Here Is my confusion, mens shorts fit me slightly better but I worry that the mens chamois is not so good for my .. erm under carriage. Does any one know the scientific difference between the mens and ladies chamois. And if the womens specific stuff is truly better for women, Or is it just marketing hype?

Not sure whether there are any scientific benefits. But I have found that some of the womens specific ones are less like wearing a nappy than the mens ones. I have just purchased some Altura ones which I think are great are longer in the leg than my older ones, which makes them more comfortable.

I think the padding on mens comes up higher at the front for their 'bits' and ladies is wider on the rear to accommodate our curves...

In the shorts I have the chamois is like a piece of foam wih indents in it so it bends, but I find the foamy stuff feels a bit sweaty when you get hot and is not very pleasant......(sorry I know - too much detail........!). My hubbies liner is more like a perforated pad (elaborate tea-bag effect!) anyone know which is better or can comment on what other makes have???

As we're all different shapes I think that this one's going to be down to personal preference....

My only observation is that some mens shorts offer more room for dangly bits at the front so as a girl you just end up with a baggy bit!

I wear Lusso CoolMax shorts, the chamois is very comfy but the edges of it can rub and cause something that looks similar to shaving rash. The ladies fit is much more comfy than men's fit.

I find the Assos chamoix cream a marvellous invention, I tend to rub it on me whereas my husband rubs it on the chamois.

the 'stuff' the pad is made from won't be any differnt between mens and ladies shorts of the same maker, just the postion and shape of the pad. If blokes fit better and are comfy, then go with it.

I find that you get what you pay for with shorts. Aswell as whatever the chammy is made you (which can be a thin bit of useless fleece in very cheap shorts) you need to look out ofr semas in the wrong (or right) places and flat overlocked seams that don't stand out and rub liek raised or unfinished seams would. IMHO of years of MTB and road riding, I'd go for Pearl Izumi women's kit anytime. Not cheap, but comfortable and virtually indistructable. Nema re good too, if you can track them down.