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@LongAndWinding
I've been meaning to update now I've got a bit more experience from when I first posed the question about knickers under cycling shorts ... I heartily recommend not wearing knickers under cycling shorts! I never actually did in the end. I do however take a second pair of cycling shorts with me on my commute so I have a clean pair to ride home in.
I recently read Andy Pruitts Complete Medical Guide For Cyclists which notes: "The biggest mistake new riders make is wearing underwear with their cycling shorts, or even not using cycling shorts at all. Additionally remaining in your cycling shorts after a ride can lead to boils because the bacteria have time to penetrate and infect abraded skin."
So, my experiences of different types of cycling shorts:
Sugoi Ladies Evolution Cycling Shorts w/ RC Pro Chamois - These are my favourite shorts. Very very comfortable, longer in the leg which is more comfortable on 'less muscular' legs.
Sugoi Ladies Evolution Cycling Shorts
Pearl Izumi Elite Women's Short w/ 3D Elite Chamois, I picked these after having a really good experience with the same chamois in the tights (see below). They have a 'matt' finish and are slightly thinner so not too hot in this weather. Second favourite shorts.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pearl-izumi/elite-womens-short-ec022524
Bontrager Sport WSD Short w/ Sport level Chamois - very comfortable design waist that drops below navel, very comfortable with a decent chamois. Action Cycles, Sheen.
Pearl Izumi Sugar Shorts w/ Tour 3D Chamois - a bit short in the leg for me (good for skirt wearers) but the padding is good enough for me to ignore the leg length. Not as good as the 3D elite chamois though! (I got my pair at Harris Cyclery, home of the late great Sheldon Brown!).
Liners / lightweight cotton padded shorts (dhb Earnley Ladies Padded Undershorts) - didn't get on with these at all, padding too thin and not held snug enough.
Last winter I discovered Pearl Izumi Thermafleece cycling tights w/ 3D Elite Chamois, these are just great. Warm but not thick, and the padding is great.