I didn't try on the SM shorts, but the fabric didn't feel too thin to me. I would like to try them on before buying, for sure.

The chamois in the TC shorts looks nice and quite similar to the Giordana chamois. I'm pretty sure I read on TC's website that their chamois is imported from Italy, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're close. All I know is that the Giordana chamois felt really nice.