@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.
My photoblog http://dragons-fly-peacefully.blogspot.com/
Bacchetta Giro (recumbent commuter)
Bacchetta Corsa (recumbent "fast" bike)
Greespeed X3 (recumbent "just for fun" trike)
Strada Velomobile
I will never buy another bike!