See through shorts, help!

[itsalldownhill]

*sigh*

So, my family went on our latest bike trek on Saturday, and for the first time, my husband was behind me with the sun on my back. He said, and I quote, "I can see everything, including every bug bite and blemish...why aren't you wearing underwear?"

LOL

Obviously, undies are a nono as far as comfort, but what the heck?

Are they just too small? If they are too small I'll keep them (for my hopefully shrinking butt), if it's the fabric, well then...hmmm..... If it's normal...well, I gotta figure something out. They do not appear translucent when the sun is not directly on my back. They do not appear translucent when I am not bent over my bike. They DO appear translucent under the sun on back, bent over conditions...

They are cannondales, for reference. My Specialized bike shorts are not translucent, but they may run larger (they are a little more comfortable)

[Owlie]

I actually just saw this on some guy on the trail today.

My best guess is that it's the fabric and that it's a quality-control problem. Someone here mentioned this last year in regard to a pair of Sugoi shorts.

[PscyclePath]

The fabric can get a little thin back there (or up front, as well) as the shorts get worn, leading to problems with personal modesty ;-)

I've got a couple of pair that are getting like that, but am always sure to wear a pair of regular cargo shorts over them...

[itsalldownhill]

Yea, unfortunately these are brand new. Of COURSE I took the tags off and wore them a few times without realizing the...*ahem* issue...so I'm pretty sure returning them is out of the question at my LBS, plus they were on super-sale and I'm not sure if those sales are "final".

This may be why they were on "super-sale".

[OakLeaf]

I've seen see-through shorts that were brand new, too.

No one has ever told me mine were. But my DH doesn't ride and I'm not sure any of my riding buddies would tell me... I didn't have the heart or the chutzpah to tell my friend that the brand new Livestrong kit he'd got for Christmas showed me every hair.

Not sure if there's anything to do about it - other than to be grateful that someone told you - and that it was your husband -

Maybe only wear those shorts on evening rides (it's really only a problem in bright sunshine, which is why it's impossible to figure it out yourself in a mirror), or under a wrap skirt. Which is an option men don't really have for theirs.

[jessmarimba]

I think I almost bought that pair of Cannondales, but I tried them on with underwear and bent over in front of the mirror and realized I could see the stripes on the undies. They were also on super-sale but thank goodness I saw that first.

I might try to talk to the shop anyway, or maybe email Cannondale about that. Bike shorts shouldn't be that transparent and they ought to know better.

[zoom-zoom]

Someone here mentioned this last year in regard to a pair of Sugoi shorts.

I rode behind one of those ladies about a year ago...yep, there was nothing left to the imagination! She actually didn't have issues with that, since the chamois still covered the truly important bits.

[Owlie]

I rode behind one of those ladies about a year ago...yep, there was nothing left to the imagination! She actually didn't have issues with that, since the chamois still covered the truly important bits.

Sugoi and its issues just reminded me of something: Remember those shorts you sold me? I mentioned there was a rough seam that was irritating. I can't tell which are "yours" and which are "mine" any more when wearing them.

[zoom-zoom]

Sugoi and its issues just reminded me of something: Remember those shorts you sold me? I mentioned there was a rough seam that was irritating. I can't tell which are "yours" and which are "mine" any more when wearing them.

So both pairs have that seam? That stinks!

[Becky]

I think I almost bought that pair of Cannondales, but I tried them on with underwear and bent over in front of the mirror and realized I could see the stripes on the undies.

That is the greatest tip! From now on, I'm wearing my loudest, brightest underbritches when I go shorts shopping!

[Owlie]

So both pairs have that seam? That stinks!

Nope, they're both good. I wonder if it softened up with more washing.

Jess, that is a good idea!

[grey]

That is the greatest tip! From now on, I'm wearing my loudest, brightest underbritches when I go shorts shopping!

Me too! And I think I'm going to go put on said loud pair and check all MY shorts in the mirror!

[itsalldownhill]

Lesson learned! Wear bright undies while shorts shopping!!

I think I will write to Cannondale, since it seems hardly fair that I can't return them, and maybe let the LBS know...

I hate to think how many people I was flashing since I HAVE worn these in public on hot and sunny days!!! I'll be known as the biker who has NOTHING to hide! LOL

[marni]

I would also like to mention that white and lighter colored shorts are particularly bad for people with a somewhat darker (Mediterranean or darker) complexion on a bright sunny day for the same reason. The last charity ride I was on had several well endowed larger women with that problem.

Love the tip of the underpants and off to check out all of mine. thanks for that tip.

Itsalldownhill- fortunately 99.9% of the people you were flashing had no idea who you are, unless, of course you were on a group ride or with friends. As for the car drivers, I wonder if you were followed by a chin of fender benders due to "distracted driving/"