General Cycling Discussion - Does the chamois in shorts wear out over time?

By wear out, I mean get to a point where it doesn't have the cushion it used to? I have two pairs of PI Canyon MTB shorts that I bought last summer and have used them both quite a bit since they're my only cycling shorts. The shorts still look like they're in good shape, but the chamois seems to have lost some of the cushion. Is this normal after extended use? Any tips to make the chamois last longer if this is indeed a problem.

If its real chamois then it probably didn't have much cushioning in it to start with.Its probably just worn away by constant rubbing

Cheaper synthetic chamois pads have a thin layer of foam sandwiched between layers and will get compressed in time.

You can buy replacement pads or better still send the shorts away for a replacement chamois to be fitted . (Impsport)
Unless you are really attached to these shorts you would be better off investing in a new pair, after all it is the main point of contact with your bike critical for comfort.
but like they say its your a***

Simple answer.. yes it does. As earleybird said, some are cheaper in the way they were made so they wear out differently... I go thru about 4-6 pairs of shorts a year, but I also put aLOT of miles on them....

I find that the lycra starts to wear out long before the padding does. I go through 3 pairs a year. It is always the lycra that dies first.

CHEERS.

Mark

Don't know about mtb shorts. In lycras, if the artificial chamois has seams, they'll chew yer arse up if the seams start coming apart.

Thanks for the answers, y'all. These are the first cycling shorts I've owned and I wasn't really sure what to expect in terms of durability and what wears out first. I was hoping not to have to go and buy new shorts after only 5 months of wear between two pair, but as was aptly pointed out in one of the replies it's my a** on the line and comfort is no trivial thing on long rides. Having said that, can anyone recommend a brand that has the best chamois and which will last a while? I like the chamois in the PI shorts I have - well, at least I liked 'em when they were new - because it's a one-piece chamois that seemed to fit well, and I would like to have something similar in any other shorts I buy.