Cycling shorts for women

Ok, so cycling shorts may not be the sexiest piece of kit out there. But boy will you be grateful for their generous padding two hours into a gruelling ride! If you’re jumping on your bike regularly, they’re an essential addition to your cycling wardrobe. A sore bum is part and parcel of the game, but a great pair of shorts can definitely soften the blow. And it gets better. They may be super-snug, but they can also be flattering – holding you in, in all the right places. Check out our top tips below to pick your perfect pair.

1. Splash out
If you plan to do a lot of cycling and cover some fairly decent distances, get the best pair of shorts you can afford. Once you’ve got a fair few rides under your belt, you’ll really appreciate how much difference a great pair of shorts can make to your comfort – and in turn your performance. If you’ve got cash to burn then Rapha’s Women’s Shorts (£130, rapha.cc) are the best of the best. They’re flattering, they’re stylish and they offer unparalleled comfort. However, if you’re budget is a bit tighter there are still plenty of great options out there. We like the amazingly comfy Endura women’s FS260 Pro Shorts (£52.24, evanscycles.com).

For a great fit, look for shorts that have plenty of panelling. The more panels they have, the more personalised and comfortable the fit will be. In fact they’ll look so good you won’t want to take them off!

2. Try before you buy
Always try your shorts on before you splash out on them. Bottoms and legs vary so much from person to person, and you may find that a cheaper pair or a pair that don’t look quite so fancy on the hanger actually look and feel amazing on.

3. The protection
Shorts come with different types of chamois (the padded bit that protects your lady bits!); some come with gel inserts, some are split into sections and some have a waffle-like texture. When it comes to choosing this, it’s really down to personal choice. Some people find that gel inserts prevent moisture being wicked away and some people find that very thick padding can bunch and become irritating as you ride. Our top tip would be to go for some medium-thickness padding, without gel inserts to start with.

4. Layer up
If you’re going out on a much longer ride or have been struggling with a sore bum, don’t be afraid to layer up with two pair of shorts. Olympic champ Victoria Pendleton admits to doing this when the pain gets too much! And if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us!