Men’s and women’s bike shorts tend to have the same goal: to protect and support cyclists to improve their performance. However, just as with regular clothing, there are several differences between them. These differences do not imply that men can’t wear bike shorts designed for women. After all, both of them are shorts.
This article will discuss the main differences between men’s and women’s bike shorts. As a plus, we’ll provide some tips for you to find the best cycling shorts.
Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Cycling Shorts
As we mentioned before, men’s and women’s cycling shorts have certain differences from each other to boost the cyclists’ performance and protect their bodies during their rides. When buying cycling shorts, there are several things you should consider that may not look the same if you’re a man or a woman. Look at what you should pay attention to when shopping for bike shorts.
- Cut: Men’s and women’s cycling shorts have different cuts. Women’s shorts, for example, have smaller waistbands and a tapered fit in the area above the hips.
- Length: Length also tends to be different for men and women. Generally, women tend to wear shorter tights or cycling shorts. As opposed to this, men’s shorts tend to be longer, as they cover the quadriceps area. Of course, this is not always this way, as some women prefer longer shorts.
- Padding: Padding is also one of the main differences between men’s and women’s cycling shorts. As protection may be necessary for different areas, these shorts contain padded zones that differ from each other.
These are the main differences between men’s and women’s bike shorts and the most important elements to consider when shopping for them. Despite these differences, you could still cross-gender when using shorts. Some women, for example, may want to wear longer shorts and purchase men’s shorts instead. This is not strange since some may feel more comfortable in them.
Men’s vs. Women’s Padded Bike Shorts
When choosing the correct bike shorts for you, a lot boils down to personal preference. One caveat is that the most important thing to consider when buying cycling shorts is how you feel about them.
If you plan to get a cross-gender pair of shorts, ensure that the built-in padding (if available) is suitable for you and provides adequate coverage. This way, you will have a smoother ride while protecting yourself from sweat, friction, and extreme weather.