sizing, too. I’ve seen items in a size I would think would be right for me that look like doll clothes!
Men’s swimming tights. Talk about running small! What is great for the pool, trail, or bike may be completely inappropriate for the office. 
This was running gear, not cycling gear, and it was ridiculously sized. Some cycling clothing is preposterously small (Hincapie is perfect for your American Girl doll or your eight year old daughter) but I haven’t had trouble finding cycling clothing in reasonable sizes. Trouble is, nowadays cycling tights have the chamois built in, which I don’t like because I like to pull tights over my bike shorts. I used to be able to buy running tights that would work, and they were readily available, but now all the ones I’ve found are squeezy tight, and often too low waisted for cycling as well. MOWC, if you know where I can buy plain lycra tights that aren’t squeezy and that don’t just barely cover the butt crack, I’d love you to tell me.
Check out Oiselle for tights.
CF, what you are looking for is probably closer to running pants than tights. Brooks Chaser or Spartan (? - I think those are the styles) are the two pants I have. They are not super snug, but probably tight enough for biking
ETA: I think this is what I have:
http://www.barenecessities.com/brooks-chaser-pants-221140_product.htm?pf_id=Brooks221140
I don’t mind tights, not any more than I mind super tight jeans that are like tights made from denim.
I think wearers should cover their butts with longer sweaters/shirts/tunics to make the outfit look balanced.
I wear comfortable pants when I fly…think well worn jeans or something like that. For international LONG trips…nice black yoga pants.
in warmer weather, I’ll wear a comfortable dress.
I’m not looking for running pants, BB. They would not serve my purposes. They’re not stretchy enough, they’re not tight enough, and you can’t wad them up and shove them in your handlebar bag when it gets hotter. I’m looking for spandex tights. I just don’t want them so tight I can’t get them on. This is a type of garment I’ve been able to buy for the last 30 years, but lately they’re made so tight they’re uncomfortable.
Ok, I assume you have looked at Athleta and Lulu, so I recommend checking Oiselle. BTW, those running pants are very lightweight, have about 20% Lycra and do not restrict the movement.
If you have not looked at Lulu, check out their Align pant. Very, very stretchy, like second skin, easy to put on and take off, and super comfy.
If all you need is spandex, maybe check American Apparel?
Lulu just came out with a new fabric yesterday for running tights that is supposed to feel like you have nothing on.
I’m such an idiot that I didn’t look at Lululemon (I’ve been going to sports stores and sites, not fashion sites). They appear to have just what I want. Thanks.
Leggings + tunic + jacket + boots is my go-to cool weather outfit. You will never know the underwear/cameltoe/whatever situation because the tunic always covers down to upper/mid thigh.
I prefer lighter looser stuff when it’s hot so don’t really wear them in summer.
CF, glad we were able to offer some viable leads. I assumed you checked all of the stores including Lulu and were looking for a looser tight. Aeound here, all running stores carry mostly compression stuff like CWX. Very, very tight, indeed.
At least where I live, any man wearing leggings tight pants would get odds looks at most places in public, much less wearing them to work in any sort of professional environment. I disagree with the OP about the trend migrating over to men.
Here’s the look for men:
But I think they are for running or the gym. At my gym they wear the tight biker shorts which come to right above the knee – I have not seen much of the longer ones on any men except runners.
Male cyclists and runners wear tights here. Climbers, too, I think, at the climbing gyms.
@“Cardinal Fang”
Yes, and competitive swimmers wear speedos. That doesn’t mean wearing a speedo anywhere outside a swimming pool won’t get you turned away at the door at most places. I thought this conversation was about what people wear when they’re not participating in a sport.
I came into this look slowly, after following people in the mall in leggings that were stretched much farther in their rear than what they saw in a mirror. Couple that unfortunate view with thong panties and No, just no.
But a couple of years ago I realized that I could wear leggings under my regular skirts and dresses . Warm on the playground. Better coverage than tights. Cute ending at the ankle with flats. Win, win.