If you’ve ever seen a group of cyclists fly by you, you probably noticed their form-fitting outfits and reflective helmets. Of course, head protection makes sense, but what about the rest of the gear? Is it necessary to wear such tight clothing? Maybe those form-fitted suits have left you wondering:
Are cycling shorts supposed to be tight?
Cycling shorts should be tight enough to fit snugly over your body without cutting off the circulation to your legs or waist. Bike shorts should offer a bit of compression, allow the air to flow seamlessly around you, and firmly keep your chamois in the right place.
In this article, we’ll talk about how tight cycling shorts should be. We’ll look at the reasons behind their snug fit, give you tips to find the best fitting bike shorts, and let you know what else you need to wear underneath. Let’s jump in!
Why Are Cycling Shorts Tight?
Cycling shorts are tight to facilitate movement on the bike while preventing painful chafing and saddle sores. In other words, cycling shorts that fit correctly will allow you to move easily while you ride and help to protect you from injury. With the right fit, you’ll be able to ride longer, faster, and much more comfortably.
Aerodynamics
One great reason that cycling shorts are tight is to make you more aerodynamic. The smooth fit of the garment helps the wind slip over you so you can ride faster. Loose clothes that flap in the wind will slow you down by acting as a parachute. Loose garments catch the wind and make it harder and slower to pedal. If you’re a serious cyclist, aero is everything, so go for the snug fit.
Safety
It’s also safer to wear tight cycling shorts rather than loose clothes. Wearing loose clothing on the bike means you could get parts of your clothes caught in the chain, gearing, wheels, and saddle of the bike. If your clothes are loose enough to get caught on your bike, you could ruin your clothes and take a nasty fall.
You’ll be safer with a form-fitting garment that can’t get caught up on the saddle or in the chain.
Protection
Cycling shorts have a padded chamois in the seat that protects your backside. This chamois will prevent sores caused by too much friction, absorb vibrations from the road, and act as a cushion between your sit bones and the hard saddle of your bike.
Cycling shorts that are too loose won’t keep this chamois in the right spot, so it won’t be as effective at protecting your backside or your skin. Also, cycling shorts that are too loose may slide around, allowing for friction in your delicate areas. The friction of the garment on your body against the seat is what causes chafing and even saddle sores.
However, the snug fit of the shorts cuts down on the friction from your movements on the bike, and combined with the breathability of the fabric, will keep you more comfortable when riding.
Compression
If your cycling shorts are tight enough, they’ll feel like a light compression garment. They’ll be snug enough to stay right where you want them, without cutting off the circulation to your legs or your waist. This compression is good for your muscles and circulation, so you don’t get so stiff when you’re riding.
Do Bike Shorts Stretch Out?
Your bike shorts shouldn’t stretch out after you put them on, as a pair of jeans might. Over the course of the day, the cotton fabric in a pair of jeans will loosen and stretch, but bike shorts don’t do that. Cycling shorts are made with Lycra, which keeps its stretchiness the entire time you are wearing it. You might feel the stretchiness as you move around, but they should not loosen up as you wear them.
Your bike shorts should feel snug the entire time you are wearing them. If you find your bike shorts are starting to stretch out, it might mean that they are old and the fabric is wearing out. It might also mean that your shorts are too big and you need to purchase a smaller size.
8 Tips for Finding Bike Shorts that Fit Comfortably
- Choose a suitable chamois. Chamois tend to be gender-specific, and the right one will feel most comfortable. Women’s chamois are wider in the back to accommodate a woman’s wider sit bones. Men’s chamois might have a cutout area to alleviate pressure in unwanted spots. Different companies make their chamois out of different materials and foam, different thicknesses, and different shapes, so you may need to experiment to find the most comfortable.
- Choose bibs or shorts. If you find the waistband of cycling shorts bothers you, you might prefer to wear bibs. The waistline of bib shorts comes up higher but without the elastic band. Instead, they use suspenders to hold them up. You will find that bib shorts are more comfortable in the stomach area. They also give you a smoother look and more coverage in the back if your jersey tends to ride up.
- Find the right length. If you are tall, you might prefer longer shorts. Look for cycling shorts that come in extra-long or regular size, depending on your personal preference. Regardless, your shorts should be long enough that they cover the areas of your body that come in contact with your saddle to prevent sores and chafing.
- Look for thin or wide cuffs. Most quality cycling shorts will come with a built-in silicone grip around the inside of the cuffs. The silicone will keep your shorts from sliding up your legs, especially during strenuous efforts. Choose whatever style feels the most comfortable to you.
- Look for seamed or raw edges. You can find cycling shorts with seamed or raw edges. Edge type is a very personal preference, but many feel that the raw edges without a seam look and feel the best.
- Find the right level of snugness. Putting on your cycling shorts should be a bit like putting on a pair of pantyhose (if you have experience with such things). It should take a little bit of effort to get them on and in the right place. Cycling shorts that fit this snugly will keep your chamois from sliding around. If your shorts are cutting off the circulation to your legs or waist area, you need to try a different type or a larger size. On the other hand, if your shorts are gaping, sliding around, or not giving you good support, then you need to look for a smaller size.
- Follow the fit guide. Most online retailers of cycling clothes provide extensive fit guides so you can figure out which shorts and jerseys work best for you.
- Experiment. You might need to experiment with a few different brands until you find one you like the best. Make sure the company you are purchasing from has an excellent return policy in case you just don’t like the fit of the shorts.
Ever wondered why cycling shorts are black? Then check out our article about the reasons and benefits of black cycling shorts.
Do You Wear Anything Under Bike Shorts?
You do not wear anything under bike shorts, especially not underwear. Cycling shorts are designed to fit against the skin. They will naturally wick away moisture and allow excess heat to dissipate. Cycling shorts do not have seams in places that can cause irritation, either.
If you wear underwear under your cycling shorts, you might find that there is too much friction because regular undergarments aren’t designed for this. Stick to wearing good cycling shorts and nothing else. It might feel weird at first, but after you try it, you’ll quickly adjust.
If you still have some problems with saddle sores, you might try a chamois cream while you ride. It is designed to protect your delicate skin from moisture and chafing, so don’t be afraid to apply a little bit to your shorts or skin before you take off and ride.
How Tight Cycling Shorts Should Be
Now, let’s recap on a few important points, to summarize how tight cycling shorts should be:
Cycling shorts should be tight enough to fit snugly to your body without being uncomfortably tight. They should give you a little bit of light compression and fit just tight enough to keep everything in the right place. Shorts that fit just right will help you move freely and comfortably during your ride.
Properly fitting cycling shorts can help you to ride more quickly and safely, as well.
