No underwear you say!
Can You Ride Your Bike Without Underwear?
A vital question is constantly running through my mind in small silent murmurs: do you wear underwear with bike shorts?
The answer is a definitive no! but don't fret - this mistake is one that most of our riders, and that includes me, have undoubtedly made when they started cycling. And although it may seem strange at first, there's plenty of reasoning behind not wearing underwear while doing so. Bike shorts are typically designed to be worn without anything underneath them - either briefs or boxers - so that they'll provide maximal support and protection as well as comfort.
3 reasons why you shouldn't wear underwear while cycling.
- The seams of your own underwear can cause an uncomfortable level of chafing during long rides - this can also contribute to painful saddle sores.
- The padding in most bike shorts is designed to hug your body and sit directly against the skin, so wearing anything else could disrupt the efficiency of its function.
- Pads absorb sweat, but wearing panties or boxers may make them less effective at doing so- leading to an increased chance of UTIs.
Why do cyclists wear padded shorts?
Padded bike shorts are worn to protect and absorb pressure on the lower body. There are many purposes for them - they're meant to protect and cushion against pressure exerted onto areas such as the genitals, backside, and buttocks while also providing much-needed protection from moisture build-up by wicking sweat off your body.
Bike shorts typically have built-in padding, also known as a chamois - and wearing underwear cancels out its benefits. They're made to be worn without any underneath so they can reduce friction while managing moisture. Your underwear could create uncomfortable pressure points and hold sweat close - both which contribute to saddle sores.
These cycling specific pads are designed to wick sweat and moisture away from the body. They're also made of an anti-bacterial material to prevent the chance of developing a urinary tract infection. The tight compression shorts eliminate any chances of rubbing or abrasions by positioning seams in strategic areas throughout your thighs, buttocks, crotch and hips. Underwear defeats the purpose because there is always one layer (or two) of fabric between you and them - which isn't as quick drying so it means all that wetness just stays against your skin for longer periods. Which makes your skin softer - causing higher risks of chafing, rashes and even infections due to bacterial overgrowth when worn under regular clothing such as tights or leggings where there is less air flow compared to wearing said garments without underwear underneath.
There are several types of pads depending on rider preference and style - whether you prefer road or mountain biking, or just need additional protection when mountain biking. Chamois pads come in an array of shapes, thicknesses, materials, etc., but are typically made up for urethane foam blended with a soft fabric cover
Don't forget - even if padded shorts do an exceptional job at absorbing moisture from the initial contact point (your inner thighs), make sure to use a product like Aussie Butt Cream that prevents friction against sensitive spots during rides over 1 hour long.
How to Stay Comfortable on a Bike Ride.
Saddle sores are an unpleasant consequence of riding bikes, but they can often warrant medical attention and antibiotics. So, it's important not to neglect them. But by choosing the right type of cycling shorts and saddle combined with some chamois cream, biking bare becomes a whole lot more comfortable.
FAQs
And although it may seem strange at first, there's plenty of reasoning behind not wearing underwear while doing so. Bike shorts are typically designed to be worn without anything underneath them - either briefs or boxers - so that they'll provide maximal support and protection as well as comfort.
What underwear to wear while cycling? ›
That said, if you choose to wear underwear aside from a chamois or other padded cycling shorts liner, we highly recommend a pair of moisture-wicking underwear. These will increase comfort and help aid in staying hygienic during rides, workouts, and just on your general day-to-day activities.
Do you wear underwear under cycling bib reddit? ›
Its kinda obvious, but lets repeat, no underware. Bibs do not need underwear. They are specifically designed NOT to be worn with underwear.
What to wear under white biker shorts? ›
Nude or Skin Tone
Opting for underwear in a shade that closely matches your skin tone is an excellent choice to minimize visibility. Nude or skin tone clothing blends seamlessly with your natural skin color, making them virtually invisible under biker shorts.
Do you wear underwear under running shorts? ›
Should you wear running underwear with shorts that have built-in liners? The short answer (no pun intended) is no. But it all comes down to personal preferences and comfort. Most top brands offer shorts that feature built-in liners, which do not require an added layer of underwear.
Should men wear underwear while cycling? ›
And although it may seem strange at first, there's plenty of reasoning behind not wearing underwear while doing so. Bike shorts are typically designed to be worn without anything underneath them - either briefs or boxers - so that they'll provide maximal support and protection as well as comfort.
Do you wear bra when cycling? ›
Why wear a bra while cycling? The main reason is the support it offers to the breast, but there are more advantages: Preventing pain. Although cycling is a low- to medium-impact sport, many women (especially those with larger breasts) report that the bouncing of the breasts causes pain and discomfort during exercise.
Are biker shorts inappropriate for school? ›
Examples of inappropriate school attire include tops that expose the midsection, “biker” shorts, extremely short shorts over leggings, pants with holes above the knee, shorts, skirts, or dresses that are above the students fingertips when they are standing straight, sagging pants, and bandanas with the paisley pattern.
Do you wear anything over bike shorts? ›
Wearing shorts over bike shorts can be ok, but we don't recommend it. More layers can lead to more chafing, so the extra shorts aren't a good idea for long rides. The excess material with an additional pair of shorts slows you down and reduces the moisture-wicking benefits of the bike shorts by trapping sweat.
Can you wear leggings over cycling shorts? ›
For me it's leggings over bike shorts, and not bike shorts over leggings. There should be nothing between the padding in the shorts and your skin. Wearing the bike shorts over the tights would introduce seams (from the tights) to your nether regions, that the padding in the bike shorts is meant to cover.
It reduces the chances of irritation and injury
Wearing a loose, comfortable pair of jeans or shorts without underwear can actually reduce chafing to your genitals.
What is the point of underwear in shorts? ›
This is a personal preference, but I usually wear underwear with my shorts with liners. I feel like it helps keep everything in place and provides an extra layer of protection. That's entirely up to you, I've worn shorts with an inner lining without underwear, and as a guy it's just feels better.
Can you wear shorts instead of underwear? ›
In fact, to be protected and comfortable at the same time, there are many models of shorts. Which have characteristics of underwear, such as compression liner shorts. Among the myriad of choices, lined shorts have emerged as a versatile staple that can be worn for exercise, mountain treks and seaside getaways.
What do you wear under cycling? ›
You wear a base layer under your bib shorts or bib tights, under your cycling jersey, and in winter, it's topped off with a cycling jacket. A base layer is most effective at wicking moisture and insulating when it's in close contact with your skin, which is why it should go beneath all other layers in your kit.
How to choose cycling underwear? ›
Different Types of Bike Shorts
If it's cold, you might want tights or shorts with a liner. Second, consider the amount of padding you need. If you're going to be riding long distances, you'll want more padding. Finally, look for material that wicks sweat away from your skin and is durable so they don't rip easily.
Do you wear anything under a cycling jersey? ›
A baselayer is worn next to skin, underneath your cycling jersey, and it works to regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat from your torso. This is especially important on cool to cold days, where a layer of sweat can make you uncomfortably cold. On mild days, choose a light one like the Transfer Baselayer.
What do female cyclists wear? ›
You can wear regular shorts, but we highly recommend getting cycling-specific chamois shorts. On the top, opt for a regular sweat-wicking sports top or a cycling-specific jersey. Cycling-specific jerseys tend to be longer at the back to prevent them from riding up and exposing your bare skin.
