Hi Anne,

I go by my hip size, since until recently my waist size was almost the same, and of course no size chart reflects that. Luckily, bike shorts stretch.

Trashy Cat Sunflower shorts are too sheer for you. Trashy Cat Black Satin shorts, my new favorite, are not too sheer. Primal shorts are a _very_ thick (in a nice way) lycra- they used to be my favorites. They come _way_ up the back, and quite a way up the front, so you may or may not like them because of that.

PS, I am the only person in the world who unrepentantly wears panties under some of my bike shorts. (Nice, technical, seamless panties, like Patagonia) I wear the TC Sunflowers without, _because_ they are so sheer, I don't want obvious underwear. I wear the TC Black Satins without, because they are comfortable. I have a pair of triathlon-specific shorts, though, that I have to wear panties with, because, and no one tells you this, if you have a fat belly, and you don't wear panties, in certain shorts, your belly and thighs can touch each other while pedaling, which is VERY distracting. They like cling to each other. Ok, gross but true!

Have fun shopping!

Nanci