As a 59 year old woman (with 42 inch hips) who started biking 3 years ago, I never thought I'd ever be seen in public in lycra shorts. I've even said out loud that some bodies should never be seen in lycra. I started wearing street clothes then switched to padded baggies at at this point do wear lycra. Some times I carry shorts to slip on over the lycra if I stop for coffee or something, but by the time I have done a nice long ride of 20, 50, or 62 miles it just doesn't seen to be worth the effort and I am too tired and hungry to take the time to put the shorts on. So far as far as I know I haven't scared any small children and shop keepers are still willing to take my money. If I stop to think about it I still say to myself "What are you doing out in public like that and without underware no less." Oh well if I don't loose my inhibitions at this age it might never happen!