hamcereal

Recommendations on comfy/kind of stretchy shorts and pants? I don't want any Lycra or Spandex stuff, over the years I've just cut some chinos and they're super comfy, but I've run out of chinos! I know Levi's made a pant line of commuter pants, but they were over priced and too tight and actually didn't last as long as I thought they would.
Not looking for tight fit, but also not Dumbo loose. What are you guys wearing?

BobbyG

Black, dry-wicking golf shorts, worn with a belt. I wear a phone holster on the belt, and put my keys in the front left pocket with a coiled "leash" clipped to a belt loop. I have ridden up to 6 hours without any issues from the keys which is surprising and pleasing.

I can usually find them on closeout for under $20 bucks, and they last me a couple three years of commuting before wearing through.

Not the greatest photo (or physique), but ot shows the pants.

Darth Lefty 

The Levi's 511 commuters are still around or at least they were a year ago the last time I bought. They were in a separate pile at Macy's. Weirdly, there was nothing in the tags to indicate they were different from the regular 511's. But they still had the reinforced crotch, hidden u-lock holster, reflective piping inside the cuff. These are my everyday jeans in jeans season so they don't last forever but the last few have failed in normal jeans places (knees, pocket corners) and not the crotch.

Trakhak

Any synthetic knit shorts or pants will last a very long time, far longer than any natural fibers. The knit construction makes them air permeable, unlike tighter weaves, and provides about as much cushioning as Lycra bike shorts with thin padding. They're usually cheap, too. I picked up a $10 pair of knit shorts at ALDI that I've ridden in all year with no signs of wear.

fietsbob

Yea Jersey-knit fabrics give , Woven canvas 'Levi's' don't.

I have been using Tracksuit warmup Trousers Cycling for my transportation for years now.

A fabric with a smooth outer & fleeced inner works well I got some Russell athletics and a Nike branded pair..


..

lost_in_endicot

Aero Tech commuter cargo shorts are pretty nice, but really the cheap basketball shorts at Walmart or Target work pretty well. I like the Aero Tech shorts pockets. Nice and roomy.

Nyah

I wear whatever trousers are appropriate for whatever activity I'm riding to but, my crankset has a chainwheel guard, which protects the inseam of my right trouser leg from catching on the teeth of the outer chainwheel. Since you live in Canada, maybe Shimano offers this practical, common-sensical device to you. They seem to be depriving those of us in the USA from enjoying such trouble-free riding.

RubeRad

That's what I wear. Also boxer briefs don't chafe like tightie whities.

alloo

Cargo pants, Cargo Shorts from Costco.

georgiaboy

Budget shorts - Dickies

cycling gear - Swrve

georgiaboy

BobbyG ruling the streets! Nice set up, bicycle and clothing.

BobbyG

Thanks, but the only way I'm gonna "rule" the streets is with a tape measure.

PaulRivers

Synthetic shorts are definitely the best - they don't wear from rubbing the seat - and it's your leg muscles producing power and heat and shorts keep them cool.

BobbyG

Just by coincidence, I noticed my shorts had worn through near the crotch. Stopped by Dillard's Clearance and picked up two more "performance" golf shorts for $8.50 each! Took my inaugural ride with one of them today and all was well.

Bikewolf

Not knowing any better, when commuting I used to wear jeans and still do actually, stretchy jeans that is. However, any new shorts is a more active (outdoor) synthetic piece now. More comfortable! Lightweight, wind-resistant, fast-drying, pockets, color options, casual design ...

No specific brand, and not too expensive.

Archwhorides 

Synthetic weave shorts for the win. For the last couple years I've worn Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide shorts while commuting and road riding; stretchy, wicking, bomb-proof, fast-drying, with a nice mix of zipped and unzipped pockets. Good for hiking and around town as well. When road-biking I wear a padded liner short to eliminate hot-spots and chafing.

scantino

Patagonia Baggies have been nice lately.

squirtdad

depends on how far my commute is but my default is bike shorts (either from aerotech or voler) ....because the function is so high and hi-vis wicking t-shirt from east bay because they work and are cheap https://www.eastbay.com/product/east...s/6857801.html

DanielC94

I used to either wear my running shorts in the summer or whatever pants I would be wearing to work that day on my commute in the winter. Though since I've gotten some good biking shorts I do prefer wearing those instead on my commute to work (this is possible because my office has changing rooms and stuff for bike commuters) and it's simply just that much more comfortable for me. I definitely had to get over insecurity of "looking like one of those lycra guys" but honestly, good bike shorts are a good investment period. The one thing I have yet to invest in personally are waterproof pants for cycling in the rain. If you're a commuter who bikes rain or shine that might be where your money is best spent too.

Archwhorides 

I got some yellow Showers Pass rain pants a couple years ago. This fall put a neoprene saddle on. First rain the pants took on the “coal mine in a canary” look. Oh well.

striegel 

Zoic Black Market shorts. I have two pairs of these now and they work well and look so good that I wear them off the bike (minus the liner). My only quibble is that my older pair broke one of the pocket zipper pulls and I cannot get that pocket open.

I should say that I recently had a serious fall on the bike while wearing these and they don't show a single mark. My mobile phone that was in my right hip pocket was utterly destroyed and I still have some bruising weeks after the event. But the shorts don't have ANY evidence of the fall and slide on dirt/rocks/sand.