Observations...

[tulip]

Um, careful ladies, glass houses and all that...I have been notified that I was an offender on a group ride, with many miles to go. Nothing to do but grin and bear it, although I do think I decided to ride sweep.

I have since retired several pairs of shorts to the under-tights-only category. I'm glad I have such winter shorts; makes the still-decent ones last longer.

Serves me right for being overly frugal, I suppose.

[redrhodie]

Um, careful ladies, glass houses and all that...

+1

I asked my friend at the lbs if he'd tell me if my shorts were see through, and he said yes, but probably not right away.

[emily_in_nc]

+1

I asked my friend at the lbs if he'd tell me if my shorts were see through, and he said yes, but probably not right away.

This forum needs a "Like" button.

[Crankin]

I once told my good friend and riding buddy that the new Exte Ondo shorts her DH bought her were totally see through on the top, and around the crack. This was the "new" type of mesh/ventilated shorts that are very popular. Usually I am always pulling her, but for some reason this day I was behind her.
The only other people I have seen with this issue have been men.

[Velocivixen]

@tspoet, so are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts? If so that's good to know. Do they mean that the fabric is actually see through? Or that the spandex is so tight that you see all the contours of the body (on men this might be more noticeable given their frontal "package"). I regularly wear spandex capris to the gym and to run and you can see every ounce of fat on my body, but you definitely cannot actually see through the fabric.
Fortunately for me I wear plaid mountain biking shorts when I ride. Lol

[TsPoet]

@tspoet, so are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts? If so that's good to know. Do they mean that the fabric is actually see through? Or that the spandex is so tight that you see all the contours of the body (on men this might be more noticeable given their frontal "package").Lol

The latter!
Since I ride a bent, I, too, usually cover up my shorts. I didn't used to wear cycling shorts, but even without a pad, they really are more comfortable than looser shorts.

[OakLeaf]

are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts?

Depends on the brand. It does happen, but not universally.

[marni]

around here it always seems to be the very well padded bikers of a darker complexion who choose the white shorts and kits and then wear them to excess. It seems to be equally divided between women and men.

You'd be surprised how much you can see.