Bike shorts often bear the brunt of skepticism from spectators. But if you’re new to cycling or just reevaluating if you really need to pull on a pair of skintight, chamois-stuffed shorts, we’re here to assure you that wearing bike shorts is one of the best cycling decisions you can make. After half an hour or more in the saddle, your backside will thank you, and you’ll find yourself able to clock more miles in the saddle.
Bike shorts give you an aerodynamic edge and are designed to fit with your saddle for optimal comfort. But we get it, bike shorts aren’t the most confidence-inducing clothing for everyone, so here’s our cycling short style guide for those who want to know how to wear bike shorts like a pro.
Everything to know about wearing bike shorts
New to cycling gear or wondering if bike shorts are worth it? Here are quick takes on why cyclists wear them, how to wear them correctly, and how to take care of them so they last.
Why wear bike shorts?
Wearing bike shorts to go cycling is like putting on a swimsuit to go swimming. They might take some getting used to at first, but they’re designed for the sport. The fit and fabric of bike shorts improves your experience by staying in place as you pump your legs, removing extra fabric that will chafe over long distances, and wicking away extra moisture as you work up a sweat.
Can you wear shorts over bike shorts?
We don’t recommend wearing shorts over your bike shorts. More layers can lead to more chafing, so the extra shorts aren’t a good idea for long rides. The excess material with an additional pair of shorts slows you down and reduces the moisture-wicking benefits of the bike shorts by trapping sweat.
Shorts over bike shorts are best worn when aerodynamics and speed are not concerns or if you don’t plan on a long ride. But if wearing shorts over your bike shorts makes you most comfortable, then go for it!
Do you wear underwear with bike shorts?
No, underwear is definitely a “do not wear,” because it cancels out the benefits of the bike shorts. The chamois is designed to form to your body, and underwear creates a barrier that restricts your comfort, eliminates the moisture-wicking benefits of the chamois, and increases your likelihood of chafing with the extra material. Padded cycling underwear exists, but it only works well for pants or baggies without a chamois.
How often should bike shorts be washed?
Bike shorts should be washed immediately after every wear. The direct contact with skin transfers sweat and bacteria to the fabric and padding, which will produce an odor and may eventually cause premature damage to the materials. Wearing the same pair of shorts more than once before washing can also lead to skin irritation and sores from bacterial growth and excess moisture, risking infection and discomfort.
How long do bike shorts last?
Bike shorts with a chamois can last from six months to two years, depending on how long and how often you ride. Following care instructions will maximize the longevity of your shorts. If you’re noticing a shifting or flat chamois, unraveling seams, or a lingering smell that the washer just can’t kick, it’s time for a new pair of bike shorts.
Types of bike shorts
Bike shorts come in different types of fits to match your preferences, the demands of your route, and the needs of your specific discipline. To choose the right pair for you, think about what type of riding you plan to do and what is most comfortable for you.
Baggies
Baggies are bike shorts that have a loose outer fit and stretchy skintight shorts underneath for comfort and moisture-wicking benefits. Baggies perform best for mountain biking or leisure riding—they aren’t aerodynamic, which is a concern for road cyclists but not mountain biking cyclists.
Cycling waist shorts
Cycling waist shorts start at the waist and stop above the knee. They’re made to fit tightly to prevent the fabric from bunching and chafing. They’re easy to put on and pull off, have good airflow, and have an elastic-grip waist that holds them in place while cycling. Cycling waist shorts are most commonly used by cyclists going shorter distances or slower speeds.
Bib shorts
Bib shorts are cycling shorts designed with suspender-like straps that hold your shorts and chamois in place while you pedal. The shoulder straps eliminate the discomfort of a restrictive waistline and shifting fabric. Pro cyclists typically prefer bib shorts for the ease, comfort, and aerodynamic design.
Shop men’s bib shorts | Shop women’s bib shorts
Cycling waist shorts or bib shorts?
Bib shorts are popular for their comfort and secure placement, but waist shorts are easier to get on and off and provide better airflow. Both cycling waist shorts and bib shorts are great for all types of road cycling. To make the right decision, evaluate the pros and cons of bike shorts vs. bib shorts and pick whichever one is most comfortable for you.
What to look for in bike shorts
With so many styles and features available, your bike shorts options can start to blend together. The true difference you feel during your ride lies in four critical details: the chamois, leg and waist grippers, panel construction, and size.
Chamois
Every type of bike shorts should have a chamois. The chamois is a bike shorts’ selling point. Designed to fit your saddle and your body like a glove, a chamois provides a layer of shock absorption between you and your saddle. Here are the basics:
- The chamois is gender-specific and shaped to fit the anatomy and specific saddle contact points of a male or female.
- Bike shorts are made of moisture-wicking Lycra that keeps sweat and outdoor moisture out. Most other non-cycling short materials, like cotton, trap moisture, stretch, bunch, and cause chafing.
- Chamois should be dense, but not diaper-thick—especially for long distances. Too much cushion causes unwelcome pressure, restricting blood flow in sensitive areas.
- Skimping on the chamois opens the door to chafing, saddle sores, and a far less enjoyable ride. Find a quality, well-fitting chamois and you’ll notice the difference on the very first route you take.
Leg and waist grippers
Leg and waist grippers are elastic bands or silicone tape that keep the bike short seams in place while you ride. If the legs ride up or your waistline rides down, it’s more than just irritating. Bunched shorts cause chafing, leading to painful saddle sores and other pain points that can prevent you from hitting that next performance goal.
Panels
Just like other pieces of your kit, a great pair of bike shorts is designed with key muscle groups in mind. Bike shorts need to be pieced together in strategic Lycra panels positioned to give you a closer and more comfortable fit. With the right panel construction, your pumping muscles will be supported and reinforced while maintaining a perfect range of motion.
Size
The right size and fit are crucial to finding the best bike shorts for you. For example, while some cyclists prefer the fit and feel of waist shorts, cyclists with larger builds may prefer to wear bibs to avoid shifting fabric seams. Follow our bike shorts size and style guide to find your next favorite pair.
Quality
All of these other details–chamois, grippers, panels, and size–hinge on the most noticeable factor: quality. A pair of shorts may look and sound great, but poor quality cuts and cheap fabric will turn an exciting upgrade into a mid-ride disappointment.
Hincapie custom cycling apparel doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. Every design is tested by professional cyclists and tailored to your specific needs—including fit, terrain, and ride duration. Guarantee the quality you want and the performance edge you need by connecting with a Hincapie custom expert.
Bike shorts for indoor vs. outdoor cycling
There is a slight difference between bike shorts designed for indoor and outdoor cycling that may make you more comfortable.
When cycling indoors, you don’t receive the same amount of airflow as you would from a breeze or moving forward rather than pedaling stationary. Temperature management is extra important, and you’ll likely sweat more indoors. So, indoor bike shorts have additional breathable, moisture-wicking mesh and no bib to help reduce your core temperature. However, if high temperature is less of a concern when cycling outside in regular airflow, your outdoor cycling shorts may enhance other benefits, like compression.
There’s no harm in wearing your outdoor bike shorts inside or vice versa—just do whatever makes you cool and comfortable.
How do bike shorts affect my performance?
With technical fabrics and slim cuts, the benefits of bike shorts are strategically designed to give you clear performance advantages.
1. Focus
Bike shorts keep your head in the ride, not on what you’re wearing. Bulky pockets on your hips, sloppy fits that slap against your thighs, and heavy, sweat-soaked cotton will pull you out of your flow fast. Quality bike shorts cut the distractions so your ride is smooth and dialed-in.
2. Speed
When you’re in the thick of the action, the last thing you need is baggy folds flapping in a headwind and creating drag on the speed you’re fighting for. Bike shorts are tight-fitting and secure, ensuring wind slips right across the fabric and past you as smoothly as possible.
3. Endurance
When your gear’s dialed, you can keep rolling mile after mile. UV protection fabric shields you from the burn, moisture-wicking tech keeps you dry and comfortable, and a quality chamois protects your seat from saddle sores. Comfort and support working together means you can push the distance.
Benefits of custom bike shorts
You can ride in anything, but not everything rides well. Custom bike shorts are designed for premium comfort, speed, support, and style, turning an average ride into a good one and a good ride into your best yet. Not convinced? Let’s walk it through.
1. Comfort
Cycling is already going to cause some soreness and fatigue—why make it worse with underperforming gear? Custom bike shorts are designed to maximize comfort, giving you the advantage of fewer aches and pains.
- Built-in chamois designed for your anatomy cushions the right spots so you can stop shifting around and just ride.
- Smooth fabrics and fewer seams limit the friction between you, the shorts, and the saddle.
- Technical fabrics pull sweat off your skin fast to keep you dry and chafe-free.
If you’re riding for longer than an hour, these advantages can completely change your experience and ability to focus on your ride.
2. Aerodynamics
Shorts that aren’t designed for road cycling aren’t designed for speed. Custom bike shorts match the needs of your typical ride—so instead of baggy shorts grabbing air, Hincapie cycling waist shorts and bibs cut through it. The less fabric you have flapping in the wind, the less drag that’s slowing you down, and the more accurate gains you’ll notice as you train.
3. Muscle support
The durable compression of custom bike shorts keeps muscle shake in check, helps blood flow, and reduces soreness ride after ride. Small strains are limited and the risk of injury is reduced when your muscles are supported by hand-selected fabric that’s just the right tension. You take care of your muscles, and your muscles will take care of you.
4. Style
Custom bike shorts can be designed in a variety of styles and colors that represent your style and the miles you’ve put in. From color coordination to full matching kits, custom bike shorts can give you that sleek, professional feel that puts you in the zone.
Get a quote for Hincapie custom cycling shorts →
Are there any alternatives to bike shorts?
If you’re not quite comfortable with bike shorts yet, you can substitute them with a few selections that will keep you comfortable as you train.
- Lycra leggings or shorts can provide some similar benefits to bike shorts, including compression and stretchy, aerodynamic material.
- Athletic shorts, especially with an inner athletic or compression layer, are an option for casual rides or trails that don’t require aerodynamic fabrics.
- Adding a chamois underneath your preferred shorts will make a significant difference in your comfort during your ride.
Bike shorts and bike saddles work together to give you a comfortable ride. If you’ve tried bike shorts and your rides are still uncomfortable, your shorts may not be the culprit. A properly sized saddle may make all the difference. Instead of finding an alternative to your bike shorts, first measure your sit bone width for your saddle size. Use your measurement to choose from our selection of 10 of the best road bike saddles to see if any are the perfect fit for you.
General cycling clothing etiquette
Afraid of sticking out like a sore thumb at your next event? These tips are based on common habits and opinions within the cycling community—but remember: cycling has a long list of unwritten rules that are more about tradition than necessity. Comfort, practicality, and your own taste should lead the way as you develop your kit.
Fit and function
- Wear a kit that fits: saggy bibs or jersey pockets dragging halfway down your back risks more than just your performance.
- Glasses go over, not under, helmet straps. This is a safety precaution as well as cycling tradition.
- Your jersey goes on top of bib shorts, and the cycling baselayer is worn underneath.
- Lycra (spandex) is necessary for longer rides. Gym shorts and baggy jerseys may do the job for short spins, but are uncomfortable and out of place on rides of any significant distance.
Style and color choices
- Dark shorts are the safest choice to avoid showing off more than your gains, especially when fabric stretches or gets wet from perspiration or weather conditions.
- Some cyclists like to match helmet and bike colors.
- Making a style statement with cycling socks (“sock doping”) is a subtle way to show personality.
- No leg warmers without arm warmers or a long-sleeved jersey.
- Your cycling jersey and shorts should look uniform, or at least coordinate with each other.
- Many avoid wearing pro team kits to organized events unless they’re part of that team.
If you do wear a pro jersey as a fan, steer clear of the yellow or rainbow jersey unless you’ve earned them. Those jerseys have meaning: yellow is for the Tour de France leader, and the rainbow with horizontal green, yellow, black, red, and blue stripes is for the reigning UCI world champion. Wearing them to an organized event without earning them is like showing up to a volleyball game in an Olympic gold medalist’s fit: it reads as pretending you’ve won something you haven’t.
Public stops and social settings
Some riders throw lightweight running shorts over bike shorts when stopping mid-ride in public for food or drinks out of consideration for the public setting. While not required, this practice can make planned stops a bit more socially comfortable. That being said, most non-cyclists think you look odd no matter what you wear, so you might as well be comfortable.
At the end of the day, the right cycling clothes aren’t about vanity. While it’s good to avoid unnecessary awkward situations, what you wear and how you wear it is about performance and comfort. The cycling world has plenty of unwritten rules, but comfort and personal preference that meets your goals should always come first.
Sidestep the guessing game with Hincapie custom bibs and shorts
The right pair of bike shorts will feel, function, and fit like it was made for you. So why not wear ones that actually are? In a Hincapie custom cycling kit, you can drop the distractions of poor design, generic cuts, and bulky fabrics. Every detail is tailored so that you can focus on your ride instead of your discomfort.
With custom, you don’t have to guess at the perfect combination of features for your typical terrain, ride length, and personal preferences. Our design experts will piece together the details of your typical rides with strategic cuts and fabrics that are tested by the pros. And every custom order comes with a free home try-on kit—so figuring out your ideal size and fit turns into holding real fabric in your hands instead of reading numbers on a screen. For no minimums and a 4-6 week turnaround, get a quote from an expert today.
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