Hmmm, I never had any trouble with shorts becoming translucent. Usually mine wear out from abrasion caused by my inner thigh rubbing against the saddle, which isn't visible to others unless I'm out of the saddle and someone is REALLY interested. And, it takes a lot longer than half a year, more like 1+ years. Of course, that depends on how many pair you have and how often you ride. I've ridden mostly Performance branded bibs in the past, now I ride Przewalski, so not really very expensive bibs. No complaints for either wrt longevity.