I'm a generally smaller-frame guy with a waist size and a thigh-to-waist ratio that makes shopping for cycling shorts very difficult. My waist is 31" and my thigh is 24" at the top and 19" at the bottom of my cycling shorts.

I've been wearing Pearl Izumi elite shorts for a couple years now but have run into a size problem: wearing a medium causes the shorts to bunch up and to sit too high around my waist. The size smalls seem to fit great when trying them on, but I ripped the seam where the inseam meets the chamois after a few months, which is expensive (and not to mention painful when it happens part-way though a long ride).

Can anyone recommend some shorts that are cut slimmer in the waist and/or larger through the upper thigh that I could try? I prefer to stay away from bibs.

Thanks for your help.

If bunching up at the waist is the problem, how about trying bibs rather than shorts?

I don't know why anyone would want to stay away from bibs. I have only worn my shorts a few times since I converted to bibs.

Hi DC Velo.

I have a pair of bibs and they solve the bunching problem, but I don't like to wear them because they can be too hot in the summer and due to the using-the-bathroom complications. Most of my jerseys are partial-zip, so I would like to find a better-fitting shorts option vs. buying more bibs. Thanks for the thought though.

I'm in the D.C. area myself...those issues don't seem to bother me much even in our climate but ymmv of course. Good luck with it...

Sugoi makes good non-bib shorts, with a slim cut. Good quality, too.

Bibs were the greatest thing I've ever purchased for cycling. Good luck on your problem.

I just haven't updated my profile in a while... I live in Dallas, TX now where it was over 100-degrees 70 days this summer.

There are bibs and there are bibs. I have a pair of summer weight Gore Bike Wear bibs that are very low cut front and back and the material up top is quite sheer. They're so light, you literally don't know you're wearing bibs, no matter how hot it is.

With the low cut, #1 is no problem in the bathroom (If you're having trouble with the other, you might want to consider getting up a half hour earlier for that first espresso...)

They also make bibs that unzip at the straps.

Or you could try a different brand of shorts.

Why would anyone wear shorts when they have bibs? Me thinks the OP hasn't worn bibs. Probably a steel purist, too.

So I've been wondering...why are bibs so much better than shorts? More support in the junkular region? Thanks.

I like these:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0#ReviewHeader

Don't know about your size but they have a great return policy.

Personally I don't like bibs. Have a few good pairs and I just don't like the hassle of shoulder straps and the shorts hold my junk up just fine.

bbattle,
that was the purpose of my original post. i was looking for someone to help me to find a brand that had more thigh room relative to the waist size so I could have a better fit.

thanks for the recommendation hunt-man. I will take a look.

Not that.

I like them because there isn't a tight line across my abdomen. My breathing is easier. Plus the way I'm built I tend to develop plumber butt so the bibs are kind to any one behind me.

There are those that prefer shorts but many people that try the bibs never go back.

I have not had the to small of waist problem for a long time,but it seems all the pros wear bibs now that i think of it.

bibs are the way to go. definitely less to think about, i know that for sure

for anyone who searches this forum in the future, I bought a pair of Garneau Carbon Lazer shorts, size small. The Garneau smalls are a little larger through the thighs and made of "stretchier" lycra, so they fit me very well.they also have a wider elastic band around the waist, keeping the shorts snug at my waste.

Thanks for your comments everyone.