Cycling shorts vary among brands as far as how they feel. I wear Pearl Izumi for my longer bike rides to minimize the sore crotch syndrome. The lycra is snug and supportive, yet feels tight. One of my vendors at work gave me a pair of bike shorts from a company that just launched cycling apparel. The material felt great, like it was made with some % of cotton, although the label claimed 100% lycra. The material is not so restrictive as what I'm used to, and shows a great VPL. Sadly, I found out the hard way that the crotch pad was not high tech. I took a bike ride to Torrey Pines last Sunday and became saddle sore 12 miles into my ride. There is a saying that fits: "The cheapness in quality is remembered long after the cheapness in price."