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What is a chamois?

Pronounced sham-mee, a chamois is the unsung hero of every ride. It's a padded insert in your cycling shorts or bibs, designed to cushion your sit bones, reduce pressure points, and wick moisture away from the body. Originally made from leather, today's chamois is an engineering marvel of multi-density foams, stretch fabrics, and thoughtful shaping.

Why a chamois matters

The right chamois can make or break your ride. Ours is built to support pressure zones, wick moisture, shed heat, and eliminate friction - so you can stay focused when it counts.

Meet Levitate™ to our proprietary chamois platform.

Our proprietary Levitate™ Chamois Platform includes three tiers: PRO Levitate™, ELITE Levitate™, and SELECT Levitate™. Each is tuned for different ride styles and intensity levels, but all share a common goal - exceptional in-saddle comfort. Designed by cyclists, for cyclists, and obsessively tested, they redefine performance where it matters most.

Read the Shorts & Bibs Guide
PEARL iZUMi’s Pro Levitate chamois pad for elite cyclists, multi-density foam for long-haul rides

PRO Levitate™

Designed for elite riders and long-haul adventures, the Pro level maximizes vibration damping and breathability. Multi-density foams and a supportive floating top sheet provide all-day comfort with a barely-there feel.

PEARL iZUMi’s Elite Levitate cycling chamois pad for cyclists, layered foam for all-day comfort

ELITE Levitate™

Perfect for dedicated enthusiasts, this mid-tier option strikes a balance between cushion and responsiveness. It features strategic foam layering and adaptive support zones to keep you fresh mile after mile.

PEARL iZUMi’s Select Levitate chamois pad for everyday cyclists, moisture-wicking foam support

SELECT Levitate™

The entry point to our chamois system doesn't skimp on performance. With supportive shaping and moisture-wicking comfort, it's built to elevate everyday rides.

Chamois FAQs

What is a chamois?

A chamois is the padded insert inside cycling shorts, bibs, tights, or liners. It's built to manage pressure, reduce friction, and add support between your body and the saddle.

Why does chamois choice matter?

Different rides create different pressure points. The right chamois helps keep comfort out of your head, whether you're pushing race pace, stacking gravel miles, riding trail, or rolling daily routes.

What's the difference between Levitate™ chamois levels?

Our Levitate™ chamois system is built around ride demand. Entry-level pads are tuned for everyday comfort. Levitate™ Plus adds more support for longer rides. Levitate™ Pro is built for high-output efforts, race pace, and long days where every detail matters.

Should I wear underwear with cycling shorts?

No. Chamois are designed to sit directly against the skin. Underwear adds seams, traps moisture, and can create friction where you don't want it.

How should a chamois fit?

It should feel snug and stable, not bulky or loose. The chamois should stay centered while you ride and move with your body without bunching, shifting, or rubbing.

How long does a chamois last?

It depends on ride frequency, care, and mileage. When the pad feels compressed, shifts out of place, or stops offering support, it's time to replace the short, bib, tight, or liner.

How do I wash cycling shorts with a chamois?

Wash after every ride. Use cold water and mild detergent, then hang dry. Skip fabric softener and high heat - they can break down stretch, wicking performance, and pad structure.

COMFORT IS THE POINT.

Find the pad that matches your ride.

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