Cycling Shorts Women: A Comprehensive Guide to Comfort and Performance

From sport to commute, riding is more than a hobby for many women. After all there’s no feeling quite like the one cycling gives you. But whether you’re a seasoned cyclist with numerous races and centuries under your belt or a new-comer, one thing is clear: the right pair of cycling shorts will make or break your ride. Just as your selection of sports bra or jeans can have an immense impact on your comfort, your choice of cycling shorts can mean the difference between a delightful ride and walking with a limp for the rest of the day. It can affect how much you enjoy your ride or what level of performance you can reach. From the right fit to the correct fabric, the proper pad to the proper care, there’s a lot to take into consideration when shopping for cycling shorts for women. So let’s make sure you know what to look for.

Table of Contents:
– The importance of fit in women’s cycling shorts
– Choosing the right fabric for performance and comfort
– Understanding the chamois: the heart of cycling shorts
– Style and design considerations
– Care tips to extend the life of your cycling shorts

As cycling shorts form a tight fitting layer over you, the fit on them needs to be right in order to be comfortable and have a good performance while riding. A pair of cycling shorts that is not quite right can rub uncomfortably, cause chafing and even make you not want to ride again. As women’s bodies are differently shaped to men’s, a pair of women’s cycling shorts has been specially designed to fit anatomically better.

A good fit should feel snug but not restrictive. The waistband should sit comfortably on your hips and not dig in, while the leg grippers should hold the shorts in place without digging in or irritating the skin. High-rise waistbands are common on cycling shorts, adding stability and grip when you’re on the bike, which is especially helpful on longer rides.

There’s also the question of length; some women will opt for longer shorts for more coverage and more support for their muscles, and others will go for shorter lengths often for greater mobility. At the end of the day, the one that fits you best is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in the saddle.

The shorts’ equipment comes from the fabric supporting it. The fabric in good quality cycling shorts is a polyester, nylon or elastane blend. Such synthetic fibres make for great cycling shorts for various reasons:

• Wicking: synthetic fabrics are very good at moving sweat from your skin to the fabric surface so you stay dry on fast rides.
• Breathability: You would like your cycling shorts to have the ability to let airflow, otherwise you will end up overheating.
• Compression: Many cycling shorts feature compression, which can increase muscle circulation, reduce muscle fatigue and enhance performance.

However, some cycling shorts can be made with UV protection to provide your skin with protection from the sun’s rays when riding. Consider the climate that you may be riding in and choose fabrics that will suit the conditions.

The padding, or chamois, is the most important part of cycling shorts; it acts as a cushion against your body and the bike’s saddle, which reduces friction and helps to prevent saddle sores during long rides.

Women’s chamois are shaped for different rider types to match the anatomy of female cyclists. They too tend to be wider at the rear and thinner at the front, with more targeted support than the ones used for men. Chamois come in varying thicknesses and densities and again it depends on your riding type and what suits your bum.

Look for quality chamois made of multi-density foam, or antimicrobial chamois to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce odours. Put your hand into the pants and try to sit down in them. Watch out that the chamois area is not too soft or squishy when your bodyweight is on it in a riding position.

This is important because you want your shorts to be functional. But looks and comfort should factor into your decision as well. Women’s cycling shorts are available in bib styles, which have shoulder straps for a snug, non-waistband fit, and in waist styles, which are easier to put on and take off, and which might be more convenient on shorter rides or when cycling indoors.

Cycling shorts are available in so many different colours and patterns enabling you to show your style and personality on the bike. Reflective material is a great design feature for being visible in low light conditions, this can be a safer option for riding on the road.

Another consideration is the use of pockets. Some cycling shorts have pockets either in the side or back, which can be handy for storing small items such as keys, energy gel or a phone.

A pair of well-looked after shorts, with the proper care, can serve you well for a very long time. Here are some tips to keep your shorts functional and looking good:

• Wash after every ride: Wash your shorts after every ride so you never sit on bacteria or wear bacteria-ridden shorts. Your shorts will retain their integrity and hygiene for longer.
• Mild detergent: Stick to a mild detergent and no fabric softener; harsh detergents can weaken the synthetic fibres and harsher softeners do not mix well with the water-repellent finish.
• For good measure, always let them air dry: High heat degrades elastic fibres in your shorts. If you can’t air dry, tumble-dry on low heat.
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Always look at the care label on your cycling shorts for specific washing and drying instructions to make sure you’re washing them correctly.

For a helpful reminder of how to follow these care tips, please see the 10-minute maintenance reminder box below. Happy riding! 10-Minute Maintenance Reminder To keep your cycling shorts in good condition, here is a list of tasks and the recommended frequency at which to perform them: Clean and oil the drivetrain after every ride. Always turn the pedals in the correct direction: left to go forward and right to go backward. Never do this:

Picking the right women’s cycling shorts comes down to getting the fit right, paying attention to the fabric and the chamois, and having some consideration for style. Keeping your shorts clean and looking after the chamois can make them last much longer, allowing you to enjoy your favourite cycling routes (and tour some scenic vistas) for years to come. Hopefully, this article has helped you pick the right cycling shorts for yourself, or maybe you’re already the proud owner of a pair that serves you well. Either way, enjoy your ride!