For those times when the Lycra look just isn't what's required, liner shorts can be worn under looser fit 'baggies', cycling capris, a dress, or pretty much anything else really.
The Inner Lady Tights+ are super-lightweight and feature large mesh panels, making them very suitable for wearing under something else without causing overheating.
The Contest Women pad is aimed at short to mid-distance rides, but I'd be quite happy to take it out on mid-distances with no worries at all. It's well shaped and contoured well to my body, thanks to the more traditional Lycra panels surrounding it.
There are still leg grippers to give a secure and comfortable fit, and thankfully they didn't result in the sausage effect that some shorts cause, making them relatively easily hidden. The length finished mid-thigh for me (5ft 5in), good for wearing under other clothing.
The broad elastic waistband, with loops for attaching to Gore outer shorts and trousers, was also comfortable and kept the shorts nicely in place while riding, with no discomfort. The mesh panels were fairly discreet so didn't shout out 'underwear!'.
Ride comfort was good, thanks to the mesh ventilation and the pad, and though they are on the expensive side, for dedicated liner shorts they're a definite cut above cheaper ones I've tried, and well worth the money.
High quality, well designed and very breathable liner shorts that deliver good levels of comfort
road.cc test report
Make and model: Gore Inner Lady Tights+
Size tested: Black, Size L/40
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Designed as a liner for short to mid-distance rides, primarily to be worn under Gore's baggy shorts and trousers.
Definitely up to the job for mid-length rides and spot on as a liner short.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Main Fabric - 80% polyamide/20% elastane
Mesh- 86% polyester/14% elastane
Comfortable elastic waistband
Contest Women seat insert
Loops at waistband for attachment with outer pants
Gripper elastic on bottom edge
Mesh inserts for better ventilation
Available in sizes XS-XXL
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Very well made using high quality fabrics and with a good level of finish.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Very comfortable and exceptionally breathable.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Seem robust despite the mesh panels.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Nice and lightweight for under other shorts/trousers.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Breathe well and pad is definitely comfortable enough for mid-length rides.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Not the cheapest liner shorts but considerably better quality and performance than most cheaper options, so a sound investment.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Mesh panels, traditional Lycra around pad to help it remain contoured to the body, length of leg, quality of pad and fabrics, waistband.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Well made and well designed – not cheap but a sound investment
Age: 42 Height: 1.65m Weight: 73kg
I usually ride: Boardman Hybrid Fi My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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