Cycling Shorts

Cycling shorts are shorts designed to be worn while cycling. Many casual bikers wear jeans or baggy shorts while riding their bikes; however, serious cyclists frequently wear cycling shorts because they make the body more aerodynamic and help guard against friction from the bicycle seat.

Cycling shorts also provide valuable compression to the muscles of the hips, buttocks, and legs; this helps blood return to the heart, and minimizes the sensations of muscle fatigue. Most pairs of cycling shorts are made from black fabric; this hides any grease smears that may develop.

Serious cyclists usually opt for padded bike shorts that have a re-enforced patch between the legs; this patch provides extra strength and padding to the areas of the body that are in direct contact with the seat of the bicycle. The shorts may be made from a single piece of fabric, or crafted from multiple pieces sewn together. Pairs of shorts made from a single piece of fabric do not provide the customized fit associated with more complicated pairs, but are significantly less expensive as well.

Many cyclists wear their biking shorts without additional underwear underneath; this reduces the overall weight of the cyclist's clothing, which is considered an important factor in racing. Other cyclists use their shorts as a form of long underwear, and don another pair of shorts or pants over the top. This is a popular practice for cyclists who ride in cold weather; the shorts are worn against the skin, and then a pair of long, thermal leggings is worn on top.

One of the most popular styles of bicycling shorts is the bib short, which is held in place by elastic suspenders that are made of the same material as the body of the shorts. This suspender system keeps the shorts in place, and prevents them from riding down over the course of a race.

To prevent the body from overheating, most manufacturers of bib-style cycling shorts construct most of the bib portion from a mesh or netting material, which helps sweat evaporate. The cycling jersey is normally worn over the suspenders. Bib shorts also do not have an elasticized waistband, so they are an excellent choice for riders who carry some weight around their middle.

Another type of cycling shorts is called the baggy short; these look like street clothes from the outside, but have a specialized interior that includes a chamois lining for cushioning against the seat; these are most frequently used for mountain biking as opposed to as casual adult three wheel bicycle ride. 

Shorts designed to be worn by men may also include an athletic support system. Baggy shorts are never seen on the racing circuit; however, they are extremely popular among mountain bikers and casual riders who want to combine the support and comfort of cycling shorts with the more street-friendly appearance of a baggier pant.