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It’s (Almost) All About the ChamoisThe name “chamois” comes from a leather made from European mountain goats, but since the 1980s virtually all chamois pads built into cycling shorts have been constructed of synthetics. And a good one is among the most critical pieces of bike gear. A chamois adds some padding to make rides more comfortable and is engineered to pull moisture away from your body while reducing chafing on skin.Most chamois have a padded inner wrapped in low-friction. The better ones have fewer or smoother seams and more anatomical cuts to prevent bunching so you feel like you’re wearing high-performance cycling gear and not a soggy diaper. How We Chose the ShortsEvery product here has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience racing and riding these products to determine the best options. Most models have been tested by our staff, and those that haven’t have been carefully chosen based on their value, quality, durability, standout features, comfort, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended buyer. Here are the 19 shorts, bibs, and baggies we recommend.