There are many styles and types of cycling shorts out there and the performance will vary based on your needs. Is your intended use for recreational riding, racing, mountain biking, bicycle commuting, bicycle touring or training rides. The shorts you choose will make a difference.
Do you really need special shorts just to go for a bike ride? Yes you do, depending on the style chosen cycling shorts can help reduce wind resistance, absorb the bike shock, protect the skin from harmful UV rays and also protect the skin from the friction of the legs rubbing against the bicycle seat. And yes, some types are odorless as well.
When buying cycling shorts there are four things to consider:
Style of the shorts there are baggy type shorts which have a loose fit and are great for mountain biking, bicycle touring, recreational rides and generally also have pockets. There are also the traditional cycling shorts which have a tight fit providing less wind resistance which can be good for racing, training and club rides.