Bought "men's" liner shorts by accident--does it matter?

[badgercat]

So my local Trek store was having a winter sale, and I found some nice chamois-ed women's liner shorts on sale for $9.99. I was so excited, I grabbed the one medium and one small they had left and tried them on. The small fit better. I bought them. I got them home and looked again--apparently the small, unlike all the other sizes I inspected, was actually "men's."

So here's my question:

What really is the difference between men's and women's cycling shorts? Is it just how they're sized? Is the chamois different? It seems wide enough for my sit bones, though unlike my spandex shorts, the chamois seems to be covered in like a brushed knit fabric. That makes sense to me considering the shorts themselves are a polyester/spandex knit, though. Or is this some kind of evil lady-crotch-burning fabric that no one warned me about, and I should return them post-haste?

I'm so totally clueless as far as cycling apparel goes... for the last four months, I've been wearing and washing the same one jersey and one pair of shorts every time I ride. I try to expand my options, and I just confuse myself. I'll probably freak out when my next pair of spandex shorts, which I ordered from the REI outlet, arrives... two options?? How will I know which shorts to wear when??

[badgercat]

That was what I suspected, but I wanted to consult with the panel of experts before I took off the tags. Thanks!

[Susan Otcenas]

What matters most is whether or not it fits you and is comfortable. That said, there's quite a bit of difference between men's and women's apparel.

A men's chamois is typically narrower and longer. The chamois will extend farther up the front to cover a man's "equipment". Women do not require a pad that extends that high.

Relative to the waist measurement, the hip measurement on a men's garment will be smaller. So, if you are built very straight, without a butt, a man's bottom may work for you just fine. If you are hippy, or have a butt, you'll likely find the hips to be more restrictive if wearing a men's garment.

Finally, inseam measurements on men's bottoms are typically longer. The average men's bottom has a 9" inseam, where women's inseams are quite variable - anything from 3" on the very short side to 10" on the very long side, with about 7" being the average.

Hope this helps.

Susan

[badgercat]

That's so helpful, thank you!

[GLC1968]

Don't worry about the knit liner fabric. I have the same fabric on my women's bike short liners and while I prefer my other chamois materials, the knit is ok (I think mine is cotton). Just make sure to keep it clean and don't spend a whole day in them if you've been sweaty (it probably won't wick moisture).