How to choose: Our guide to shorts for women
Picking a pair of shorts is perhaps the most important single clothing choice you will make. Not only do they protect from prolonged contact with the saddle, they provide support for the main muscle groups during pedalling.
For female riders, this should always mean a womens-specific design.
Since our foundation in 1976, Etxeondo has been committed to designing and making dedicated garments for women. Our design philosophy focuses on function. Our priority is not a stereotypical female aesthetic, but trying to provide the best technical solutions to the real-world challenges of riding a bike.
So, what makes women’s shorts different?
The Pattern
To ensure comfort and mobility while riding, we cater for the natural shape of the chest, waist and hips. The straps of the shorts are also different, in the shape of a ‘Y’, so they follow a line through the central part of the chest and then open to form two straps. In this way, mobility is maximised and pressure on the chest is avoided.
Protection from the saddle.
The interaction between the body and the saddle inevitably results in pressure in the most sensitive areas, so to maintain good health it is essential to meet those specific challenges. Etxeondo uses a wider chamois to distribute most of that pressure on the sit bones, but there will always be some contact further forward on the seat.
For that reason, extra protection is needed to minimise contact and avoid chafing in the most sensitive areas. In addition, to maintain a healthy pH and prevent infections, we use a bacteriostatic fabric that prevents the growth of bacteria that unbalance the natural bacterial flora.
There is also more to a great chamois than the pad itself. The placement and installation is at least as important when it comes to maximising protection, ensuring the pelvis is able to tilt correctly to allow efficient pedalling. We call this technology Precision & Movement.
Practicality. Strapless versions.
When it comes to stopping mid-ride to go to the bathroom, women face more complications than men, especially when wearing bib shorts. For that reason, Etxeondo offers the option of strapless versions to make comfort breaks easier, dispensing with bib straps without compromising the fit of the shorts at the waist.
Etxeondo also refines all other variables – fabric choice, weight, pattern and compression – to maximise comfort and performance..
Different riders will have different priorities, varying according to body shape, their type of riding, style and budget. To make it easier to choose, at Etxeondo we have grouped our shorts into three distinct families.
Shorts designed to maximize performance: Lightweight, with world-class fit and comfort. As the family name indicates, they have been designed with and for professional cyclists to be competitive in the most demanding races in the world. They are all variants of our Olaia model, identified by a red label on the right side.
Angliru, the professionals’ choice
All the shorts in the Pro family use our race-bred Angliru chamois. Developed and tested to satisfy the most demanding of professional riders.
-Composed of three pieces of high-density, viscoelastic memory foam.
-Varying densities depending on the area to be protected to avoid pressure points and improve the support of the sit bones.
-Designed for the female anatomy, specific treatment of the central area to relieve pressure.
-Perforated, absorbent microfibre reduces skin temperature and prevents irritation.
-Antibacterial treatment and seamless construction, without glue or printing to avoid any allergic reaction.
Etxeondo’s best-selling shorts for women; a high-end garment and the result of years of development in the most demanding competitions in women’s cycling. For Spring Summer 2022, Olaia is available in the four colourways: Maroon, black, petrol and dark green.
Recommended for: Training or racing in all conditions, when performance is a priority.
Fabrics: Powersystem Performance.
Pad: Angliru.
Colors: Black – Petrol – Dark Green – Garnet.
Our race-proven design, with added crash protection. Dyneema panels on exposed areas around the hip provide resistance to cuts and abrasions in the event of a fall. Etxeondo has been using Dyneema fibre – 15 times stronger than steel, gram-for-gram, while retaining exceptional flexibility – since the 2015 Tour de France.
Recommended for: Riders who are exposed to an increased risk of crashes, on road or MTB.
Fabrics: Powersystem Performance – Dyneema.
Pad: Angliru.
Colors: Black.
Olaia ST is the strapless version of Olaia. We have dispensed with the traditional bib, without compromising the fit at the waist, to make mid-ride comfort breaks more convenient.
Recommended for: Riders who prioritize comfort and convenience.
Fabrics: Powersystem Performance.
Pad: Angliru.
Colors: Black.
The Endurance range maximises comfort and protection for anyone who spends long hours in the saddle. Riders whose simple passion for cycling inspires them to challenge themselves on epic rides or simply enjoy discovering new places with their friends. With a more subtle level of compression than their Pro cousins, they are easily identified by a silver label on the right side.
Berasa, the Endurance chamois
All our Endurance models use the Berasa pad. Developed to provide unbeatable long-ride comfort. Womens-specific, with proprietary design of the central area to relieve pressure.
-Composed of three high-density hydrophilic memory foams.
-Cushioned protection for the pelvis on any type of terrain.
-Perforated, absorbent microfibre reduces skin temperature and prevents irritation.
-Antibacterial treatment and seamless construction, without glue or printing to avoid any allergic reaction.
Fast-wicking and quick-drying, Ixa Superdry keeps the rider more comfortable, for longer, across a range of conditions. Cut from Superdry fabric and prioritising overall comfort ahead of compression.
Recommended for: Riders who prize comfort above all. The preferred choice for bigger riders or anyone with a more relaxed position on the bike.
Fabrics: Powersystem Superdry.
Pad: Berasa.
Colors: Black.
The adventurer’s choice. The ideal option for off-the-grid riding, Ixa Adventure has storage pockets on the thighs and lower back for carrying extra supplies.
Recommended for: Adventures where you need extra storage, as well as comfort for long hours in the saddle. A must have for bikepacking trips.
Fabrics: Powersystem Active.
Pad: Berasa
Colors: Black.
Technical shorts with a casual look and a relaxed, elastic fit, which promotes comfort and freedom of movement while riding.
Recommended for: Daily use. On the bike for the commute or to relax after your ride.
Fabrics: Powersystem Active.
Colors: Black.
Etxeondo’s famous quality at a more accessible price point: Performance, durability and design. Looking for excellence with value for money? Essentials is for you.
Udana, the Essentials chamois
The shorts in the Essentials family use the versatile Udana chamois. Developed for a wide range of riders and riding styles. Womens-specific, with proprietary design of the central area to relieve pressure.
-Made from a single piece of high-density memory foam.
-Protection on any type of ride, cushioning the movements produced during pedalling.
-Perforated, absorbent microfibre reduces skin temperature and prevents irritation.
-Antibacterial treatment and seamless construction, without glue or printing to avoid any allergic reaction.
Koma embodies the fundamental principles of Etxeondo: Performance, design and durability.
Recommended for: The evolving cyclist looking for a quality short to match their progression, or anyone seeking value-for-money performance.
Fabrics: Powersystem Active.
Pad: Udana.
Colors: Black.
Koma ST is the strapless version of the Koma. We have dispensed with the traditional bib without compromising the fit at the waist, to make mid-ride comfort breaks more convenient.
Recommended for: Riders who prioritize comfort and convenience.
Fabrics: Powersystem Active
Pad: Udana
Colors: Black – Black Texture.
The threequarter-length version of the Koma. Perfect for intermediate temperatures or early-season rides. Practicality and comfort.
Recommended for: Early-season rides. For anyone seeking value-for-money performance.
Fabrics: Powersystem Active.
Pad: Udana.
Colors: Black.
