There’s no piece of kit in a cyclist’s wardrobe more in need of appreciation than a good pair of padded shorts. Hours in the saddle without them don’t even bear thinking about. Yes, they may not be the most sexy purchase but hey, saddle sore isn't that attractive either.
So how vital are they and what should you look for? “Padded shorts are essential for both male and female cyclists,” explains Professor Mathew Wilson, head of sport and exercise medicine at the Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH). “They provide an extra cushion between you and the seat of your bike, as well as reducing friction and providing moisture management.”
However, it’s important to take note of your saddle too he says: “An appropriately fitted saddle is arguably more important – without a proper saddle, well-padded shorts may be redundant.” He recommends getting a bike fit if possible to check whether your saddle and bike are appropriately fitted to your anatomy. Padded shorts then can add extra comfort, he explains.
What are the different types of cycling shorts?
“When it comes to choosing cycling shorts, there are various different types available as well as women’s specific styles, which are designed to better suit a woman’s shape,” explains Wilson, stressing the importance of trying on products and finding a style and fit that is comfortable to the individual.
Generally speaking there are three different types of padded cycling shorts for women: bib shorts, waist shorts and padded liners or pants. Waist shorts are often an entry level option, with bib shorts being recommended for longer and more frequent rides as the straps are better at keeping the chamois padding in place, whilst padded liner shorts or pants are designed to be worn underneath clothing or other kit. There are also leggings with in built padding but normally you’d reserve these for cooler months.
Choosing a good pair of bib shorts:
“When looking for a good pair of cycling shorts, I’d always advise turning them inside out to look at the stitching,” says Wilson. “The stitching needs to be smooth, as if it’s aggressive, it can cause chafing when the shorts get warm.”
Anti-friction creams such as ASSOS’ womens chamois cream or Udderly Smooth chamois cream can be used to help reduce friction between the chamois of your bib shorts and intimate areas, but Wilson advises making sure to thoroughly wash it off after your ride to maintain good hygiene downstairs. He also advises against shaving the pubic hair inside the groin crease, which could encourage ingrown hairs and soreness.
Another thing to remember if you haven’t used padded shorts before is that they’re designed to be worn without any underwear as that extra material would cause unnecessary friction. The chamois - the soft padded section of the shorts - is designed to be in direct contact with your skin so make sure to pop your shorts in the washing machine when you get back from your ride (and don’t use fabric softener on them).
Also check your measurements and those of the brand you’re looking at as it can differ slightly from place to place, and if you’re still unsure try getting in touch with them to check what size they’d advise. A fair few brands stipulate on their websites whether the sizing of their shorts come up small or are generous. If you go too small, you run the risk of them cutting in and being uncomfortable but go too big and they’ll rub and move about as you ride, which isn’t ideal.
So with all that in mind, here are our selection of the best padded cycling shorts to give a try:
Dhb Moda Women’s Classic Bib Shorts
Coming from Dhb’s women specific Moda range, these bib shorts incorporate a selection of thoughtful details that address common niggles with those already on the market.
For example, the short uses a zig-zag stitch rather than a silicone grip on the hem in a bid to avoid that squeezed ‘sausage leg’ look. Dhb’s team of female designers, developers and testers worked at length to see if it was feasible to provide a bib short that would stay in place without a gripper, testing it to see if it would ride up and the great news is they’ve created a comfortable alternative.
The shoulder straps that cross over at the back feel supportive and help pull up the mesh panel over the stomach, which is both a flattering design and makes you feel sucked in (albeit in a comfortable way). We couldn’t quite believe that these came in at under £60 and were super impressed with the quality, feel and style (we tried the navy version but they also come in black). Our only sticking point would be that given the softness of the straps you have to unfurl them when pulling them back on.
Bodyline ONE Bib Shorts
These bib shorts are available in both a male and female edition and are pretty good value for bib shorts, coming in at under £100. They're made of a compressive fabric and feature a 'dimple' chamois pad with antibacterial qualities. We found the wide elastic gripper cuffs quite tight, resulting in a not so flattering shape on the thigh, but found the chamois to be comfortable and well-positioned. We also liked that the bib shorts are made from a single piece (rather than multiple panels) and constructed using only one seam in a bid to minimise irritation. Also the material is treated with ColdBlack, a technology that helps reflect heat from the sun.
£98 | Stolen Goat
Alé R-EV1 Future Plus Women Bib Shorts
There are a variety of straps and fastenings for women specific bib shorts and we enjoyed trying the halterneck design of these by Alé. It does make comfort breaks a lot easier and quicker, without having to take all your top layers off, but having a strap across the back of your neck, however comfortable, will not be for everyone. Weighing in at 140 grams, they’re pretty light and very breathable which is a plus in our current hot weather.
ASSOS Dyora RS Summer Bib Shorts S9
If you’re after a pair of bib shorts to help you go faster as well as keep you comfortable, then ASSOS should be your first port of call. Well loved among the pro peloton, Swiss brand ASSOS pour a whole load of time, energy and money into the research and development of their products.
Their newly launched Dyora race collection for female cyclists follows many years of production and boasts a whole load of technical details for maximum gains, such as its rollBar: a patented bracing design which mimics a race car’s anti-sway bar, using the bib straps to stabilise the insert and lock it in place despite weight transfer when cornering. If you love having the latest high tech kit and money is no object then these are for you.
Gore Wear C7 Long Distance Womens Bib Short
These bib shorts were one of the softest and silkiest feeling of the shorts we tested. Designed for maximum comfort for hours in the saddle, the construction feels supportive but not restrictive or too tight. We liked that the silicone grippers in the hem of the shorts didn't squeeze the thigh either but still felt secure. The reflective logo on the leg is also a nice touch - it looks good as well as being effective. The front of the chamois insert is sewn in an innovative way which allows for both increased breathability and wind protection.
Liv Spectra Bib Shorts
An award winning manufacturer, Liv say they are the first cycling brand completely dedicated to women. The sister company of Giant, the largest bike manufacturer in the world, Liv not only create female specific kit but have a range of popular bikes too, such as the Liv Avail.
Coming with either an electric blue or vibrant pink band around the bottom of the shorts, the Liv Spectra Bib Shorts did well in our test ride, being praised for both their comfort and style. We did find the length quite long on the leg, so they may be more suitable for those with longer legs but we were delighted by the midsection which sits higher and has no elastic waist band to dig in.
Attacus Navy Foundation Bib Shorts
British brand Attacus call themselves a word-of-mouth brand, preferring to pour their money into more R&D than advertising. One piece of kit that’s got a firm fan base is their bib shorts.
They have a core collection which as well as the classic black and navy offerings, features a royal blue, teal and deep red versions. They all come with the brand’s name on the base of the back, with the navy option we tried having it typed across the back in black. This might not be to everyone’s taste but we can’t fault the bib shorts. The chamois was comfortable, the material was compressive but not too tight and the mesh straps stayed nicely in place, plus the soft silicone grippers kept the shorts firmly in place without digging in.
Black Sheep Cycling WMN Bib Short
These bib shorts not only have a soft but firm chamois, they also come with a sleeveless full upper torso bib. You’ll either be a fan of a more all-in-one offering or you prefer to stick with the classic shoulder straps.
We liked the supportive and slightly compressive fit - there’s something satisfying about pulling on an all-in-one and it feels quite sleek. We also like that on a hot summer's day we could unzip our jersey and not feel exposed as the upper bib acts as base layer or vest. It also features 8cm deep elasticated cuffs on the legs with a contrast graphic print in either white or salmon pink.
Iris
Cool, hip dutch brand Iris, created by former pro-cyclist Iris Slappendel, has a range of chic bib shorts and we particularly liked the cinnamon version we were sent to test. Given the influx of blue and black shorts on the market, it’s refreshing to see coloured bib shorts - and one’s that are actually complementary to a selection of other jerseys too.
The bib shorts come up quite small so we sized up for a more comfortable fit and really enjoyed the magnetic clasp fastening, which despite being in the centre of your back is easy to use and comfortable. It also makes comfort stops that bit easier and means you don’t have to remove your jersey. An award winning chamois and silicone leg grippers are also integrated into the shorts.
SCICON X-Over Bib Shorts Woman
If money is no issue - or say your cycling wardrobe is already stuffed with high-end brands and you’re looking for your next splurge, then take a look at these SCICON female bib shorts priced at over £200.
Better known for their bike bags and cases, these are among the small range of apparel they offer. According to SCICON, these bib shorts reduce fatigue through compression via its Power Mititech panels and make use of world leading fabric technologies. With an Italian Interface Technology chamois pad and 75mm carbon texture leg grippers, which are silicone-free, these will either tickle your fancy or the technical jargon won’t mean anything and you’ll scroll on past. If you do decide to order them up, know that you’ll get two espresso cups for your effort.
Le Col Womens Pro Bib Shorts
In true Le Col style, these bib shorts are stylish, understated and perform well. We loved the sleek navy and white colour combo, although you can also get them in black and white or all black. The wide mesh shoulder straps are supportive and feel comfortable, whilst flat locked seams and a pro gel chamois add to the smoothness of these. We also thought the branding on these was nicely done, with an embroidered Le Col logo on the base of the back and liked that it features reflective tabs.
Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts
Rapha are well-known for their bib shorts but these waist shorts also deserve some recognition. Snug, flattering and with a mesh side pocket that you can safely stash your phone or gels in, we loved these for everyday and shorter trips. We were dubious as how secure the mesh side pocket could be but even when it poured down and we went over bumps, the phone didn’t shift and didn’t seem to get much water on it. A great practical and comfortable option.
Altura Women’s Firestorm Waist Short
These are a great entry-level option. They’re comfortable, affordable and practical. We liked their high waistband which made our waist feel supported and the comfortable chamois. They have both reflective print details and silicon hem grippers. A good classic to have, especially for beginners.
Canyon WMN Classic Shorts
With these bib shorts you get the technicality and experience of this well-knownGerman brand, but not at an eye-watering price. We liked how these looked so pro and liked the stylish Canyon logo across the bottom hem. Its chamois has integrated air inlets and is antibacterial treated making it more breathable and comfortable. For those who like the comfort and design and security of a bib short but prefer a waist option without straps, these are a good choice.
Verdict:
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to find a fit and style that suits the individual. For us, out of those we tested, the dhb Moda Women’s Classic Bib Shorts really impressed us with their fit, comfort, style and accessible price point. The Liv Spectra and Attacus bib shorts were close contenders for our top bib shorts pick, while when it came to the waist shorts, the Rapha Core Cargo shorts were a clear winner. It may seem simple but having the addition of a mesh pocket on the leg is so practical. If money is no object and you want to go high end then we’d also recommend the ASSOS or Le Col bib shorts.
