See-through shorts

[sprout]

Is it me or are all shorts see-through? I have three pairs of Sugoi cycling shorts that I purchased six years ago and they need replaced. I love these shorts because they are made of a thicker material that you can't see-through no mater how far I bend over. I also have an older pair of Sugar knickers that I love for the same reason, but the new Sugar's are see-through and I can't find shorts that are not see-through.

I have a REI and Performance store near me, so I've tried most everything they carry. If I bend over you can see right through the shorts. I thought maybe it was me but I've shown the phenomena to my BF a few times who agrees.... I'm showing a lot of flesh. I also have sausage legs with a lot of the shorts with different panels. I was able to pick up a pair of Terry Actif knickers (medium), which are not see-through, but the waist is a bit low and big for me. If I can't find anything else I'll try her actif shorts. I should say they fit nice through the butt and legs.

I thought maybe I needed a large, but the larges are too large in the waist and in the chamois. I'm 5'1, 127 pounds. Pretty much across the board I wear a size 8P in pants with a belt (or a lose waist). My waist is 29, my hips are 37 but the widest part of my butt, below my waist, is 38.5. I carry my weight in my butt. My rides vary from 35 miles up to centuries.

My LBS's for the most part carry the same brands, so I'm turning to the internet. Ideally, I want black shorts made out of thicker material, without the leg band grippers like the Castelli shorts have - shorts with the separate leg bang seem to give me sausage legs. I'm thinking of wool shorts, perhaps they wouldn't be see-through, or maybe someone on here can tell me a brand that is made out of a thicker material? As for chamois... I'm not a big fan of gel, but I'm sure I can get use to it. Anything would be more comfortable than the chamois in my Sugoi shorts. :(

[indysteel]

Sugoi's RS short looks see through until you put them on, at least in my experience.

[jessmarimba]

Won't help you at the moment, but none of the Shebeest shorts I have are see through. They use a less shiny fabric and I think that helps. Hopefully when thy come back it's the same stuff.

Some of the worst I've seen are the cheap Cannondale line. Eek!

[Crankin]

I love the Sugoi RS shorts. They are not see-through when you put them on. But, if you want something thicker, I also love the Terry Bellas. Very compressive and full of lycra. Not cheap, but worth it. You'd probably wear a medium, maybe even a small.
And shorts usually don't last 6 years....

[Owlie]

The Ultra shorts from Performance don't look like they'd be see-through. I don't think I've ever had that problem, though. Hmm...

[Artista]

+1 on the Terry Bellas. I'm about the same size as you are and I also carry my weight in my rear and thighs. The grippers on the regular Terry Bellas don't give me sausage legs but the shorter Bellas do cause sausage legs. I purchased a few pair in size large last year when I was a little heavier. The shorts have gotten looser on me but they're still wearable. I suggest starting with mediums if you try the Bellas.

[nscrbug]

+2 on the Terry Bella. I have 2 pairs of them in size Large and they have quickly become my favorite long distance short.

[sprout]

Thanks ladies! I'm going to try the Bellas!

[Crankin]

Just don't get the "short" ones. After wearing the regular length ones for 2+ years, I bought a pair of the short ones last summer, when they went on sale. Oww! The seams just hit me in the wrong places and the chamois felt horrible. I did one or two 20 mile rides in them and gave up.
I threw them out.

[pinsonp2]

I like the fit and feel of the Terry Bellas too. I have both shorts and knickers and find them fairly durable. Last week I took a tumble wearing the knicks. I ended up with a light scrape on my knee, but I have yet to find a snag on the Bellas (????). I have bought pre-owned and new on Ebay, but always looking for sales on these,

P2

[meganm]

I'm also a fan of the Terry Bella shorts

[Amira]

I generally wear knicker length bottoms versus shorts due to getting a darned heat rash on my legs when riding in full, hot sun, but I'm also a fan of the Terry Bella stuff (great chamois, IMO and super comfortable) and I also love Capo (I love the wide, flat waistband and the notched V in the front and great fabrics) and Louis Garneau (either the NEO or the carbon lazer). I constantly hunt for sales on shorts.