Unmentionables

[beav]

I am not comfortable riding cherokee, but have yet to find the perfect undies for a long distance ride. I did the MS150 last year, and, let's just say, the chafing was intense. Any advice? Iam @5'10", so fit can sometimes be troublesome. I'm hoping to find a solution before this year's 150

[Tri Girl]

I'm afraid you will have chafing issues unless you go underwear-less.
You could always buy a liner with a chamois in it and wear that underneath some baggier shorts/capris. I wonder if you can't find some boy shorts that are made for working out that you could wear?

What about riding panty-less bothers you?

[loopybunny]

It seems a bit strange at first, but with proper padded cycling shorts, you won't even notice you're not wearing undies since they fit close to the skin.

As far as I know, most chamois pads out there also have antibacterial qualities which will help prevent infections on top of just general riding comfort.

It took me about a month to warm up to the idea, but once I did I've never thought about it being weird.

[TsPoet]

I ride a bent, so this could be completely irrelevent, and your previous respondents are probably right on but...
long boy cut shorts work for me. For me, the chafing comes form the spandex parts. The shorter more girlie boy-cut shorts are no help to me as the legs roll up on them.
I buy these practically in bulk when I can find them
http://www.rei.com/product/772410

Another idea along the same line might be underwear with the chamois, then you could wear jogging shorts over them and still get what you need, but no chafing?
http://www.rei.com/product/794385

[TrekTheKaty]

The point of bicycle shorts is that they are "seamless" and tight so there is no rubbing. Underwear is fine, UNTIL it causes chafing. I believe REI carries "bicycle underwear" that is designed to be worn under normal clothes. Maybe that would be more your speed.

[Zen]

I haven't worn underwear since 1974.
Nothing should get between you and your chamois.

[zoom-zoom]

I don't wear undies for any activity involving repetitive motion "down there"...not running, not biking, not nookie... ;)

Seriously, get over the commando-phobia. You will be SO much happier. I ran for a year or two and tried every "sport" panty out there. They all gave me bloody welts. I cannot imaging biking with any sort of seams near my privates, bottom, or thighs. OW! :eek:

[TsPoet]

Nothing should get between you and your chamois.

Sounds like that belongs on a T-shirt. I'd buy one.

[Catrin]

Sounds like that belongs on a T-shirt. I'd buy one.

heheh, yep :)

I thought that I would have problems going commando, and I was a little self-conscious the first time I wore bike shorts to spinning class, but not after that. I have no choice but to wear them there :eek:

[OakLeaf]

Sounds like that belongs on a T-shirt. I'd buy one.

Put it on a TE jersey! :D

[Crankin]

Underwear should be banned.
Seriously, I hate it and don't wear it for any sports activity.

[redrhodie]

But, if you must, how about Ibex underwear? It's Merino wool, wicks moisture, is very comfortable. That would be my first choice to ride in, over cotton or a synthetic, which would hold moisture and probably contribute to chafing.

https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/products/2/77/womens-balance

[Skierchickie]

But, if you must, how about Ibex underwear? It's Merino wool, wicks moisture, is very comfortable. That would be my first choice to ride in, over cotton or a synthetic, which would hold moisture and probably contribute to chafing.

https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/products/2/77/womens-balance

From my own personal Ibex bra experience, wool holds water like crazy (although not quite as bad as Patagonia bras)! And is kinda stretchy - I wonder if it might gap & sag & cause more chafing. Never had their undies, so I don't know what they're like - maybe it's a blend with something more form-holding and wicking than the bras?

[lph]

Truly, I think the solution is to either wear biking liners, or view shorts with chamois as underwear, and wear something thin and loose over them if you prefer. I used to wear underwear under bike shorts without trouble, but once I upped my distances and tried without, there was no going back. Chafing can kill the joy of biking.

[redrhodie]

From my own personal Ibex bra experience, wool holds water like crazy (although not quite as bad as Patagonia bras)! And is kinda stretchy - I wonder if it might gap & sag & cause more chafing. Never had their undies, so I don't know what they're like - maybe it's a blend with something more form-holding and wicking than the bras?

No, it's the same material. I have (and love) the briefs. I haven't had an issue with the bras holding water, though. For me, they're much better cotton sports bras for sweat. I don't even have to change out of them when I get to work. But, I haven't worn them in really hot weather, yet. Maybe that will be when it becomes an issue. I can imagine they might get heavy if they were really drenched.

[OakLeaf]

If I have to wear underwear while running - for instance if I'm wearing my multi-use thermal tights, or this one particular pair of shorts that's looser in the legs but has no built-in brief - the Ibex briefs are the ones I wear, and I adore them. I want to say the longest I've run in them is 18-20 miles, and not a bit of chafing. That's if I have to.

But on the bicycle is something else. You're sitting directly on whatever you're wearing. The chamois is made to protect your sensitive parts from chafing.

The whole reason for underwear is (1) under a skirt or loose shorts, so you have something between your parts and the fresh air and prying eyes ;), and (2) under pants, so you can wear them more than once before washing. Neither of those is true for cycling shorts!

[Crankin]

I do have the Ibex boy shorts to wear when x country skiing or snow shoeing. Before I had them, I just wore my silk long underwear between me and my wool tights or hiking pants. The problem came when doing winter sports in sub 20 degree temperatures, or hiking in cool, but not cold weather. I needed warmth to "cover my butt."
However, the boy shorts ride up terribly, effectively giving me a wedgie. I tried going up a size, but it's still horrible. They are just not cut for someone built like me. But, I deal with it, to avoid being cold.

[Skierchickie]

No, it's the same material. I have (and love) the briefs. I haven't had an issue with the bras holding water, though. For me, they're much better cotton sports bras for sweat. I don't even have to change out of them when I get to work. But, I haven't worn them in really hot weather, yet. Maybe that will be when it becomes an issue. I can imagine they might get heavy if they were really drenched.

Hmmm - maybe it's just me. I get pretty sweaty while skiing, and am chilled before I get home (so it isn't just a hot weather problem for me). I'd NEVER wear cotton bras - cotton kills! But my Ibex bras hold a lot of moisture. I sweat a lot. I could never go straight to work in one once I've worked out - I'd get chilled, plus my shirt would probably get pretty damp. I wear them all the time biking, but they are wet when I get done.

Everyone is different - I'm cursed with excessive sweatiness :(. Which is why I'd be afraid to try Ibex under bike shorts.

[beav]

I'm not sure what about going without underwear bothers me...Catholic upbringing perhaps?? Thanks for all of the advice...I'll have to go with the consensus and try it without!!

[Tri Girl]

..Catholic upbringing perhaps??

hee hee... I think that's what made is so easy for me to go underwear-less. All that confinement over the years and I was ready to let loose! ;) :p:D

[kmehrzad]

When you do start wearing those biking shorts without underwear, just be mindful of when the shorts start to wear thin in the back. Otherwise, the riders behind you get quite a view. It seems that guys are notorious for wearing biking shorts until they're threadbare. :eek:

[TrekTheKaty]

Zen,
You mean "while biking", right? :D

[PamNY]

Going commando is more comfortable. I didn't think much about it because I rarely do long rides, and I never really got chafing. But something started feeling not quite right during the coldest part of winter -- dry skin maybe? So I took the plunge and felt so fine that there's no going back (at least for rides more than 10 miles).

[kenyonchris]

There is nothing visually worse than panty lines under bike shorts...just as an added reason to stay away from underwear while riding. Ow.

[baddy13]

...a forum that has answered my question. Recently did a mini tour in prep for a South to North Wales charity ride. Main problem of chafing. Have tried different underwear, shorts combos including boy boxers in the hope that length would reduce the problem...but from your answers looks like commando is the way to go..so will be trying that next. All the other forums seems to be male dominated and didn't have the answer, so cheers for that!;)

[WindingRoad]

This thread made me think of some of my more 'memorable' experiences riding in groups, lol. Definitely go commando, so much more comfy, but to all of those (usually guys) out there riding in shorts so old I can see the mole on yer butt, please replace your shorts. :D

[MomOnBike]

I'll second the biking skirt over bike shorts. TE has some really cute ones. They are also helpful if your shorts are getting a bit thin, but are still comfortable.

[hulagirl]

Just the thought of wearing undies under my cycling shorts makes me shudder.

Wool or not, there is still elastic in them and oh boy that would start to dig in to things after awhile. Yikes!

[Irulan]

There is nothing visually worse than panty lines under bike shorts...just as an added reason to stay away from underwear while riding. Ow.

lol I used to ride with a gal who wore thongs under her bike shorts. Shudder. She said she was fine but I couldn't see that line under her shorts without cringing.

[Trek-chick]

I'll second the biking skirt over bike shorts. TE has some really cute ones. They are also helpful if your shorts are getting a bit thin, but are still comfortable.

+1 ...........I got one from TE last season and absolutely love it. :D Mine actually has the shorts sewn into the wrap type skirt as one piece.

[Pedal Wench]

If you're that 'attached' to your undies, you could always wear them over the bike shorts.

I'm just saying... ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The whole reason for underwear is (1) under a skirt or loose shorts, so you have something between your parts and the fresh air and prying eyes ;), and (2) under pants, so you can wear them more than once before washing. Neither of those is true for cycling shorts!

Well, i must respectfully express a different view-
1) I've read plenty of threads on TE over the years which complain about being able to see right through black biking shorts to one's 'crack'. Or even worse, the front parts! :cool: The fact is that some shorts use fairly thin material even before they get well worn.
2) I don't sweat that much (mostly just on my head and neck), and by wearing panties I only need to wash my chamois bike knickers/tights/shorts about 1/4 as often as i would without panties. For shorts that cost $100, that can add up to 2 or 3 times longer shorts life.

I definitely can see not wanting to wear panties on 100 mile century rides, but everyone is indeed different. I have no chafing or problems whatsoever wearing cotton panties on rides from 5-70 miles long. I do apply a water-based hypoallergenic hand lotion as a lube before every ride however- if I skip that it gets uncomfortable.

To each their own- do whatever works for you and don't feel weird about it! :)

[Kerry1976]

For me it was easy to go commando under bike shorts because I learned quickly in my running life that wearing underwear under good running shorts leads to horrible chafing, especially at longer distances. However, making the transition to no underwear in running took a little getting used to! ;)

[SadieKate]

I wonder what kind of undies Dara Torres wore at the Olympics. :rolleyes:

Or Kara Goucher at the Boston Marathon.

Seriously, what is going to show under decent quality black lycra (except a very unclassy and uncomfortable VPL)?

[jessmarimba]

Now I have to worry about looking classy on the bike? I'm doomed.

[Sky King]

I am a Terry fan and they offer all sorts of options in shorts and liners www.terrybicycles.com Do not skimp on shorts or liners!! Life is to short to miss out due to a sore you know what!

Consider a good lubricant creme too. I really like Pura Care Active sports cream. I use it not only on my private parts but also where my sports bra band hits my chest and when it is really warm I even put in on my feet. Isn't heavy or sticky or smelly.

[susiek]

No one has mentioned chamois butt'r, helps on the long rides.

Under Armor compression shorts (5 or 7" length) are great alternative to undies for the gym, skiing, running, etc.

[amb]

I'm fairly new to cycling (2+ mos) and I recently picked up Chamois Butt'r.....quite possibly the most disgusting feeling substance going on but once you're on the saddle, it's quite nice! :)