What materials are used in cycling shorts?

Question

What materials are used in cycling shorts?

Answer 1

polyester

Answer 2

Most common nowadays is 80% polyester and 20% spandex.  Sometimes the ratio is 90/10.  The chamois pad is now synthetic, it is probably also a polyester blend.  In more expensive shorts, Underneath your synthetic chamois there can be a thin foam pad- usually made of open or closed cell foam.   The thread used is also polyester so that it can stretch and not break.  

In the old days shorts were made of wool and used a natural leather based chamois.  Those shorts required much more care when washing, they had to be hand washed with very gentle detergent or it would ruin the wool and the chamois.

Modern shorrts can be machine washed.

Answer 3

Spandex is the material of today.  

Answer 4

Historically, they were made of black knit wool to hide grease and oil stains, with a chamois leather patch in the crotch to reduce chafing.

Most modern day shorts are made of lycra (spandex) with a synthetic chamois leather lining and are produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit different riders needs.

Short legged elastic tights commonly worn under school unifrom skirts, for gymnatics and dance are also sometimes reffered to as 'bike shorts."