Everything you need to know about women’s cycling shorts for long distances. We will cover the different types of shorts available, share practical tips for choosing and wearing them correctly, and finish with a buyer’s guide to help you make the best decision for your rides.
Types of Women’s Cycling Shorts
When most people think of cycling shorts, they picture the traditional black lycra style. In reality, there is a wide variety of designs and fits, and the best option often comes down to personal preference. Here are the most common types of women’s cycling shorts to consider:
1. Traditional Lycra Shorts
These are the classic, form-fitting shorts most often associated with road cycling. They include a built-in chamois and come in various inseam lengths from long to medium to short.
Some women prefer basic black, while others enjoy colorful prints or unique designs. Lycra shorts provide a snug fit that helps reduce friction and prevent fabric from bunching during pedaling.
2. Best ladies cycling shorts: Bib Shorts
A favorite among experienced cyclists, bib shorts offer excellent support and comfort. Instead of a waistband, they feature shoulder straps that hold the shorts in place. This design prevents gapping between your jersey and shorts and eliminates pressure from elastic waistbands, which can cause discomfort or chafing.
One important note: the straps of bib shorts should be worn under your cycling jersey, not over it.
3. Baggy Shorts
Often preferred by mountain bikers, baggy shorts offer a looser, more casual fit. They may include a padded liner, but not always. If the padding is not built-in, you can pair them with separate padded cycling underwear.
Baggy shorts are versatile and can be worn on and off the bike. They are a good choice for commuting, trail riding, or anyone who prefers a less technical look.
Comfort while cycling is critical, especially on long rides. Yet one of the most common mistakes women make is something many have never been told to avoid: wearing underwear with their cycling shorts. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but it makes all the difference in your comfort, performance, and health on the bike.
Why You Should Not Wear Underwear with Bike Shorts
Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without underwear. At the core of their design is the chamois – a built-in padded liner that offers cushioning, reduces friction, and helps manage moisture. When you wear regular underwear beneath bike shorts, it cancels out these benefits. The extra layer introduces seams, fabric folds, and potential pressure points, all of which contribute to saddle sores and general discomfort.
This topic often comes as a surprise, and some cyclists feel self-conscious at first. But rest assured most people on your group ride are not wearing underwear under their cycling shorts. If it feels uncomfortable to skip underwear at first, try it on a few rides to see how your comfort improves. Most women never go back.
There is one exception. If you’re using padded cycling underwear, specifically designed for riding, you may wear those under non-padded shorts such as gym shorts or casual clothing. However, padded cycling underwear should never be worn under padded cycling shorts. Doing so doubles the layers of padding, which causes more friction rather than less.
Potty-Friendly Bib Shorts
One common concern women have about bib shorts is how to manage bathroom breaks. Traditional bibs can be tricky to remove, especially when wearing multiple layers.
Fortunately, many brands now offer potty-friendly bib shorts designed with women in mind. The most popular design is the drop-tail bib, which features enough stretch or a clasp mechanism to allow you to pull the shorts down without removing your jersey or completely undressing.
When shopping for bib shorts, this feature is worth prioritizing. It saves time, simplifies nature breaks on long rides, and makes bibs a much more practical choice.
Using Chamois Cream
Even with the best cycling shorts, friction and chafing can still occur especially on long-distance rides. Chamois cream is a helpful product that reduces irritation, prevents saddle sores, and improves comfort.
To use chamois cream, apply a small amount directly to areas of your skin where you experience rubbing. It is important not to apply the cream to the chamois pad itself but rather to your body. Everyone’s needs vary, so some cyclists use it regularly, while others only apply it for longer rides or events.
Post-Ride Hygiene Tips
Once your ride is over, it is crucial to take off your cycling shorts as soon as possible. Leaving them on for too long after sweating can lead to a host of issues, including yeast infections, rashes, chafing, and bacterial infections.
After your ride:
- Change into clean, dry underwear and clothing as soon as possible.
- Use baby wipes or a clean towel to wipe down if a shower is not immediately available.
- Always wash your cycling shorts before wearing them again.
These simple steps go a long way in maintaining both comfort and health.
Wearing the right cycling shorts and wearing them correctly can significantly enhance your riding experience. Whether you’re training for a century ride or just enjoying weekend adventures, investing in a well-fitting pair of women’s cycling shorts with proper padding makes all the difference.
Happy riding.