Always over. Cycling overpants are designed as an outer shell layer and have no chamois. Wear your regular padded cycling shorts or bib shorts against your skin as the base layer, then pull the overpants on top. Wearing overpants under your shorts would defeat the waterproofing and create uncomfortable bunching.
Cycling Pants · Cycling Overpants
Do I wear cycling overpants over or under my padded shorts?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Waterproof Cycling Pants
$60 – $350
Fully waterproof cycling pants designed to keep riders dry in heavy rain and wet conditions.
waterproof membranetaped or sealed seamswater-resistant zippers
Commuter Cycling Pants
$60 – $220
Casual-styled pants with hidden cycling features, designed to look like everyday clothing both on and off the bike.
casual appearancestretch fabrichidden reflective elements
Windproof Cycling Pants
$60 – $250
Lightweight cycling pants with wind-blocking front panels to cut wind chill on cool, breezy rides.
windproof front panelsbreathable rear panelslightweight construction
More questions
- Will I get too hot wearing overpants in warm rain?
- Can I use regular rain pants instead of cycling-specific overpants?
- How do I know if my overpants need DWR reapplication?
- Are expensive waterproof overpants really worth it compared to budget options?