How to Choose and Wear Cycling Shorts Correctly?

Updated: 2026-10-08

Cycling shorts – do you need them and how do you choose the right pair?

Have you ever heard the story that cyclists once used... a beef steak instead of padded shorts? According to cycling folklore, a steak served as makeshift padding to ease discomfort from rough roads and friction against the saddle on long rides. Those days are long gone, and purpose-made cycling shorts are now an essential part of comfortable cycling kit. Let's look at the benefits of padded cycling shorts, how to wear them and what to consider when choosing a pair. If you're ready to find your next pair, explore the cycling shorts available at VELONOVA.

Comfort on longer rides

If you cycle regularly, you may know the discomfort of getting back on your bike after a winter break. It takes time to get used to the riding position again, and your saddle may feel harder than you remember. Cycling shorts with a dedicated pad can help reduce this discomfort by providing extra support where your body meets the saddle.

On longer rides, repeated friction and sweat can irritate the skin and cause chafing. The pad inside cycling shorts, known as a chamois, helps reduce pressure and friction. Modern chamois pads use foams of different densities and other materials to distribute pressure and manage moisture. The shape of the pad and how well it fits are often more important than its thickness.

Cycling shorts are usually made from stretchy, close-fitting fabrics that help keep the chamois in place while pedalling. A close fit also reduces aerodynamic drag. If you prefer a looser style, you can choose baggy cycling shorts and wear padded liner shorts underneath. This combination is particularly popular among mountain bikers.

How should you wear cycling shorts?

One of the most common questions among new cyclists is whether to wear underwear beneath padded cycling shorts. Padded shorts are generally designed to be worn directly against the skin, without an additional layer of underwear. Extra seams and fabric can increase friction, trap moisture and irritate the skin. Loose outer shorts are different: they are commonly worn over dedicated padded liner shorts.

If you still experience chafing despite wearing your shorts correctly, chamois cream may help. This specialist product reduces friction against the skin while cycling. It can be particularly useful on longer rides or for riders with sensitive skin. However, not everyone needs it, and it cannot compensate for poorly fitting shorts.

It's best to wash padded cycling shorts after every ride, following the manufacturer's care instructions. A mild detergent and a low washing temperature are usually suitable. Avoid fabric softeners and high drying temperatures. A laundry bag can also help protect the fabric and bib straps from damage.

Women's and men's cycling shorts

Women's and men's cycling shorts may look similar, but their cuts and chamois shapes often differ. Pads are designed with anatomical differences and the distribution of pressure against the saddle in mind.

Fit can vary depending on the brand, model and your individual body shape. That's why choosing the right cut matters just as much as finding the correct size. Before setting off on a long ride in new shorts, try them on a shorter route. This will help you check whether the chamois stays in place and whether anything feels too tight.

Both women's and men's cycling shorts are available with or without bib straps. Bib shorts tend to stay in position more securely and do not have a waistband pressing against the stomach, making them a popular choice for longer training rides. Waist shorts can be more convenient for everyday cycling. Some models also feature pockets for small essentials.

Comfort for younger riders – children's cycling shorts

Dedicated cycling shorts can also make riding more comfortable for children, especially on longer outings. Look for the right size, a cut that allows freedom of movement and, where needed, padding designed for younger riders. The shorts should not pinch or rub, and the fabric should allow moisture to escape.

Look beyond style and brand

Comfort depends on more than price or brand name. Consider how the shorts fit, the construction of the chamois and the type of riding they are designed for. Sizing and cuts vary between manufacturers, so it's worth checking size guides and trying different models whenever possible.

At VELONOVA, you'll find cycling shorts from ASSOS, GripGrab, Bioracer and Specialized. These brands offer different fits and designs, from shorts for casual rides to performance kit for longer training sessions.

Browse our range of cycling shorts online or visit the VELONOVA store at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius, Lithuania.