The array of cycling shorts can be a bit bewildering – lycra, baggy, pads, no pads, bibs, no bibs, waterproof, thermal, lite – what to choose? With many years of experience of design and making cycling kit for all tribes of riders we’re here to help you choose the right sort of shorts to keep you comfortable in the saddle.

Are Special Shorts Really Necessary for Cycling?

The classic lycra cycling short is designed to conform to your body shape, moving with you as you pedal to prevent rubbing and chafing – if you’re pedalling at 80 RPM, any rubbing quickly adds up. The tight fabric also provides some support for your leg muscles too. On the inside, cycling shorts have a pad (sometimes called a chamois in a throwback to the days when they were made of leather) that provides cushioning.

But do you really need them? For short trips absolutely not – jump on the bike in whatever you’re wearing and pedal. However, when you start to spend a little more time than you’re used to then you’ll definitely be comfier in some cycling specific shorts. Whether you’re commuting or training for endurance rides, specialized cycling shorts provide the comfort, muscle support, and moisture-wicking capabilities that regular clothing cannot match.

Should You Choose Tight or Baggy Cycling Shorts?

As well as the classic lycra form, cycling shorts also come in a baggier shape – something that came from the world of MTBing in the 1990s. Although they’re baggy on the outside, they’ll normally be worn with a liner short that’s much similar to a lycra short to fit you tightly and with a pad for comfort.

Which style you wear is largely up to you and the sort or riding you do. Lycra shorts are ideal for road cyclists seeking aerodynamic efficiency. On the other hand, baggy shorts provide a more casual look and are often preferred by mountain bikers or recreational riders. Both styles offer padded liners for comfort.

Is It Better to Have a Pad or No Pad in Cycling Shorts?

Once you’ve tried riding in a padded short, we’re confident that you’ll never go back to riding without one over longer distance thanks to the extra cushioning afforded by the pad and lack of seams to eliminate nasty pressure points in sensitive areas. Pads reduce pressure on sit bones and eliminate friction-related issues during extended rides. For serious cyclists or anyone planning rides beyond 30 minutes, padded cycling shorts are highly recommended.

Do Cycling Shorts Come with Women’s Specific Pads?

In short, yes. Manufacturers have create different shaped pads with differing levels of padding. Same idea, but arranged in slightly different ways. Just like all of us.

Women’s anatomy requires different support zones compared to men’s. Reputable brands offer women-specific designs that enhance comfort by strategically placing padding where it is most needed. This customization ensures better performance and reduced risk of discomfort during long rides.

Should You Opt for Bibs or No Bibs in Cycling Shorts?

Although some riders will always prefer a classic “waist” short, classic cycling shorts come in a bib form that helps keep them in just the right place. It can make a quick comfort break a bit trickier, but with practice you’ll not be delayed long.

Bib shorts eliminate waistband pressure and stay securely in place during movement. For women, several different solutions are available on the market that prevents you fully stripping off .

Bibs are especially beneficial for long-distance cyclists as they prevent sagging and maintain consistent coverage.

Should You Wear Underwear with Cycling Shorts?

Cycling shorts with pads are designed to be worn without underwear – the pad should sit against the skin and although it might feel a bit odd being out with just a single layer between you and the outside world it eliminates material bunching and is another way to prevent chafing.

Underwear introduces seams and fabric folds that can cause irritation during repetitive motion. To maximize comfort and functionality, always wear padded cycling shorts directly against your skin.

FAQ

Q: How tight should cycling shorts be?
A: They should fit snugly without restricting movement. A proper fit ensures no bunching or sliding during rides.

Q: How do I wash my cycling shorts?
A: Machine wash cold using mild detergent; avoid fabric softeners. Hang dry to preserve elasticity and padding integrity.

Q: Can I use baggy shorts for road biking?
A: Yes, as long as they include an inner padded liner. However, lycra may offer better aerodynamics on roads.

Q: What materials are best for cycling shorts?
A: Look for breathable fabrics like polyester-spandex blends offering moisture-wicking properties. Men’s cycling jersey short sleeves is made of quick-dry fabric.It has a quick-dry and moisture wicking fabric feature which makes you feel more comfortable.

Custom Cycling Shorts from Harvest SPF Textile Co., Ltd for Your Brand

Established in year 1993 , Harvest SPF Textile Co., Ltd based on the concept of “Dress for Health, Dress for Energy”, Harvest devotes itself to the R&D, ODM vertical production and International trading of healthy and functional textiles. With over 30 years of industry experience and more than 30 patents under its belt, Harvest offers advanced textile solutions tailored specifically for activewear brands around the globe.

Harvest has authoritative technical experts that focus on innovation, research and development , and the application of fiber and fabrics. Their extensive product range includes high-performance cycling shorts, jerseys, bibs, base layers, merino wool accessories, socks, seamless gear—and more—designed with both function and sustainability in mind.

OEM & ODM services are available from 500 pcs per style per color per size, ensuring flexibility whether you’re launching your first product line or scaling an established brand. Customization options include sustainable fabrics such as Merino wool, TENCEL™, Bamboo Lyocell blended materials along with eco-conscious packaging options.

With certifications including RWS, OEKO-TEX®, WOOLMARK®, Muselin-FREE™, BSCI & ISO standards compliance,Harvest customers have spread across 60 countries in North America, South America, Europe and Australia. Their streamlined production process—from tech pack development through sampling—ensures quality control at every stage while maintaining competitive lead times.

For brands looking to develop high-quality cycling shorts under private label or custom design specifications,Harvest SPF Textile Co., Ltd is your trusted partner offering full-package manufacturing backed by decades of expertise.