Why padded bike shorts matter (and why comfort = confidence)
f you’re new to cycling, you’ve probably heard that padded shorts are a must. We agree, because comfort keeps you riding. The right pair of women’s padded bike shorts should feel supportive without squeezing, sit smoothly against your skin, and quietly do their job so you can focus on the view, the coffee stop, or simply the joy of moving your body.
At Birds on Bikes, our gear is designed by women, for women, in inclusive sizes 6–24. That means our fit, fabrics, and features are tested on real riders and real bodies—soft waistbands, clever panel placement, and chamois pads shaped for women’s anatomy. This guide will help you pick a pair that won’t ride up, dig in, or have you counting the minutes to get off the saddle.
Fit Notes (why silicone-free?):
If you’re worried about sticky strips or skin reactions, you’ll love our hems. We use silicone-free hem bands, a wider stabilising band with soft stretch recovery, so your shorts stay put gently. Great for sensitive skin and warm Aussie rides.
What the chamois actually does (no jargon, promise)
The “chamois” (pronounced sham-ee) is the padded insert in your cycling shorts. Its job is to reduce pressure on your sit bones, absorb road buzz, and minimise friction between you, your saddle, and your shorts.
What to look for:
Women-specific shaping: Wider at the sit bones with targeted density where you need it most.
Seam placement: Stitching should sit around sensitive areas, not across them.
Foam density & zones: Slightly firmer under the sit bones, softer at the edges for a smooth transition.
Breathable top layer: Wicks moisture so you feel drier on warm days.
What you won’t see, but will feel:
Anatomical contouring that cups rather than flattens.
Flexible movement—no stiff “nappy” feeling when you walk.
No sharp edges—the pad should taper out so it disappears once you’re pedalling.
Quick myth-buster: higher thickness isn’t always better. The right density and shape matter more than a super-chunky pad.
Fit & sizing for sizes 6–24 (because bodies aren’t one shape)
Great shorts are about balance: close to the body for support, but never restrictive. Here’s how to find “just right”.
1) Waistband comfort
Feel: A soft, broad waistband that sits flat is your friend—no digging when you bend.
Rise choice: Many women prefer a mid-to-high rise to feel secure through the tummy and lower back.
Test: Pop into a riding position (hands on an imaginary handlebar), breathe in and out—no pinching? Good.
2) Hip & thigh fit
Supportive, not compressive: You want a gentle hug, not a squeeze. If you see strong “sausage” indentation, size up.
Panel shaping: Look for curved panels that follow the body, not straight tubes that ride up.
3) Length & hem bands (silicone-free)
Length: Mid-thigh is a sweet spot for anti-chafe without feeling bulky.
Hem band: Choose a wide, stabilising power band, it keeps shorts in place without silicone and without biting.
4) Size selection (6–24)
Start with your hip measurement (widest part) as the primary size indicator.
Between sizes? Consider how you like your leggings: if you prefer a relaxed feel, go up; if you love a more held-in feel, stick to the smaller size.
Pro tip: Bodies change—hormones, hydration, cycle, life. A waistband that’s kind on fluctuating days = more rides.
See our full Size Guide for measurement tips and a printable tape. If you’re unsure, message us—we’ll help with personalised fit advice.
Fabrics that breathe, stretch and last
Cycling fabric tech can sound like sci-fi. Here’s what matters for beginners:
Four-way stretch: Moves with you as you pedal, squat, or step off kerbs.
Moisture-wicking yarns: Pull sweat away so you feel drier, faster.
Supportive knit: Enough structure to reduce rubbing, without feeling stiff.
Soft internal feel: Brushed or smooth interior so seams don’t irritate.
Colour & opacity: Dark colours hide saddle splash and stay opaque when stretched.
Sustainability cue: wash cold, air-dry, and skip fabric softener to extend the life of your shorts and protect the fabric’s performance.
Rise, coverage and tummy comfort
Many women tell us they feel more confident with a bit more coverage through the tummy and lower back. A mid-to-high rise helps the waistband stay put when you’re reaching for the bars, and keeps everything feeling secure when you stand to climb or roll over speed bumps. If you’re curvier through the waist or carry your tummy high, look for a slightly higher back rise and a softly contoured front that doesn’t “fold” when you sit.
Leg hems that stay put—without silicone
We skip silicone because comfort comes first. Our hems use a wide, stabilising power band with a soft, raw-cut/bonded edge (no sticky dots) so your shorts stay where they should— secure, never biting.
What good feels like:
Wide band spreads pressure evenly—no “sausage” effect.
Soft stretch recovery hugs the thigh without squeeze marks.
Low-profile finish disappears under jerseys or dresses.
Try-on test: Step, squat, sit. If the hem doesn’t creep up or dig in, you’re set.
The at-home try-on checklist (save this!)
Waistband sits flat; no digging when you bend or breathe deeply.
Chamois is centred and snug against the body—no folds or ridges.
Hem band sits smoothly on the thigh; no squeezing or rolling.
Walk, step up, and squat—the hem stays put without tugging.
Sit on a hard chair for 3 minutes to simulate the saddle—still comfortable?
Do 10 gentle hip hinges—the waistband shouldn’t roll.
Check opacity in bright light: fabric should stay solid when stretched.
If you’re between sizes, try both. Keep the pair that you forget you’re wearing after five minutes.
Common fit scenarios (and how to solve them)
“I’m tall and my shorts ride up.”
Look for a slightly longer inseam and a deeper hem band. Taller riders often prefer a high rise to keep coverage when reaching forward.
“I’ve got strong thighs and I get pinching at the hem.”
Choose shorts with a wider power band (silicone-free) and flexible stretch. If indentation appears, size up or try our longer inseam.
“My tummy fluctuates and waistbands dig by the end of the ride.”
A wide, folded waistband (no internal narrow elastic) gives consistent hold without digging. Consider a high-rise cut on days you want extra security.
“The pad feels bulky when I walk.”
You may be in a style with a pad designed for ultra-long distances. Beginners often prefer a medium-density, women-specific chamois that moves with you.
“I get chafe on hot days.”
Check that seams aren’t landing on sensitive areas. Ensure the hem band is smooth and breathable (no sticky edges). A dab of anti-chafe balm where thighs touch can help on very hot rides.
“My shorts feel fine standing, but tight on the bike.”
Bike posture changes everything. Do the try-on in a partial riding position—hinge from the hips with a neutral spine. If the waistband bites only when you hinge, try a higher rise or size up.
Do I wear underwear? (and other beginner questions)
Short answer: no underwear with padded shorts. Underwear adds extra seams that can rub. Your chamois is designed to sit directly against your skin. Wash your shorts after each ride to keep them fresh and the fabric performing.
How tight should shorts feel?
Close to the skin—like a friendly hug. They shouldn’t cut in or restrict your breathing. If you see strong indentation at the thigh or can’t comfortably squat, size up.
How many pairs do I need to start?
Two pairs in rotation is ideal if you’re riding a few times a week: one to wear, one to wash.
Can I wear padded shorts under other clothing?
Yes—some riders wear them under looser shorts or a skort. Make sure outer layers don’t have bulky inside seams that could rub.
What length is best for beginners?
Mid-thigh works for most bodies, balancing coverage and freedom. If you’re tall or prefer more coverage, a longer inseam can help.
Building your first kit: shorts + top + add-ons
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a simple, confidence-boosting kit:
Padded shorts (your hero piece).
Breathable jersey or tee that covers your waistband comfortably.
Lightweight gloves for grip and comfort.
Socks that wick sweat and stay put.
Optional: UV sleeves for sun protection, a light gilet for breeze, and a soft chamois cream for longer rides.
Confidence on the saddle: small tweaks that make a big difference
Can men wear women’s shorts? Some do, especially if they have wider hips, but our fits are dialled for a
Your shorts are a huge part of comfort, but bike setup plays a role too:
Saddle height: If it’s too high, you’ll rock your hips and chafe; too low, and you’ll load your knees. Quick check: with your heel on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, your knee should be almost straight.
Saddle tilt: Start level. A nose-down tilt can cause sliding and pressure on your hands; nose-up can add pressure where you don’t want it.
Handlebar reach: If you’re over-reaching, you’ll feel it in your shoulders and lower back. A shorter stem or higher bar position can help beginners feel more relaxed.
Shorts + saddle combo: A great pad on a mismatched saddle can still feel off. If discomfort persists, consider a women-specific saddle that supports your sit bones.
These aren’t substitutes for good shorts—but together they create a “whole comfort system” that keeps you riding longer.
Care & longevity (make your favourites last)
Treat your shorts kindly and they’ll love you back:
After every ride: Air them out, then wash within 24 hours.
Wash: Cold or warm cycle, mild detergent, inside a delicate bag to protect the fabric.
Skip: Fabric softeners and bleach—both break down technical fibres.
Dry: Line-dry in the shade; avoid the dryer to preserve elasticity.
Lifespan: With regular riding and proper care, expect 1–2 seasons of solid performance before the pad and fabric begin to soften.
Pro tip: if you’re commuting or riding frequently, rotate between pairs so each can fully dry and recover.
About the Author: Barbara Spooner
Barbara Spooner is the founder of Birds on Bikes , a brand dedicated to designing high-quality, Australian-made cycling apparel for women—especially those with curves. With a background in graphic design and ethical fashion , Barbara is passionate about creating inclusive, sustainable activewear that empowers women to ride in comfort and confidence. When she's not designing, she’s advocating for ethical manufacturing and supporting women in business.