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Cycling Shorts for Men
If you have done any kind of cycling, you are probably aware that professional cyclists wear good quality cycling shorts. Both men and women benefit from the right bicycling clothing. But while there are cycling shorts for men as well as different shorts for women, the lines can get blurred. When it comes right down to it, it really doesn’t matter what the label is. If a pair of shorts work well for you, then that is the pair you want, regardless whether it was intended for the opposite gender.
Why Cycling Shorts for Men?
Cycling shorts are made from special materials that help your performance as well as your comfort and endurance. They are stretchable, and are typically either spandex or wool. There is also special padding to minimize chafing. And the design serves to reduce wind drag. So you just can’t go out with a regular pair of shorts if you are serious about this activity.
On the psychological side, wearing an attractive pair of cycling shorts also helps you feel more into the sport.
Finding the Right Pair
While there are some basic requirements, you’ll find that there are also all kinds of different options and selections to choose from. The following are some guidelines to help you select a good pair of cycling shorts. These apply to women as well as men, but remember that if you’re a woman you can also consider men’s bike shorts if they work well … and vice versa!
Select a Good Length
Bike shorts come in all kinds of lengths. There are shorts (above the knee), knee length, full length, and even cycling pants. You may even want pants of different lengths to match different conditions. For example, when biking in the cold of winter you’ll probably want longer length shorts or even pants. During the summer or in warmer weather you’ll be more comfortable in shorts. With regard to shorts, the length will depend on what you personally are comfortable with. Some people don’t care for the shortest length, so there are always the knee length options or even full length.
What to Look for In the Fabric
Your choice of fabric will depend on your budget. Try to get the best fabric that will fit your budget. What does it matter? Well, the higher the quality, the better the shorts will be in wicking away moisture from your body – minimizing bacteria growth. Polyester blends are better at this than regular nylon spandex. Read the labels to see if the shorts are made from good moisture-wicking materials.
Don’t Forget About Padding
When cycling for long periods of time, your seat can start to become unbearably uncomfortable. This is where padding comes in. You don’t want to skimp on the padding, so be sure to select pants or shorts with high quality pads.
Finally, Make Sure They Fit!
Since sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer, don’t rely on some numeric size. Try them on, and even act like you are on a bike. The shorts shouldn’t wrinkle or be baggy. But you also don’t want them to be so tight that they feel restrictive and uncomfortable.
Some differences between men’s cycling shorts and women’s:
- Above the hips: For women, the top narrows towards the waist and is a little bit longer than the men’s styles. That’s because women tend to have longer waists than men.
- Just below the hips: There isn’t much difference at all.
- Leg length: Traditional length cycling shorts for men tend to be long enough to cover the quadriceps, while shorts for women are shorter.