Cycling through pregnancy offers incredible benefits, from maintaining fitness to boosting mental well-being. Like many expectant mothers, I found cycling to be a fantastic way to stay active. However, a common challenge arises quickly: finding comfortable cycling apparel, especially Padded Bike Shorts, that accommodate a growing bump. The struggle is real when your favorite cycling gear no longer fits, and comfort becomes paramount.
When I was pregnant, sourcing suitable maternity bike wear felt like navigating a maze. My go-to was a single pair of Terry maternity bike shorts, which, sadly, are no longer available. Many pregnant cyclists face this limited selection, often resorting to improvising with regular exercise clothes or oversized cycling gear. While resourcefulness is key, having dedicated padded bike shorts designed for pregnancy can significantly enhance comfort and enjoyment on the bike.
If you’re determined to find padded bike shorts and other cycling apparel designed for maternity, you’re not alone. The market may be niche, but there are solutions. This guide aims to streamline your search, highlighting the best available options and clever alternatives to ensure you can continue cycling comfortably throughout your pregnancy. Let’s explore how to find the perfect padded bike shorts and create a comfortable cycling experience during this special time.
Why Invest in Padded Bike Shorts During Pregnancy?
While you might be tempted to just ride in any comfortable bottoms, padded bike shorts become increasingly important during pregnancy for several key reasons:
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Enhanced Comfort and Support: As your body changes, the pressure on your perineum and sit bones increases. Padded bike shorts, also known as chamois shorts, provide crucial cushioning in these sensitive areas. This padding reduces friction and pressure, making longer rides significantly more comfortable. This is especially vital as pregnancy progresses and discomfort can escalate quickly.
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Reduced Chafing and Irritation: Pregnancy can make skin more sensitive and prone to chafing. The smooth, often seamless, construction of quality padded bike shorts minimizes friction against the skin, preventing irritation, especially on longer rides or in warmer weather. This is a game-changer for maintaining comfort and preventing discomfort that could cut your ride short.
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Improved Blood Circulation: Some padded bike shorts, particularly those designed for maternity, incorporate features like a supportive belly band. This band can gently support your growing belly without constriction and may even aid in circulation in the legs, which can be beneficial during pregnancy as swelling can be a common issue. Improved circulation contributes to overall comfort and reduces fatigue during and after your rides.
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Moisture Management and Breathability: Quality padded bike shorts are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. These materials help to keep you dry and comfortable by drawing sweat away from your skin. Staying dry is crucial for preventing chafing and maintaining a comfortable body temperature, especially as hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to increased body temperature and sweating.
Investing in a good pair of padded bike shorts is an investment in your comfort and well-being as you continue to cycle through your pregnancy. They are not just a luxury, but a practical item that can make a real difference in your cycling experience.
Top Padded Bike Short Options for Expectant Moms
While the maternity cycling apparel market is still evolving, there are some excellent padded bike short options available, along with smart alternatives:
Kaden Apparel Primo Maternity Bike Shorts
The Primo Maternity Chamois Shorts from Kaden Apparel are widely recognized as a top-tier choice for pregnant cyclists seeking dedicated padded bike shorts. These shorts are specifically engineered for pregnancy, addressing the unique needs of expectant mothers on bikes. The design features a high, supportive belly band and a carefully shaped curve under the belly area, ensuring both comfort and support throughout your ride.
The versatility of the Kaden Apparel Primo shorts is a major advantage. The tall belly band can be worn fully extended for maximum coverage or folded down as desired. This adaptable design extends the usability of these padded bike shorts well beyond pregnancy, making them suitable for postpartum wear as well, especially if you’ve had a c-section as the high waist avoids incision areas.
Customer feedback consistently praises the comfort and fit of these shorts. Cyclists appreciate the generous room in the leg openings and the thoughtfully designed chamois pad that provides effective support without being overly bulky. Kaden Apparel is also commended for its excellent customer service, with responsiveness and helpfulness being frequently mentioned in reviews.
While overwhelmingly positive, some users have noted minor drawbacks, such as a tag on the thigh that some found slightly itchy (easily removable) and a desire for slightly thicker padding for very long rides. However, for most cyclists, the level of padding is just right for comfortable rides of varying lengths.
Price & Where To Buy:
- $114.99 List
- Buy at KadenApparel.com
Bib Shorts: A Non-Maternity Hack for Padded Comfort
Almost every seasoned cyclist who has biked through pregnancy will recommend bib shorts as a surprisingly effective solution for padded bike shorts. While not designed specifically for maternity, bib shorts circumvent the waistband issue entirely, making them remarkably comfortable as your belly grows.
The key to making bib shorts work during pregnancy is sizing up. Order one size larger than your pre-pregnancy size. The stretchy material and the absence of a waistband that digs into your belly allow bib shorts to accommodate a growing bump throughout all nine months. The bib straps distribute pressure evenly over your shoulders, further enhancing comfort around the midsection.
For recommendations on excellent bib short options, refer to FemmeCyclist.com, a sister site dedicated to women’s cycling apparel. They offer a comprehensive list of great women’s cycling bib options. Exploring these reviews will help you find a bib short style and brand that suits your preferences and budget, providing you with padded bike short comfort during pregnancy without specifically being a maternity item.
Chamois Briefs: The Under-the-Bump Padded Solution
Chamois briefs, or padded cycling underwear, offer another smart workaround for pregnant cyclists seeking padded bike shorts. These are essentially underwear with a built-in chamois pad. The beauty of chamois briefs is that they sit under your belly, avoiding any pressure or restriction on your growing bump. You can wear them under any comfortable outer layer, such as maternity exercise shorts, yoga pants, or even loose-fitting mountain bike shorts.
Chamois briefs are a budget-friendly option and provide excellent versatility. They are particularly useful if you already own comfortable maternity activewear and simply need the padded bike shorts element. My personal favorite is the Baleaf Cycling Underwear, praised for its comfort and affordability. They provide reliable padding without breaking the bank.
For a broader selection of padded cycling underwear options, consult this list of women’s padded cycling underwear on FemmeCyclist.com. This resource will guide you to various styles and levels of padding to find the perfect chamois briefs to pair with your existing maternity or loose-fitting shorts, effectively creating your own customized padded bike shorts solution.
Addressing the Jersey Dilemma and Other Top Options
While padded bike shorts are often the primary concern for pregnant cyclists, finding suitable jerseys is also part of the equation. Unfortunately, as mentioned in the original article, dedicated maternity cycling jerseys are practically non-existent in the current market. However, don’t despair! There are practical alternatives to ensure you stay comfortable and properly attired from the waist up.
Clever Jersey Solutions for Pregnancy Cycling:
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Mountain Bike Jerseys: Opt for mountain bike style jerseys. These are designed to be looser fitting through the torso, naturally accommodating a growing belly. Simply sizing up one or two sizes from your usual size should provide ample room and comfort.
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Borrow from the Boys (or Your Partner): Don’t hesitate to borrow a jersey from your husband or male cycling friends! Oversized jerseys offer breathability and coverage and can be a free and readily available option.
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Full-Zip Jerseys with Maternity Tanks: Utilize a full-zip cycling jersey worn open over a maternity tank top. This is the strategy I successfully employed during the later stages of my pregnancy. The tank top provides coverage and support, while the unzipped jersey offers ventilation and the cycling-specific features you need.
2XU Prenatal Active Tights: Cooler Weather Cycling Comfort
While not padded bike shorts nor cycling-specific, 2XU Prenatal Active Tights are an excellent choice, especially for cycling in cooler weather conditions. These compression tights offer several benefits for pregnant cyclists:
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Leg Swelling Reduction: Compression technology helps to mitigate leg swelling, a common concern during pregnancy, particularly after exercise.
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Belly Support: The high-rise belly panel provides significant support, which can feel incredibly comfortable and secure when riding, especially over bumps and varied terrain.
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Jersey Coverage: The high belly band allows you to potentially pair these tights with non-maternity jerseys without worrying about them riding up and exposing your belly.
While you’ll need to layer padded cycling underwear underneath for chamois comfort, 2XU Prenatal Active Tights are a valuable addition to your maternity cycling wardrobe, extending your cycling season into cooler months and providing essential support and comfort.
Price & Where To Buy:
- $99.99 List
- Buy at us.2xu.com
Tips for Maximizing Cycling Comfort During Pregnancy
Beyond choosing the right apparel, including padded bike shorts, several adjustments can significantly enhance your comfort and safety while cycling during pregnancy:
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Bike Fit Adjustments: Consider professional bike fit adjustments to accommodate your changing body. Raising the handlebars can create a more upright and comfortable riding position, reducing pressure on your lower back and abdomen.
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Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body’s signals. Reduce ride duration and intensity as needed. Don’t hesitate to take breaks and prioritize comfort above pushing your limits.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay exceptionally well-hydrated and maintain proper nutrition. Pregnancy increases your fluid and calorie needs, especially when exercising.
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Route Selection: Choose smoother, flatter routes, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Minimize jarring and bumpy terrain for a more comfortable ride.
Bottom Line: Comfortable Pregnancy Cycling is Achievable
The market for maternity-specific cycling apparel, particularly padded bike shorts, may be limited, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying cycling during your pregnancy. By being resourceful, considering the recommended options like Kaden Apparel Primo shorts, bib shorts, and chamois briefs, and utilizing clever alternatives for jerseys and cooler weather tights, you can absolutely find comfortable and effective cycling wear.
Embrace the journey, prioritize comfort, and enjoy the many benefits of cycling throughout your pregnancy. And who knows, perhaps the need for more maternity cycling apparel options will inspire the next generation of cycling wear entrepreneurs!
More Resources For Cycling During Pregnancy
- Bike Riding While Pregnant: 9 Things You Need To Know
- Biking With Baby: From Newborn To Infant To Toddler
About Us
The Rascals are Kristen, Blair, and Parker – a family passionate about cycling. Rascal Rides was born from our desire to continue biking after Parker arrived. We share our experiences and reviews, having tested hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, trailers, and more over the years.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, eager to share her love for cycling with families. Blair is our resident bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike enthusiast. Parker is our invaluable tester and constant inspiration.
Say hello if you spot us on the trails!
