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Description
Simple quality cycling shorts
These simple, quality shorts are designed for any ride and use the same high-spec chamois pad as the Women’s Classic Shorts. The main panels use a dense-knit fabric for modesty, even distribution of stretch, while laser-cut leg grippers lined with soft silicone provide a comfortable and flattering fit. The grippers also prevent the shorts from bunching, nipping or moving out of position. Flatlock seams are positioned carefully for a stable fit and feel, and the shorts have subtle tonal Rapha logos.
To see our full range of Core products, visit our Core Collection page.
For a guide to our full range of cycling bib shorts and tights and the key differences between them, click here.
Our Core range has a slightly more relaxed fit. If you’re unsure which size will offer you the most comfort, our updated size guides can help you find the perfect size.
“The Core collection is about optimising innovative fabrics and processes across the entire collection to reduce production hours and wastage. For example, the leg-gripper trim reappears in the jersey back, the material for the zip guard is used again on the sleeve tips, and bindings use rolled edges. This means we can produce Core garments without compromise, leading to a new standard for everyday cycling apparel.”
– Alex Valdman, Head of Design
Reviews:
“It really is hard to find fault with the Core Shorts at this price and level of quality. These are premium shorts at a mid-range price.”
★★★★½ Lara Dunn, Road.cc
‘For weekday training and commuting, Rapha have totally nailed it. Bravo all round’
The Times
Details and Materials
- Classic Rapha chamois pad
- Black dense-knit fabric for modesty
- Colour-matched trims throughout
- New seam construction
- Laser-cut soft-silicone leg grippers
- Subtle tonal branding
- 82% Polyamide
- 18% Elastane
FIT
Classic Fit
A close but relaxed fit, longer in the torso and suited to longer rides. Regular fit is applicable to our Classic, Brevet and Core ranges.
See our fit guideDalila is wearing a size small and measures:
| Height | 5ft 8.5 |
|---|
Compare our fits
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 76-80 | 80-85 | 85-90 | 90-95 | 95-100 | 100-105 |
| Waist | 59-63 | 63-68 | 68-73 | 73-78 | 78-83 | 83-88 |
| Hips | 82-86 | 86-91 | 91-96 | 96-101 | 101-106 | 106-111 |
| Chest | 30-31.5 | 32-33.5 | 34-35.5 | 36-37.5 | 38-39.5 | 40-41.5 |
| Waist | 23-24.5 | 25-26.5 | 27-28.5 | 29-30.5 | 31-32.5 | 33-34.5 |
| Hips | 32-33.5 | 34-36 | 36-37.5 | 38-39.5 | 40-41.5 | 42-43.5 |
HELP WITH MEASURING
HELP WITH MEASURING
1 CHEST
Using a tape measure, take the total measurement around the fullest part of your chest, holding the tape horizontally.
2 WAIST
Run the tape around the narrowest part of your waist holding the tape horizontally.
3 HIPS
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest point of the hip, keeping the tape measure horizontal.
Q&A
View questionsCare instructions
- Gentle machine wash: 30°C
- Do not iron
- Do not bleach
- Do not dry clean
- Do not tumble dry
- Wash with non-bio detergent
Just for you
Rated 5 out of
5
by
dampjumper from
Outstanding! Are they really the 'budget' shorts??
I am so delighted with these shorts, they are absolutely A1 top notch super. I can't believe these are the 'budget' / 'basics' / 'essentials' shorts. They are supremely comfortable. The pad is plush but not bulky, the fit is snug and sleek, the waistband doesn't cut in and the leg grippers hug nicely without the sausage leg effect. I have several pairs of Rapha shorts / knickers / tights which all cost more than these, and IMHO these are the best of the bunch.
My only very very tiny gripe would be that they are long. They come right down to my knees, and I prefer a shorter short. So perhaps modify the length a bit for next year Rapha?
Date published: 2016-07-06
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Bogi from
Expected better quality
Been using the shorts for a month now for commuting and training, so like 1-2hrs a day, 4-5 times a week with entry level of road cycling.
Pro: comfortable fit, doesn't cut in, cover all thighs (I'm 159cm), comfortable chamois - so far absolutely odor resistant, grips are keeping the shorts in one place.
Con: the inner tight stitches started to pile as well as some other ones, especially at the endings. The inner part is getting a loose stitch having a rubber to go loose too.
Altogether I would like the shorts but the quality (especially after what Rapha always says about themselves) is highly disappointing. Probably won't purchase anything else
Date published: 2017-11-13
Rated 1 out of
5
by
kkrider from
Superthin chamois
These are not Rapha quality, rather a super-thin chamois that would do nothing to cushion a ride. I am returning both pairs I ordered and ordering more of the other. Never can understand what I am going to get these days. Not even similar a bit to the wonderfully thick new chamois that Rapha has on their new shorts that I ordered a month or two before these ones!! Not sure what's going on, but Rapha, please let people know WHICH chamois is going into short. Like call it the 2022 model of chamois or the 2020 chamois because there has been a lot of difference and it's a waste of money and resources sending stuff back, not to mention time!
Date published: 2023-05-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Alison from
Didn't think I'd be raving about a pair of shorts
I was just about to go on holiday when these appeared on the raphia.cc website. Well, a woman always buys a new "little outfit" to go away, yes? I worried a bit when they got here, really soft and I equated that to a bit flimsy. But put them on and it's a different story, they do have that reassuring feeling of firmness on your legs. Look in the mirror and it's a bit of an OMG moment. How have they done this - they have eliminated the banana leg syndrome. Awesome. Rode them in the sunny mountains of Costa Blanca this March, doing my longest rides in them with no short-saddle interface problems at all, and found that they are also that amazing fabric which dries overnight, meaning I could genuinely wear them day in, day out.
Date published: 2016-03-10
Rated 2 out of
5
by
12cookies from
Not a good fit for me
They run large, so I had to size down to a small. I'm 5'6 and 132 lbs. They were also very long. My biggest complaint was that the chamois was too wide in the crotch area and got uncomfortable during my hot 28 mile ride. The chamois also isn't very breathable and takes forever to dry after washing. The waist band has a silicone gripper, which holds the shorts up well around the waist, but it irritated my skin. I'm hoping they get more comfortable after a couple of washings, but overall disappointed.
Date published: 2017-03-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Karkie from
Just what i needed
I brought these about 4 weeks ago and have used them a few times, I'm very pleased with my purchase, I um'd and ah'd about getting these compared to the classics which were slightly more, I unfortunately cant compare but am very happy with these shorts. They are quite long but i find I can adjust the length easily to raise them up to 'normal for me' length without any gathering or bunching. Thje chamois is brilliant, I had to run in them the other day due to forgetting to bring run wear to a brick session and forgot i was wearing them to be honest, so they certainly don't feel like you are wearing a nappy. I would recommend these :)
Date published: 2016-08-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sally MappsBaps from
Comfy bike rides
I love these shorts, I would describe my cycle style as “Sunday driver” I’m new to cycling and was recommended the Rapha brand as my other cycle shorts were not very padded and making it an uncomfortable ride.
I can’t compare these to any other Rapha bottoms, So am unable to say if the classic shorts are worth the extra money compared to the core ones, but I feel they help me achieve a further distance as my “lady area” doesn’t feel squashed or pulled. I’ve worn and washed these at least 20 times and they dry quickly but also the padding stays perfect.
I would definitely purchase these again, they are worth the investment.
Date published: 2020-06-22
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Bloomers from
Granny's Pajamas
Really sorry I bought these. A bad fit for me, prefer my cheap $60 shorts to these. They offer no support, the padding feels straight and square, not folding with my body. Even though I followed the measurements exactly there is excess fabric around my thighs . Offers no support and feels like pajamas.
Date published: 2016-03-17
I am 5'3'' and 130lbs, usually a 4-6 in US size, what size should I buy in the Core shorts?
We find that there can be quite a bit of variation in sizing from one brand to another in women's trousers, and the best way to find the proper fit in Rapha gear is by taking measurements at the natural waist, and widest part of your hip. Once you've got the measurements, our sizing chart will help you determine where you'll be most comfortable. If you find you fall between two sizes, we recommend sizing up once, or when possible, purchasing one of each to determine the most comfortable fit. We're always happy to help with free returns and exchanges.
Date published: 2020-05-07
What are the dimensions of the chamois on the large short -- specifically the width of the heavily padded part meant to go under your sit bones? Thank you!
I am afraid we do not have any information of the exact dimensions of the chamois. However, all women's chamois are design and customised female fits. the Core/Classic pad delivers all-day comfort with softer foam up front and 8mm or 10mm of higher density foam at the rear, depending on your size.
Date published: 2021-02-27
I am 5'4 and weight abou 120 pounds. Can you recommend me a size to purchase?
We would recommend size Small for you. We have a 30 days free returns policy should you need to return it for exchange or refund.
Date published: 2020-04-24
Which jersey option closest matches the fabric of these shorts? The Women's Core Jersey, or the Classic Jersey II (in black)? I am trying to avoid different shades of black.
The Women's Core Jersey would be the better choice of colour match on this occasion.
Date published: 2018-07-01
I have a 25-inch waist. Should I buy XXS or XS? Thank you.
If you have a 25-inch waist, we recommend the XS Shorts for you
Date published: 2017-08-30
The classic shorts size S were a good fit but 3cm too big around the grippers on the legs. How do the core shorts compare?
The Core Shorts have the same dimensions as the Classic in this size
Date published: 2017-08-21
HI , I purchased L core shorts. Fit. Is great on waist as my waist Is 80 cm but feel a bit bagging in crotch area . And now worn a few months. Feel loose in crutch with some movement. Is this normal should I order medium . Dianne
The fit of the garments should be a relaxed fit but should not feel baggy. You could try the Medium size for future purchases.
Date published: 2018-01-10
How do the chamois in the Women's Core and Classic shorts compare?
Hi, the Women's Core Shorts have the same high-spec chamois pad as the Women’s Classic Shorts.
Date published: 2020-03-01
Thank you for your request. We’ll contact you when your Women's Core Shorts is available.