Chamois or no chamois?

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I've never worn bike specific clothing and I am looking to purchase bike tights and shorts and I am not sure if I should order with or without a chamois.

Does a chamois pad make that big of a difference? My average rides are 30 miles (on a DB Century with a Avenir women's gel road saddle) and I overall don't get truly saddle sore unless it's really humid and hot out and I am sweating buckets and the friction builds up.

Also are they removable to wash separately without having to wash the entire tight or short?

Also, as far as sizing goes with not only tights/shorts, but with tops too -- is it my imagination or bike specific clothing in 'regular' sizing is cut REALLY small? I was trying on tights and the XL (in Giordana) was what fit me. They claim it's a size 14! I am 5' 8" - 29 inch waist and weigh 140 lbs. That is not a size 14! I noticed the tops ran small, too. I fit in L's and XL's in all the brands. Crazy.

Thanks for your input...

Get shorts with a chamois and wear them without underwear. Yes, a chamois does make that big a difference. That said, the quality of manufacture can have a big effect on the comfort of your shorts and expensive does not equal better. As far as fit is concerned, they should be quite snug fitting, so I'm surprised you are a XL.

The chamois is not generally removeable in the traditional lycra cycling shorts, but I have had no problems with laundering mine. I throw them in the washing machine in a warm wash on the delicates cycle, using liquid laundry detergent (no fabric softener). If they get other stuff on them (like menstrual blood) then I just wet the chamois and rub a bit of soap on it before throwing the shorts into the washing maching as usual. If you're sweating buckets, you want to wash the whole thing anyway.

If you are happy buying online, then I can strongly recommend Ground Effect (http://groundeffect.co.nz/products-WOM.htm) I have 3 pairs of their Jitterbugs and I absoulutely love them. Based on your height and weight, I'd say you are probably a women's small in their sizing, but start with the medium and if they are too big, you can exchange them for a smaller size (they are very good about exchanges and ship very quickly). There is no way you would be a large in their sizing.

Just remeber before you panic.....cycling clothing run tiny:mad: