The final difference is leg length. In general, women prefer a shorter leg length than the traditional cut men's short which is long enough to cover the cyclists quadricep. Understanding these basic differences can help you select the short that is best suited for you. Don't be afraid to cross gender lines. For example, if you are a larger women built straight up and down, you will probably find a men's cut short to be more comfortable.
Additional panels allows the short more curvature.
This was very important back in the days of wool shorts when fabric had very little stretch. Stretch fabrics have made this distinction less important. Use of a 4-panel design is usually limited to work out clothing where the cyclist is in a more up right position on the bike. When trying on any bike short, always remember to bend over in the cycling position and make sure that the short will fit you well both on and off the bike. For those individuals who are bothered by the sewing seams in the crotch area of the traditional 6 and 8-panel bike short, there is an alternative.