· Hugo · Cycling · 2 min read
Underwear Under Bike Shorts: Do You Wear It? (The Definitive Answer)
It's the question every new cyclist is afraid to ask: Should you wear underwear under your padded bike shorts? Here is why the answer is a firm "No."
If you’ve just bought your first pair of padded cycling shorts (or bib shorts), you might be standing in your bedroom wondering: “Am I supposed to wear my underwear under these?”
It feels weird to go “commando” in tight spandex, but the answer is a universal, resounding NO.
In the world of cycling, wearing underwear under your bike shorts is one of the most common beginner mistakes. In this guide, I’ll explain exactly why you should skip the undies and how to maximize your comfort on the saddle.
Why You Should Not Wear Underwear Under Bike Shorts
The padded part of your cycling shorts is called the Chamois (pronounced “sham-my”). It is designed to sit directly against your skin for several scientific reasons:
1. Friction and Chafing
Cotton or synthetic underwear has seams. When you are pedaling at 80-90 RPM, those tiny seams rub against your skin thousands of times per hour. This leads to “saddle sores” and painful skin irritation. The chamois is seamless and smooth to prevent exactly this.
2. Moisture Management
Cycling shorts are made of technical, moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from your body. Cotton underwear absorbs sweat and stays wet. A wet, salty environment against your skin is a recipe for bacteria and discomfort.
3. Bunching
Tight cycling shorts are designed to stay in place. Underwear will bunch up, roll, and create pressure points that can restrict blood flow or cause numbness.
Common Myths & Fears
”But it feels unhygienic!”
Modern chamois pads are treated with antimicrobial coatings. As long as you wash your shorts after every single ride, they are perfectly hygienic.
”What about ‘Modesty’?”
Cycling shorts are thick enough that nothing will show through. If you feel too exposed, you can wear a pair of “baggy” mountain bike shorts or even gym shorts over your padded liners.
3 Rules for Maximum Comfort
- Skip the Undies: We’ve established this. Skin-to-chamois is the only way.
- Use Chamois Cream: For rides over 90 minutes, apply a specialized anti-friction cream directly to your skin or the pad. (Check out our alternatives to chamois cream guide if you’re in a pinch).
- Wash After Every Ride: Treat your bike shorts like you treat your underwear—they are a single-use item between laundry days.
Underwear & Bike Shorts FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it the same for both men and women? | Yes. The rule applies to everyone. Both male and female anatomy suffer from the same friction and moisture issues if underwear is worn. |
| Can I wear thongs or G-strings? | Still no. Even minimalist underwear creates friction points and traps moisture. It defeats the purpose of the technical chamois. |
| What if I'm just commuting 15 minutes? | If it's a very short ride, you likely don't need padded shorts at all. If you choose to wear them, skip the underwear anyway to get used to the feeling. |
Related Post: Once you’ve mastered the ‘no underwear’ rule, you might wonder about other logistics—like how to pee in cycling bibs.
