I used to feel the same way until I just purchased a pair of biking shorts with the chamois padded insert. After a 28 mile ride this past Sunday I was still able to sit down.
I think they look kind of homo-ish but they do serve a purpose and thats to pad your butt when you have to ride on a hard, narrow carbon fiber racing seat.
With that being said, I DID put a pair of regular shorts over them so I wouldn't look like a homo....... LOL!
padded bike shorts are an entirely different matter than the outfits the biking clubs wear. I’m guessing those shorts are black, not brightly tri-colored. Spandex looks good on maybe .00000001 percent of the female population. It never looks good on men. The biking equivalent of a speedo.
Yes they are the only reason why they’re a good buy - a good, heavy-duty chamois. Plus the spandex itself can prevent any chafing on the inner leg.
If you don’t want to be seen in them, however, just wear a pair of shorts over them. That way you can carry a few items in pockets.