Shorts: what to do when on cusp between sizes?
 

Finally getting a new pair of shorts and decided to get something nicer (for me). I wear size 32 pants so I went with a medium Giordana. It's a little snug, especially around the leg openings, but not uncomfortable. But should I go up to a large? Giordana's sizing says large covers 32-36 so it seems I'd be fine. Better a little tight than a little loose, or vice versa?

Thanks.

tight > loose, as long as you aren't breaking seams or rubbing anything painfully.

+1. As long as your legs don't turn blue then run with Medium.

You will probably be fine with a medium or a large. For shorts, I wear a medium in Pearl Izumi and a Large in Giordana. The L Giordana is tighter around my legs than the M in Pearl Izumi.

I'm like you. We have Hincapie kit this year and the mediums are a bit snug, but I went with medium anyway. Also, hope springs eternal that I'll finally lose the holiday weight before the next set of holidays comes around.

OK, I'll stick with the medium. My wife can get a break from my walking around the house in the shorts trying to decide if they fit.

We are all too fat for this sport. Stick with the medium and lose a few pounds.

I agree with the above. from personal experience I find myself always on the fence. I have learned to now choose the smaller size. The set where I went with the large (I have pretty muscular legs, so enough room is always a concern) my chamois pad moves more than I'd like. Its nothing bad, but my medium fits snug and everything is up against my body where it should be and never moves.

To be honest, my biggest concern, though unfounded thus far, is that shorts that run a little small would be stretched and thus stressed more, affecting the life of the fabric and seams.

You're getting something nicer? Then get something that fits exactly right which means a different brand for you.

I suggest this, or go with the smaller size (if it does make you uncomfortable). I lost a few pounds and wore a pair of bibs on a group ride yesterday that fit a little more loose than I like - after about 20 miles it was not comfortable - things weren't being held in place.

With shorts it's often more the leg length than the waist, esp with bib shorts.

So although I can use a S or a M, I choose a S (Hincapie). It goes almost down to my knees. Last year in VOMax, and in prior years in Verge, Champion, Voler, Garneau, Nalini, maybe one or two others, I've used M. Weight's been all over the place, from 140s to 215. Only when I went over 200 did the Ms get a bit tight. 5'7", 29" inseam.

WOW that is extreme