How to Select Cycling Pants

If one fundamental piece of apparel for women is the little black dress, for the cyclist, male or female, it is the pair of little black shorts. But while they all look basically the same, there are many features to consider. With the many styles of cycling shorts to choose from, you will want to carefully consider features and how they relate to your body type and riding style.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Notepad
  • Computer
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Instructions

    • 1

      First, take some measurements. Measure the length of your thigh on the outside of your leg from the waistline to upper thigh, mid-thigh and lower thigh. Do the same three measurements on the inside leg, starting from the crotch area for inseam length. You may need to try out the different lengths to decide which length provides you the most comfortable ride. Also measure your waist, hip and thigh circumferences. Write these measurements down on a piece of notepaper and put it near your computer to refer to while shopping online.

    • 2

      Decide which of the two main choices of cycling shorts you would like: loose-fitting or fitted. Loose-fit shorts usually come with a form-fitting liner. They are typically worn by the casual road rider and serve two purposes: for the preferred appearance over form-fit shorts and for the practical purpose of having pockets. The liner inseam is a couple inches shorter than the outer loose-fit short.

      Fitted shorts are perfect for longer-distance riding. They should always have crotch padding, typically chamois, for comfort and wicking of moisture to prevent chafing. Although fitted shorts tend to stay put, they often also have fabric-covered gripping around the legs for assurance that the shorts won't ride up the leg and bunch uncomfortably.

      Also available are "bib shorts"---a one-piece shirt/short combo. If you are an all-weather rider, you should also look into rain gear. Better cycling rain pants are multilayered and come with articulated knees for ease of pedaling.

    • 3

      Research before heading out to the stores to see some shorts in person and try some on. There are literally hundreds of websites for cycling-specific or general sports apparel. Browse around and get a sense of the language used to describe various features and fabrics. Then you can go brick-and-mortar shopping armed with basic knowledge of what is available, what features to search for and in what general price ranges they all land.

    • 4

      Go to a store and try on some shorts. If there is a sizable cycling store near you, start there. They will most likely have the largest selection of cycling shorts. And that way you will be able to try on a pair of shorts and actually sit on a bicycle with them on. If you are a serious cyclist, you will likely begin and end your shopping excursion at the cycling store.

    • 5

      Check out the general fitness stores for cycling-specific apparel that may be more in your price range. If you are a casual cyclist just looking to be more comfortable than riding in jeans with the legs secured with a rubber band to protect them from the chain or if you're just getting started in cycling, the best deal may be more important to you at this point than the top-of-the-line garment.