Is it better to have a padded saddle or padded shorts?

Depends on what kind of riding you have in mind.

For serious cycling; long distance, competitive racing, etc. a hard saddle (for support) and padded short (for protection are the bet choice.

For commuting, every day leisure riding, a spin every once in a while, for casual riding and not needing to get into cycling gear, etc. a good padded gel seat could be a better choice.

Specialize has great seat that are measure accordant to you hip bone size to ensure a better fit. They are a good choice.

Another alternative could be to buy a gel saddle that is wide enough for your build, (women are wider down there and appreciate a wider seat).
So get one that feels comfortable for you and let looks be a secondary matter.

Ask at a good cycling shop, preferably one that only sales bikes, for they tend to be more cycling oriented and knowledgeable.

A good comfortable seat can make a world of difference and they do not hav eto be the most expensive in the store either.

I prefer shorts, I like a more stiffer saddle it supports you more !! :)
I prefer and use a gel saddle. That way if I want to grab my bike and go, I don't have to change first.
Well professional cyclists use padded shorts and a fairly firm seat, so you have to assume that combination is the best for distance cycling. If you use your bike regularly then I think this is the best option. Also if you are doing lots of miles you will find that a gel seat (or similar) will cause chafing, whereas padded shorts are designed to prevent this.

If you just use your bike occasionally (to run down town, to a friends or whatever) then a padded seat may be the best option for the reason the above poster gave.
Hard saddle. You get used to it.

Even after 45 years of riding I can still get soar once in a while early in the road season.
padded shorts that's what pro's use
during a bike ride from London to Paris (190 miles). i found that a combination of gel seat cover and padded shorts were extremely comfortable especially on days 2 and 3.

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