Actually the shorts I have are very shear cotton blends. Like 50% cotton/50% lycra? (Sometimes I see spandex and lycra both on labels intermixed) Or 50 cotton/50 polyester and then beneath it will say Lycra?? Nonetheless, it's the softness of having "some" cotton added that feels more comfortable on my skin and secure to the saddle. I hear you on the wicking properties (or lack there of) with cotton though.