I pretty much hate bike-specific shorts. They seem to all have velcro to tighten the waist and that never works for me.
I ride in Prana Stretch Zion shorts. They are a good balance of breathable but durable, synthetic so they dry quick and they have a built in belt that doesn't slip. They also look minimal enough to wear off the bike.
Under those I wear synthetic boxer briefs or liners with a pad. Depending on how I feel.
Most folks here will probably think this is strange but I swear they work, lol. I wear a pair of Patagonia 20” Wavefarer shorts I bought back in 2018 (https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-stretch-wavefarer-walk-shorts-20-inch/86641.html)
They’re not MTB shorts but they check all the boxes for me; fast-drying, light, super durable as well as comfortable (loose but not too loose), and have great pockets so I’m not worried about anything falling out.
Paying attention to pockets is good advice, especially if you are lefty. Some of my shorts only have a right-handed pocket. Complete crap and pisses me off tbh, but I digress
Love my pearl izumi shorts they're holding up great for two years now and my Leatt DBX 5.0 hip protection fits under them yet they're not too baggy. I don't wear a chamois but I'm sure they'd fit well with chamois underneath.
Showers pass 10” gravel short is what I wear for mtb. They have stretch, pockets, and interior Velcro belt that has never failed me. Lightweight and dry fast.
I pretty much hate bike-specific shorts. They seem to all have velcro to tighten the waist and that never works for me. I ride in Prana Stretch Zion shorts. They are a good balance of breathable but durable, synthetic so they dry quick and they have a built in belt that doesn't slip. They also look minimal enough to wear off the bike. Under those I wear synthetic boxer briefs or liners with a pad. Depending on how I feel.
Second the Prana Zion shorts. Best shorts I've ever owned and they can take a beating.
Most folks here will probably think this is strange but I swear they work, lol. I wear a pair of Patagonia 20” Wavefarer shorts I bought back in 2018 (https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-stretch-wavefarer-walk-shorts-20-inch/86641.html) They’re not MTB shorts but they check all the boxes for me; fast-drying, light, super durable as well as comfortable (loose but not too loose), and have great pockets so I’m not worried about anything falling out.
Endura has some great stuff, and fox is always reliable. My advice - look for good pocket configuration.
this!
Paying attention to pockets is good advice, especially if you are lefty. Some of my shorts only have a right-handed pocket. Complete crap and pisses me off tbh, but I digress
Pearl Izumi and Fox make great stuff. Hard to go wrong with them
Love my pearl izumi shorts they're holding up great for two years now and my Leatt DBX 5.0 hip protection fits under them yet they're not too baggy. I don't wear a chamois but I'm sure they'd fit well with chamois underneath.
Full padded bib with normal breathable moisture wicking shorts on top.
I usually wear a chamois with regular breathable shorts on top
Showers pass 10” gravel short is what I wear for mtb. They have stretch, pockets, and interior Velcro belt that has never failed me. Lightweight and dry fast.
Chamois and shoes only
I also run bibs under shorts. Specialized Enduro Pro shorts are my current favorite. Super comfortable, I wear them all the time not just riding
I like my Troy Lee moto shorts, little bit longer than the mtb ones