Originally Posted by
gugie
IMO, padding is way overrated. Padding squishes down to nothing, but a saddle that matches your bottom, and a liner in your shorts that minimizes/eliminates chafing will go a long way to comfort.
My own theory on this ridiculous padded diaper trend in current bike shorts is that modern bikes come with uncomfortable foam-over-plastic-base saddles so you need some padding to reduce the pain somewhat. I've never needed padded shorts while riding Brooks, Ideale, and other suspended leather saddles.
As to vintage shorts, I wouldn't sweat it too much. As long as your shorts are black and not to shiny, nobody is going to notice or worry about what kind of fabric they're made of.