HOW DO YOU CHOOSE CYCLING SHORTS FOR WOMEN?

There are a few key areas to consider when choosing cycling shorts as a woman. Most important is the chamois, whether it’s supportive enough – and in the right places – to be comfortable over long durations. 

Next is the quality of the material and the fit. You should look for a set of shorts which is gently compressive to provide support for your muscles, whilst not feeling too tight or constrictive. Higher quality fabrics tend to give a nicer feel against the skin and are more breathable during hard efforts on hot days.

Wide leg grippers help to keep the shorts in place, whilst also distributing the pressure evenly so as not to dig in. Likewise, wide bib straps do a similar job at distributing the pressure there.

Finally, there is whether the short has an easy-pee system. The straps of a traditional set of bib shorts means you typically have to remove your jersey to get the straps down when you take a nature break. Some shorts these days are designed so you can keep your jersey on – which is particularly useful when your pockets are full of spares.