Cycling Shorts vs Bib Shorts: Chamois, Fit and Liners

Padded cycling shorts, often called chamois shorts, are not just for racers. REI’s guide explains that a high-quality chamois (pronounced “sha-mee”) can reduce pressure points, prevent chafing and absorb road vibration, making rides more comfortable for any cyclist. A cycling apparel product developer quoted by REI, Mike Herlinger, puts it this way: padded shorts can make the difference between loving and hating your ride. This guide walks through the key differences between standard shorts, bib shorts and liners, how to get the sizing right, and what to look for in a chamois pad.

What a chamois does and why it matters

Herlinger notes in REI’s padded shorts guide that most athletic shorts have a seam running right under the crotch, which sits directly on the saddle and receives the most pressure. As you pedal and shift weight, that seam can rub sensitive areas, causing chafing and irritation. A chamois is sewn into fitted, stretchy spandex shorts so it stays in place even when you move. The light spandex fabric is breathable and wicking, and when sized correctly it provides stretch and compression without being too tight.

The chamois also dampens high-frequency vibration, or road shock, that travels from the tires through the frame and into your body. REI’s guide explains that even a smooth-looking road surface creates vibration, and over the course of a ride that shock can cause pain. A chamois disperses those waves. The pad’s microfiber shell fabric wicks perspiration away from your skin, helping with moisture control.

Foam vs. gel padding: which suits your riding

Chamois pads come in different materials, and REI’s clothing guide breaks down the two main types. A standard chamois uses thicker foam, is less expensive, but compresses over time. A gel chamois cushions well but is less breathable than non-gel styles. The gel version tends to be firmer and thinner than foam, and it is often pricier.

For short distances, REI’s expert advice suggests a thin, wicking foam chamois should suffice. If you ride 10 to 15 miles several times per week, a shaped, dual-density sculpted foam or gel pad is recommended, preferably with thicker layers toward the center and thinner edges for comfort. For long distances, the guidance is to invest in gel. Foam-only pads feel soft and cushy in the store, but they are typically bulkier and lose their comfy feel faster than gel, according to Herlinger.

Women-specific and men-specific pad shapes

REI’s padded shorts guide describes how chamois designs differ by body shape. A women-specific chamois usually has a wider back or ear section to accommodate wider sitz bones. It is also a bit shorter in length because women’s soft tissue stops before the end of the saddle. A men-specific chamois may have a center cutout so that blood flow is not restricted from pressure while riding. These differences help the pad stay in the right place and reduce discomfort.

How to get the sizing and fit right

Fit is critical for a chamois to work properly. REI’s guide says the shorts should fit well, with a comfortable waistband and leg grippers that are not too tight or too loose. The best way to check fit, according to Herlinger, is to sit on a bike saddle and hold the handlebars. Note if the pad is too far forward or back: the ears of the pad should sit just past the ears of the saddle when you are leaning forward, and the nose of the pad should cover the saddle nose. If there is a flap of fabric on the nose of the pad, it should be snug against your body, not flapping outward.

Bike shorts are cut longer than casual shorts and often have gripper elastic at the leg openings to keep them in place as you pedal, REI’s clothing guide notes. Stretch fabrics allow freedom of movement. On underwear, REI’s answer is yes when you are trying shorts on in the store, but no when you are actually riding.

Why you skip underwear under padded shorts

REI’s padded shorts guide is clear: a chamois should be worn directly against your skin. Wearing underwear adds seams, reduces breathability and restricts your movement, which reverses the chamois’ benefits. The pad is designed to be the only layer between you and the saddle. Wash and dry your chamois shorts like you would your underwear to keep them clean.

Bib shorts vs. standard shorts

Bib shorts are the other main style. REI’s clothing guide says bibs are popular with racers because, unlike regular shorts, there is no waistband to restrict breathing, and adds that there is no rule against a casual rider wearing bibs simply to be more comfortable. Regular padded shorts, by contrast, depend on the waistband fit that REI’s padded shorts guide tells you to check: comfortable, with leg grippers that are not too tight or too loose.

Double shorts and liners for mountain biking

For off-road riding, many mountain bikers choose double shorts, sometimes called baggies. REI’s clothing guide describes these as loose outer shorts paired with stretch liner shorts that have a built-in chamois. Many liner shorts can be detached and worn separately or with other bike shorts. REI says mountain bike shorts typically have durable outer fabric and lots of pockets, but often few, if any, reflective elements. Liners can also be worn under your favorite pants or shorts, making any bottoms cycling-ready, which REI notes can save you money. Cycling underwear (liner shorts) almost always includes a built-in chamois and uses flexible, wicking fabrics that dry quickly.

Care and washing

REI’s padded shorts guide offers simple care advice. You may not need to wash your chamois shorts after a one-hour ride, but after three hours you should hand wash with mild soap or machine wash on delicate. Treat them like your underwear to maintain the fabric and pad shape.

Trying riding with or without padding

Not every rider likes the feel of a chamois. REI’s clothing guide suggests trying riding with or without padding to decide which is more comfortable for you. Its padded shorts guide, on the other hand, recommends a thin foam chamois for short distances and gel for long ones.

Comparison table: cycling shorts, bibs and liners

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear regular gym shorts for cycling?

You can, but REI’s padded shorts guide points out that most athletic shorts have a seam right under the crotch that sits on the saddle and rubs as you pedal. Cycling shorts put a chamois there instead, and REI’s clothing guide adds that bike shorts are cut longer than casual shorts and some have gripper elastic at the leg openings.

Do I need to buy separate shorts for road and mountain biking?

Not necessarily. REI’s guide explains that road cycling shorts tend to be form-fitting with a chamois, while mountain bike shorts are often looser and may come without a pad. Double shorts pair a loose outer short with a padded liner, and REI notes that many liners can be detached and worn separately or with other bike shorts.

How do I know if the chamois is the right shape for me?

REI’s padded shorts guide recommends sitting on a bike saddle in the shorts and checking that the pad’s ears sit just past the saddle ears when you lean forward, and that the nose of the pad covers the saddle nose. A women-specific pad will have a wider rear section; a men-specific pad may have a center cutout. REI also notes that not every chamois is made for every body size and shape.

Shorts are one layer of a riding kit. Our guides to cycling jerseys, cycling gloves and layering for cold weather cover the rest, and the road cycling and mountain bike gear roundups show how riders put it together. For more, visit our cycling apparel category page.

Sources

• REI Expert Advice: Padded Cycling Shorts, Are They Worth It?
• REI Expert Advice: Bike Clothing, What to Wear on a Ride