Can You Ride Your Bike Without Underwear?

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.

1. The seams of your own underwear can cause an uncomfortable level of chafing during long rides - this can also contribute to painful saddle sores.
2. 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.
3. 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.