Men's and women's cycling shorts

Short, three-quarter or long: a pair of shorts for every season

The shorts are worn as soon as the temperature exceeds around fifteen degrees; below that, it’s better to cover the knees. The three-quarter length, like the Dare 2B Ultra Bibbed, protects these cold-sensitive joints and is suitable for both spring and autumn. In winter, the long thermal shorts take over: the VAUDE Matera with straps combines four-way stretch fabric with a soft fleece lining and flat seams, while the Endurance Jayne, designed for women, keeps the legs warm without overheating during exertion.

The rest of the outfit

Road equipment also includes:

• Jerseys.
• Jackets.
• Gloves.
• Road Shoes.
• Shoe Covers.
• Socks.
• Road Helmets.

All the equipment is gathered on the road page.

Straps, high waist or neck attachment: support

The straps keep everything in place without any elastic that tightens the stomach: it's the solution for long rides. The Altura Progel Plus Cargo crosses them at the back in an X shape to avoid chafing on the chest and adds mesh pockets on the thighs for bars or your phone. The Giro Chrono Elite Halter replaces the straps with a neck attachment made of breathable recycled nylon. Without straps, the high waist shorts, like the Endurance Hulda, rest on a wide soft waistband: it can be pulled down in one move during a break, without removing the jersey.

The padding, the heart of comfort in the saddle

The padding of the shorts, or chamois, absorbs vibrations and limits friction: its density and shape matter more than its thickness. At Gonso, the Sitivo padding comes in three versions depending on your position on the bike: blue for an upright posture, green for a compact position, red for a sporty posture. The Altura Progel Plus combines double-density foam with a molded gel in three dimensions. The women's pads, like those in the Elite Lab shorts, are wider at the back and cut differently at the front to accommodate the female anatomy.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped within 24 hours are packed and sent off within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

Do you wear underwear under shorts?

No, the shorts are worn directly on the skin. The seams of underwear create friction points and trap moisture, exactly what the shorts' padding should avoid, leading to irritation and chafing.

How do I choose the size of my shorts?

It should fit snugly: the padding should not slide on the saddle nor should the legs ride up. The silicone grippers should hold without leaving marks on the thighs; between two sizes, stretchy fabric is more forgiving with a fitted size.

Which shorts for a generous figure?

Many brands offer extended sizes, and some women's models are designed for generous figures. A high-waisted cut or wide straps can help avoid elastic that compresses the stomach.

How do I wash cycling shorts?

Wash them after each ride, turned inside out, on a delicate cycle at thirty degrees, without fabric softener that clogs the padding. Avoid the tumble dryer: flat drying in the shade preserves elasticity and foam.

When should cycling shorts be replaced?

When the padding has compressed and no longer regains its shape, when the fabric becomes transparent at the back, or when the support bands slip. A pair of shorts worn several times a week generally needs replacing after two or three years of use.