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TWW Picks: My 3 Favorite Women’s Padded Bike Shorts, Liners, & Chamois

ByBecks Timbers
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Cyclist riding bike on gravel road on the VTXL route in Vermont with forest on either side

There isn’t a more iconic piece of cycling gear than padded bike shorts (aka chamois, liners, lycra, butt savers…) Pretty much all cyclists and most mountain bikers wear padded shorts because they make riding much more comfortable on your derrière and private parts.

I’m a big fan of chamois and wear them on all my rides. BUT, just like mountain bike pants and shorts, not all are created equal. You want to make sure you choose a pair that will help prevent chafing and keep you comfortable throughout your rides.

In this post, I share my 3 favorite pairs of women’s padded bike shorts, why I like them, and what to look for when you’re shopping around.

🐐 Wait, Why Is It Called a Chamois?

Ever wonder why the padding in your bike shorts shares a name with a mountain goat? The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is a goat-antelope native to the European Alps, and its hide was famously soft, supple, and absorbent — perfect for polishing silver, washing cars, and apparently, protecting cyclists’ backsides.

In the early days of cycling, riders stitched actual chamois leather into their wool shorts to reduce chafing on long rides. It worked brilliantly. The only downside? Real leather stiffened up like a board if you didn’t condition it after every wash — not exactly low-maintenance.

Eventually synthetic fabrics took over, delivering all the comfort with none of the upkeep. But the name? That stuck around. So today, your high-tech gel-padded cycling shorts carry the legacy of a small Alpine goat who never once asked for credit.

Written with the help of AI

Woman standing next to bikes leaning against stone state line boundary between Vermont and Massachusetts on the VTXL bikepacking route
Terry Bella Prima bike short liners

1. Terry Bella Prima

These chamois are quality-made and are one of my go-to picks for all my cycling adventures (mtb, gravel, or bikepacking). They’re comfortable, mid-weight, and have a high enough waist to not roll down. Love!

Favorite features
  • Mid-size weight = quality
  • Waist doesn’t roll down
  • Versatile for all two-wheeled pursuits
  • Terry is a small women-owned company in Vermont
What could be better
  • Honestly, nothing!
Best for

Any type of cycling

Terry Cycling REI
Woman wearing cycling apparel
Wild Rye Alyssa bike chamois

2. Wild Rye Alyssa Stash Chammy

Wild Rye is a newer women’s mountain bike apparel brand that has become extremely popular over the past few years. I love their Freya Pants, so it’s no surprise that the Alyssa Chammy makes this list. It’s quality-made, comes in fun colors, and most importantly – is super comfy!

Favorite features
  • High waist = no rolling down
  • High quality material
  • Comes in numerical sizes to fit all bodies
  • Two side ‘stash’ pockets
  • Designed by women for women
What could be better
  • Not everyone wants a brightly colored short
Best for

Road or gravel riding, but you could use them for MTB

Wild Rye REI
Two bikepackers standing in front of bikes
Pearl iZUMi pro cycling shorts

3. Pearl iZUMi Pro Shorts

These liners are SO NICE. Yup, they cost a fortune, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, luxurious and comfortable liner, these are it. I wear them for longer distance rides and bikepacking trips because I know they won’t let me down.

Favorite features
  • Luxurious fabric
  • High quality feel
  • Won’t ride up or slip down
  • Very flattering fit
  • Make you feel like a pro!
What could be better
  • Expensive
  • Not great for rugged rides, like mountain biking
Best for

Road or gravel riding

Pearl iZUMi Backcountry

Tips for choosing a chamois

  • Padding thickness: more isn’t always better. Match the pad density to your ride length and intensity.
  • Seam placement: fewer seams in high-friction areas means less chafing.
  • Antibacterial properties: look for antimicrobial fabric to reduce bacteria buildup on longer rides.
  • Shape & fit: women’s-specific chamois are contoured differently than men’s. Make sure it’s designed for your anatomy.
  • Moisture-wicking: the chamois should pull sweat away from skin, not trap it.
  • Activity type: road, gravel, MTB, and spin chamois are all designed differently.
  • Waistband & leg grippers: a shifting chamois is a chafing chamois. Check that the shorts stay put.
  • Try before long rides: always test new shorts on a short ride before committing to a century or multi-day event.

Written with the help of AI

FAQs about wearing a chamois

Wearing a chamois when you ride is a personal preference. Some riders I know never wear chamois, even on multi-hour or even multi-day rides. I typically always wear chamois because I find them more comfortable and they help prevent chafing. It really comes down to what’s most comfortable for you.

No. Bike chamois are meant to be worn without underwear.

It’s definitely a good idea to wash your chamois after every ride if possible. If I’m doing a multi-day bikepacking trip I’ll probably squeeze two days out of my chamois before washing them or rinsing them in a river or lake.

As for replacing chamois, that depends on how much you ride and use your liners. Chamois do get worn out and when that happens, the pad and material can become bunched or wrinkled when you ride, causing chafing or discomfort.

There is no set timeframe as to when you need to buy a new pair, but just keep in mind that chamois do have a lifespan and if you’re experiencing chafing it may be because you need a new pair.

Chamois cream is a lubricating balm that reduces friction and helps prevent chafing and saddle sores. Not everyone needs it, though. Shorter rides are usually fine without it, but it’s a game-changer for longer distances, hot conditions, or if you’re breaking in a new chamois.

Apply it directly to the chamois pad, your skin, or both, right before your ride. A little goes a long way. Look for fragrance-free formulas if you have sensitive skin. I use Chamois Butt’r.

Want me to test your women’s cycling chamois? Get in touch!

Mountain biker riding bike down rocky section of trail in California
A chamois is the padded part of your bike liner

Final thoughts

Padded bike shorts – aka chamois – can make or break your experience out on the trail or road. It’s wise to invest in a good pair of women’s bike liners, especially if your plan on doing a lot of biking or you’re prone to chafing while in the saddle.

The liners I’ve highlighted in this post are my personal favorites, but remember that everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. Shop around, read reviews, and hopefully you’ll find your perfect pair!

What are your favorite women’s padded bike shorts? What do you love about them? Let us know in the comments!

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I'm the creator and founder of the bike blog Two Wheeled Wanderer. I’ve been riding bikes and traveling the world since I was a kid and I like nothing more than enjoying some flowy singletrack or embarking on a multi-day bikepacking adventure. When I'm not blogging, I work on multi-month, cross-continent tours with TDA Global Cycling.

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