Should You Wear Underwear with Cycling Shorts? The Ultimate Guide

Cycling shorts are engineered with functionality in mind. Unlike regular shorts, they feature an integrated chamois pad, a crucial component designed for comfort and protection during long rides. Here’s why underwear with cycling shorts is unnecessary—and even counterproductive:

1. Chamois Pad Functionality

   • The chamois (the padded section in cycling shorts) is designed to sit directly against your skin to provide cushioning and prevent chafing.

   • Wearing underwear with cycling shorts introduces extra seams and fabric that interfere with this design, increasing the likelihood of friction and discomfort.

2. Moisture-Wicking and Breathability

   • Cycling shorts are made from technical fabrics that wick sweat away from the skin, helping to keep you dry and reduce bacteria build-up.

   • Most underwear, especially cotton, traps moisture, making sweat linger and increasing the risk of irritation, saddle sores, and infections.

3. Reduced Chafing and Friction

   • A well-fitted pair of cycling shorts eliminates unnecessary fabric movement, reducing the chances of skin irritation.

   • Wearing underwear with cycling shorts introduces additional seams and folds, which can cause chafing—one of the biggest enemies of long-distance cyclists.

4. Better Temperature Regulation

   • Cycling shorts are made to be breathable and quick-drying, meaning they regulate temperature effectively.

   • Underwear disrupts this process, trapping heat and causing unnecessary discomfort during warm-weather rides.

5. Designed for Maximum Performance

   • Cycling shorts are purpose-built to reduce wind resistance and improve aerodynamics, helping riders perform better.

   • Adding an extra layer of underwear compromises the snug fit and effectiveness of cycling shorts.

If you’re still on the fence about ditching underwear, here are some undeniable benefits of wearing cycling shorts without underwear:

✅ Enhanced Comfort: The seamless design of cycling shorts provides a smooth, irritation-free experience, crucial for endurance rides.

✅ Better Hygiene: Fewer layers mean less sweat retention, keeping your ride fresher for longer.

✅ Improved Performance: Cycling shorts stay in place without the added bulk, allowing you to focus on pedaling efficiently.

✅ Less Risk of Saddle Sores: Without extra fabric rubbing against your skin, you significantly reduce the chances of painful sores developing.

✅ More Efficient Ride: Proper cycling gear improves aerodynamics, reducing drag and allowing for smoother pedaling efficiency.

✅ Prevents Skin Infections: Cycling shorts are made from antibacterial and moisture-wicking materials that help prevent bacterial growth, something that underwear can disrupt.

While the general rule is to avoid underwear with cycling shorts, there are a few cases where an exception might make sense:

1. Wearing Loose-Fitting Bike Shorts

   • Some casual cycling shorts (like mountain biking shorts or commuter-friendly designs) don’t have an integrated chamois. In these cases, wearing moisture-wicking underwear with cycling shorts can be beneficial.

2. Short, Casual Rides

   • If you’re riding for just a few minutes—perhaps to the store or a café—you might not need the full cycling gear setup. In these cases, underwear with cycling shorts may not be a deal-breaker.

3. Hygiene Concerns (In Rare Cases)

   • If you’re borrowing rental cycling shorts or trying on a pair in a store, wearing a thin liner might feel more hygienic.

4. Cold Weather Layering

   • In extremely cold temperatures, some cyclists choose to wear a thin, thermal base layer under their cycling shorts. However, this is different from regular underwear, as it’s specifically designed for layering without adding friction.

5. Personal Preference

   • Some riders prefer to wear a liner for added coverage or modesty when off the bike. In such cases, lightweight, seamless, moisture-wicking liners are the best option.

However, for serious cycling, training rides, or races, ditching underwear with cycling shorts remains the best approach.

If you’re concerned about comfort or hygiene, consider these options:

🚴 High-Quality Cycling Shorts: Invest in premium cycling shorts with a well-constructed chamois to ensure maximum comfort.

🚴 Chamois Cream: This can reduce friction and prevent saddle sores, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable.

🚴 Proper Washing & Care: Keep your cycling shorts fresh by washing them after each ride. Use mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, and always let them air dry.

🚴 Bib Shorts for Extra Comfort: Many cyclists prefer bib shorts over traditional cycling shorts since they eliminate the waistband, reducing pressure on the stomach and preventing the shorts from slipping down.

🚴 Padded Liners for Commuters: If you wear loose-fitting cycling shorts or casual biking clothes, consider using padded liners, which offer the same benefits as a chamois without the need for additional layers.

🚴 Thermal Tights in Cold Weather: Instead of layering underwear, use thermal cycling tights for warmth without causing friction.

So, should you wear underwear with cycling shorts? No! If you want to get the most out of your ride, it’s best to wear your cycling shorts as they were designed— directly against your skin. By doing so, you’ll enjoy better comfort, improved performance, and fewer skin irritations.

Cycling shorts are specifically crafted to enhance your riding experience, and adding underwear only negates their benefits. If you’re serious about cycling or simply want a more comfortable ride, trust the design of your cycling shorts and skip the underwear.

Next time you hop on your bike, embrace the freedom of going commando in your cycling shorts—you’ll thank us later! 🚴‍♀️

Got any cycling questions or personal experiences with underwear with cycling shorts ? Let us know in the comments!