What is best to wear under cycling shorts?

Cycling shorts are designed for comfort and performance, but many people wonder what is best to wear under them. Should you wear underwear or go commando?

The best practice is to wear nothing under cycling shorts. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without underwear because they have built-in chamois padding¹ that reduces friction, wicks moisture, and prevents chafing.

Wearing underwear can cause discomfort, irritation, and interfere with the performance of the shorts. Let’s explore why going commando is recommended and what alternatives are available if you prefer more coverage.

Why should you not wear underwear under cycling shorts?

Cycling shorts are specifically designed to be worn without underwear for comfort, performance, and hygiene reasons.

They have built-in chamois padding that provides cushioning, reduces friction, and wicks moisture away from the skin. Wearing underwear adds extra seams and fabric, increasing the risk of chafing, irritation, and moisture buildup.

Going commando maximizes the effectiveness of the chamois and ensures a comfortable, friction-free ride.

Why Underwear is Not Recommended

• Chafing and Irritation: Extra seams and fabric from underwear can rub against the skin, causing chafing and irritation.
• Moisture Buildup: Underwear traps moisture, increasing the risk of bacterial growth, odor, and discomfort.
• Interference with Chamois Padding: Underwear interferes with the cushioning and moisture-wicking² properties of the chamois.
• Restricted Movement: Extra fabric can bunch up or shift, restricting movement and causing discomfort.
• Hygiene Concerns: Moisture buildup can lead to bacterial growth and potential infections.

Cycling shorts are designed to provide maximum comfort and protection without the need for underwear. Wearing nothing underneath ensures the chamois works as intended, keeping you dry, comfortable, and irritation-free.

What is the purpose of chamois padding in cycling shorts?

Chamois padding is a padded insert built into cycling shorts to provide cushioning, comfort, and protection.

The chamois reduces pressure on sensitive areas, absorbs shocks from rough terrain, and wicks away moisture to prevent chafing and irritation.

It is designed to be worn directly against the skin for maximum effectiveness.

Key Benefits of Chamois Padding

• Cushioning and Comfort: Provides cushioning to reduce pressure on sensitive areas and enhance comfort during long rides.
• Shock Absorption: Absorbs shocks and vibrations from rough terrain, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
• Moisture-Wicking and Breathable: Wicks moisture away from the skin, preventing chafing and irritation.
• Anti-Bacterial and Odor Control: Many chamois pads have anti-bacterial properties to prevent odor buildup.
• Ergonomic Design: Contoured design provides a comfortable fit that moves with your body.

Chamois padding is designed to be worn directly against the skin for optimal moisture-wicking, cushioning, and protection. Adding underwear interferes with its functionality and increases the risk of discomfort and irritation.

What are the risks of wearing underwear under cycling shorts?

Wearing underwear under cycling shorts can cause several issues, including chafing, moisture buildup, and discomfort.

Underwear adds extra seams and fabric that can rub against the skin, causing friction and chafing. It also traps moisture, increasing the risk of bacterial growth, odor, and discomfort.

These issues can lead to an unpleasant and uncomfortable riding experience.

Risks of Wearing Underwear Under Cycling Shorts

• Chafing and Friction: Extra seams and fabric create friction, leading to chafing and irritation.
• Moisture Buildup and Discomfort: Underwear traps moisture, increasing the risk of discomfort, odor, and bacterial growth.
• Restricted Movement: Extra fabric can bunch up, shift, or restrict movement during cycling.
• Interference with Chamois Padding: Underwear reduces the effectiveness of the chamois padding, reducing cushioning and moisture-wicking properties.
• Increased Risk of Infections: Moisture and bacteria buildup increase the risk of infections, especially in sensitive areas.

To avoid these issues, wear cycling shorts without underwear. This ensures maximum comfort, moisture control, and protection against chafing and irritation.

Are there any exceptions to going commando?

While going commando is the best practice for most cyclists, there are some exceptions for personal comfort or modesty.

Some people feel more comfortable with a base layer or liner shorts designed for cycling. These alternatives provide additional coverage while maintaining moisture-wicking and anti-chafing properties.

They are specifically designed to be worn under cycling shorts without interfering with the chamois.

Alternatives to Going Commando

• Padded Liner Shorts: Designed for cycling, padded liner shorts provide additional cushioning and coverage without extra seams.
• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Moisture-wicking base layers are designed to be worn under cycling shorts, providing coverage and comfort without trapping moisture.
• Seamless Underwear: If you prefer underwear, choose seamless, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying options designed for activewear.
• Cycling Bib Shorts: Cycling bib shorts provide additional coverage and support without the need for underwear.

These alternatives provide comfort and coverage without compromising performance or moisture control. Choose options specifically designed for cycling to avoid chafing and irritation.

What about hygiene and washing cycling shorts?

Hygiene is crucial when wearing cycling shorts without underwear to prevent bacteria buildup, odor, and infections.

Cycling shorts should be washed after every ride to remove sweat, bacteria, and odor. Choose moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial fabrics, and follow proper washing and drying practices to maintain hygiene and durability.

Proper care ensures a fresh, comfortable, and irritation-free experience.

Hygiene Tips for Cycling Shorts

• Wash After Every Ride: Always wash cycling shorts after each ride to remove sweat, bacteria, and odor.
• Use Mild Detergent: Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid skin irritation.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can clog the moisture-wicking fibers and reduce effectiveness.
• Air Dry: Air dry cycling shorts to maintain shape and elasticity. Avoid high heat in the dryer.
• Choose Anti-Bacterial Fabrics: Look for cycling shorts with anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties for enhanced hygiene.
• Rotate and Replace: Rotate between multiple pairs and replace worn-out shorts for optimal hygiene and comfort.

Proper hygiene and care prevent bacteria buildup, odor, and discomfort. Washing cycling shorts after each ride ensures a clean and comfortable experience.

Can women wear anything under cycling shorts?

Women are also recommended to go commando under cycling shorts for the same reasons: comfort, moisture control, and chafing prevention.

However, for additional coverage or modesty, women can choose padded liner shorts, moisture-wicking base layers, or seamless underwear designed for activewear.

These options provide coverage without compromising moisture-wicking or anti-chafing properties.

Best Options for Women

• Padded Liner Shorts: Provide extra cushioning and coverage without interfering with the chamois.
• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Designed to be worn under cycling shorts, providing comfort and moisture control.
• Seamless Activewear Underwear: If preferred, choose seamless, moisture-wicking underwear designed for activewear.
• Cycling Bib Shorts: Offer extra coverage and support without the need for underwear.

Choosing the right option ensures comfort, moisture control, and protection from chafing. Women can go commando or select specialized layers for coverage and comfort.

How to avoid chafing and discomfort?

To avoid chafing and discomfort, wear cycling shorts without underwear and follow proper hygiene practices.

Choose moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics with flatlock seams or seamless construction. Apply anti-chafing balms or powders in areas prone to friction.

Proper fit, fabric choice, and hygiene ensure a comfortable, chafe-free ride.

Tips for Avoiding Chafing and Discomfort

• Go Commando: Avoid wearing underwear to reduce friction and irritation.
• Choose Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of chafing.
• Use Anti-Chafing Balm: Apply anti-chafing balms³ or powders in areas prone to friction.
• Ensure Proper Fit: Choose snug but comfortable cycling shorts that don’t bunch up or shift.
• Wash After Every Ride: Maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria buildup and odor.

Following these tips ensures maximum comfort, moisture control, and protection against chafing and irritation.

Conclusion

The best practice is to wear nothing under cycling shorts. They are designed with built-in chamois padding to provide cushioning, moisture-wicking, and anti-chafing properties.

Going commando maximizes comfort and performance. For those seeking additional coverage, padded liner shorts or moisture-wicking base layers are suitable alternatives.

Proper hygiene, fit, and fabric choice ensure a comfortable, irritation-free ride.