Bike Shorts -- How tight is "tight"

[kajero]

How tight are your bike shorts.? I have a size L and size M. The Large doesn't seem to have as much compression as the Medium. The Medium pulls tight and it is kind of revealing.

[indysteel]

I like my shorts to have a bit of what I call "lock and load" which is typically a function of both high quality material and a snug fit. But by snug, I don't mean revealing or overly tight. If the flesh around the leg gripper is bulging or its cutting into my stomach, they're too tight. On the other hand, if they're too roomy, it's a good bet that the chamois won't stay put. That's just as bad. Some brands/styles just don't work for me b/c one size is too small, the other too big. I just keep trying until I find something just right (which happens to be Sugois).

[xeney]

I am having this same question. My husband always tells me that my cycling clothes are too loose. (He says that about all my clothes; I think he'd be happiest if I could find a way to walk, hike, bike, and paddle in some sort of fancy wicking corset and heels.) I usually wear size medium Pearl Izumi shorts, and I think they are fine, but he thinks they are a little big on me. I just tried the Shebeest Triple S shorts in small, and they feel a bit too snug. I have a tiny bit of bulge around the leg openings (but they are otherwise fine). Going by size charts, the Shebeest medium is a bit larger than the PI medium, so I'm not sure what to do.

Maybe I'll just stick with the PI's.

[dachshund]

If they aren't real tight, the chamois causes irritation for me. I keep a couple of "too large" ones around for trips to the bike store, or for times when vanity is more important than a long ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I never have trouble with the chamois slipping around- I have big hips and I guess that somehow prevents the shorts and chamois from shifting.
My problem is that the leg elastic hem edges on biking shorts are always too damned tight, while the rest of the shorts, even the legs, fit just great.
Why do they make the leg elastics on shorts like tourniquets??

[Tokie]

I guess the "sausage effect" of leg elastic is partly why I always shop for shorts with a longer (8.5 inch +) inseam. That way the elastic comes down around the smaller part of my drumstick, er thigh , and is a bit more comfortable. tokie ps I prefer shorts with "high compression" fabric, often described by manufacturers as "power" fabric. The chamois needs to not move, the shorts need to be snug and not catch on your saddle.