Undergarments???

[ARIEL]

Hi Everyone! Whew! So glad that this forum exists...and I discovered you! I'm a complete "Newbie", who definitely needs advice!

I'm the proud new owner (purchased just today!) of a TREK 1500 WSD (47...tough to find!)! I haven't been on a bike since I was 13 years old! I must admit that after the practice rides I had today to get the bike fitted...I'm a bit terrified...and wondering what I've gotten myself into!!! After reading some of the various threads...I'm feeling even more than a bit overwhelmed about getting started!!! My husband is a very experienced rider...however, there are just some questions that only other women can answer!

I'm in the process of getting outfitted from head to toe...and wondered if anyone out there has any advice regarding...UNDERGARMENTS!!! I understand the argument for riding "au naturel". I'm still having a difficult time thinking of NOT wearing underwear! Yikes!!! Any suggestions (i.e. brands, websites, material choice, etc.) of good underwear and bras??? I'm open to advice regarding going "au naturel", as well!

Thank you so much!!! - Ariel

[DeniseGoldberg]

Hi Ariel -
Welcome to the board, and welcome to cycling!

While I do wear a sports bra, underpants are definitely not needed under bike shorts. Just try on enough shorts to find a pair with a comfortable chamois for you, and plan on washing your shorts after every wearing. Underpants are not necessary and an uncomfortable extra layer. My shorts of choice are Pearl Izumi Ultrasensors - but we're all different, and if you keep reading here you'll find that we all like different shorts.

On the sports bra side, good sources are the Team Estrogen (http://www.teamestrogen.com) site and Title 9 (http://www.title9sports.com). I've been wearing Champion (http://www.championcatalog.com/) bras lately though, and I usually get them directly from their web site.

--- Denise

[Nanci]

Patagonia is having a nice sale if you are small enough to wear cute sports bras. I hate the uniboob models. I am the only person in the world who wears undies with my bike shorts. (I tried to reform, but I couldn't do it!!) The Patagonias are good for that, too. Title Nine has a HUGE selection of sports bras, though mainly in black and white.

Nanci

[Irulan]

underwear under shorts ?

OUCH!!!!!

The reason you do not wear underpants is to prevent chafing, saddle sores, etc.

[short cut sally]

Hi Ariel,
Congrats on your new bike, keep us informed on how you like it. That bike is on my wish list for when I upgrade. As far as clothing, you will really find that clothing does make a difference. The comfort and breathabilty of the material is wonderful. I do not wear underpants under my bike shorts. I was told that there would be too much bunching and cause irritation. There is so much padding that once you put the shorts on, you almost feel like you have a diaper on until you get used to it. At least I did. Now it is just second nature and I don't realize sometimes that I am even wearing them. After your clothing, if you can swing it, I would recommend the shoe/peddle clip system. It is unbelievable how your performance can improve on your bike with having your feet in one position instead of being all over on a platform peddle. It takes a little getting used to but I would recommend that system to anyone. My Dh just purchased his first bike in like 30 some years (he figured if he couldn't beat me, might as well join me), and the first thing on his list are gloves and shoes/peddles. I hope you enjoy your bike and good luck and welcome to the board. shelly

[Nanci]

I know, I know...I tried to go without, but I just am not comfortable. But I wear nice seamless technical underwear that cause no problems. You couldn't do it with every day undies. I'm not telling Ariel to wear undies!

Nanci

[Bike Goddess]

Contrary to popular opinion, I wear Aniamo Cool Max Padded Briefs which I purchased from R.E.I. I've worn this brand for 2 years now so I can say with some reassurance that they do work if you want a liner.

I have found that my most comfortable shorts have the gel chamois in them. I have other shorts, but after about 40 miles they aren't as comfie.

One piece of advice- always use Chamois Butter or equivalent when you wear these liners. I have a large tube for home and then smaller packets I take with me on rides just in case. AND, make sure the shorts fit you. Too loose will be very uncomfortable. Try on different brands- I now use Performance Elite Gel shorts and am quite happy with them.

My two bits worth on the shorts! :)

Regarding the new bike- Just get on and start riding!!! I have Look type platforms which I rode with running shoes for a month before I ventured into the clipless realm. At some point, I would recommend that you switch over, but not until you feel totally comfortable on your bike! Good luck and let us know how it goes. Your DH is probably ecstatic that you are taking the leap! We all love having riding partners! :D :D

[AutumnBreez]

Sometimes it is good to step out of your comfort zone. Open your mind.......
You can overcome this, for the love of cycling. I am sure you can get beyond this. Not asking you to do it outside of cycling of course, that is just gross :eek:
You will find it much quicker, less expensive, and most importantly... COMFY!
After your ride, take your shower, then you can put your undies back on.
Taking time and money to look all over internet for special undies that may/may not work for you, does mean you are not out there on your bike having the time of your life, being carefree, because your inside searching for that special unneccesary article of clothing. Step out of the zone.......
You can do it !!! (Just do it! -NIKE)
Once you hurdle this little fear...you will be ready to conquer other fears. Like going clipless. All for going out of the zone just a bit.... :p

[doc]

No undies!!! You will get used to it very quickly and be very very glad you did. Undies = chafing and bunching. Besides, no-one else (almost) is wearing undies so it wouldn't be weird. Look for 'vpl' . You won't find it on anyone! Comfort is the key. You can also look on other threads here about mensturation and what to do about that while cycling in case that is what you're worried about. Short answer there is diva cup, bike shorts, and nothing else. Enjoy yourself.

[singletrackmind]

NO UNDERCLOSETS!!!!

No chaffing, no ouchy seams (Nanci, at least you've found seamless), no goofy undie lines, just no!
It'll placate the wild woman in you. :D
My chest is a little on the larger side and my choice is Moving Comfort, it's so individual. Title 9 does have great descriptions but I started out buying local, so I could try stuff on. I went to a running center 'cause I figured if a bra could hold the girls in while jogging it'd be fine with biking. Still, I did have some trouble finding the bra sizes, not just sm, med and lg.
And get on, ride, have fun. You might be a little wobbly at first but with practice you'll be riding a straight line in no time. :) Know your hand signals and the rules of the road and enjoy yourself. Welcome to bike riding, glad you could join us! :)

[Saxa82]

Ariel,

First of all, you are from my hometown- LaGrange, NY!! I don't live there anymore- now live near Monticello, NY. Where did you get your bike?? Hard to get small WSD around there....

As to undies- if you are going on longer rides ditch them because they will just chafe in the butt area or bunch up in the senstive areas. Always wear a sports bra or a singlet with a built in bra within. Most of the ladies here echo the same.

Enjoy!!!

[ARIEL]

Hello Everyone!

Wow! I'm blown away by your responses!!! Thank you so much for all of your terrific advice, info., and testimonials!!! Yesterday, I did manage to buy my first pair of cycling shorts and jersey at a LBS...just so that I could get right out there and start riding (I've been to 3 local bike shops; and find that there is barely any clothing for women!)! Of course, it was raining like cats & dogs all day...hopefully, tomorrow will be the day! I'm a bit small-chested, so I bought a sports bra at a local dept. store. This is just to get me by before l place my "mega orders" to "Team Estrogen" and a bra order to "Title 9" :D !

This whole cycling thing is a bit of a "stepping outside my comfort zone" kind of thing for me anyway, so I think I'll...take the plunge and forego the undies! It has to be easier than dealing with the clipless pedals! I'm just taking it one baby step...or pedal push...at a time!!!

I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to respond to my weird inquiry! I really appreciate your words of encouragement & support!

I wish you all: "Happy (and comfy!) Cycling"!!! - Ariel

[ARIEL]

Hi Saxa82!

So excited to hear from someone who knows "LaGrange"...plenty of hilly terrain...when I get rolling, I'll have quite a work-out!!! I bought my WSD at the "Kingston Cyclery"...across the river. "Bill" treated me like gold (I've been reading some horror stories about women cyclists and LBS salespeople!)! He was very encouraging; and didn't let me walk out of there until my bike was completely fitted to me! It was a bit of a fluke that they had the bike at all! It was a complete miracle that they would have the exact make & model that I wanted...and in a 47!!!

Bill was going to order me a 2006 when they came out in late Sept/early Oct.(too long to wait!). I thought that I wanted a 2006 because of the bigger 700 wheels (vs. the 650 wheels offered in the 2005 47s). After speaking with "Debbie" (She owns "Wheel & Heel" in Wapp.Falls), an experienced 5'1 rider, I felt comfortable going with the 650 wheels. Also, the TREK colors for 2006 are terrible! I couldn't have asked for a better bike to begin this great
new learning adventure!

Thanks for posting a "hello!"! - Ariel :)
P.S. - Wish you were still local! Enjoy cycling in your new "home" town!

[ARIEL]

Dear Doc!

Thanks so much for directing me to the "Tips & Tricks"/"Embarassing Questions" threads! You're right...I was curious about what to do concerning that...other "cycle"! I had all of my secret questions...answered (I must admit that the undergarment question was the "warm-up" for the "What on earth do I do every month" question!)! I learned an incredible amount!!!

Thanks a bunch! - Ariel

[AutumnBreez]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!! SOOOO PROUD OF YOU FOR STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT LEVEL ARIEL!!!! Enjoy the comfy ride!!! ;)

[gretassister]

Hi Ariel, WELCOME TO THE CYCLING WORLD.

Personally I were no undies or bra, except when I wear a really light jersey through which every detail of my breasts can be seen, then a sports bra is nessesary for modesty's sake.

HAPPY RIDING !!!

[mary9761]

I'm glad to see this thread, I'm also not sure if I'm going to be comfortable riding au naturale although with the 545 miles I've ridden so far I can definitely see WHY one would want to. OUCH
As far as sports bras, I'm finding with my weight and chest size, I'm going to have to deal with my regular bras for now. I wear a 50DDD and if I even find one that size, it's WAY OUTTA MY LEAGUE price wise :eek: . As it is, I have to pay $20-$30 just for a regular bra that fits. :(
I finally found a pattern and I'm making my own bike shorts as soon as I get them finished I'll have my hubby take a photo of me in them for my avatar maybe. :o

[bluerider]

WELCOME ARIEL!!!

I have the same bike and in a 47 as well. I'm glad you love it as much as I do!!! It's a great ride.

As everyone has said, you gotta go au naturel. I was squemish about it and went out for my first ride with undies on. I spent most of my ride pinching and fixing my shorts and learned pretty quickly to not wear them again.

As for sports bras, I really like the Champion sports bras that actually...lift up the girls...it's got great support for my running but at the same time still makes me look like a girl...

Enjoy the ride and let us know how you progress!!!

[SadieKate]

Regarding your undergarments, would you wear a bra and panties under your swimming suit? No, because they reduce the functionality of your suit by constricting movement, staying wet, chafing, etc. Same goes for your cycling shorts. You'll actually look better because there won't be any of that dreaded VPL.

SK

VPL = visible panty line for those of you who weren't raised by my parents

[CorsairMac]

Hello Everyone!

Wow! I'm blown away by your responses!!! Thank you so much for all of your terrific advice, info., and testimonials!!! Yesterday, I did manage to buy my first pair of cycling shorts and jersey at a LBS...just so that I could get right out there and start riding (I've been to 3 local bike shops; and find that there is barely any clothing for women!)!
This whole cycling thing is a bit of a "stepping outside my comfort zone" kind of thing for me anyway, so I think I'll...take the plunge and forego the undies! It has to be easier than dealing with the clipless pedals! I'm just taking it one baby step...or pedal push...at a time!!!

I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to respond to my weird inquiry! I really appreciate your words of encouragement & support!

I wish you all: "Happy (and comfy!) Cycling"!!! - Ariel

Welcome to the board Ariel: I forgot (my friends call it meno-brain) if you've posted to the "getting to know you" thread? If yes --wooohoo...if no, it's under the open and we would love to know more about you!

There are no "weird" questions here, although most of the posts are exercise related - where else can you go and ask some of these questions......like what type of computer to buy, what type of food, pixs of our pets! :p

Congrats on your new bike, your new lifestyle and your new wardrobe! I'm with the ranks of going without underneath. The thought of the chamois And a pair of underwear was just a bit much for my little pea-brain to handle! I think part of is it just so "mom" ingrained that leaving the undies at home just seems somehow "wrong" but I'm guessing you're not even gonna notice they're missing! Good luck on your first ride and plz plz plz.....tell us how it was. We love hearing everyone elses stories!

[bcipam]

I have never understood why is it so difficult for people to not wear underwear under their bike shorts. It's not like a pair of cotton panties are gonna keep sweat and other stuff off the bike shorts. It's not like a good pair of bike shorts are "see-through" and folks are gonna see something they shouldn't. A good pair of shorts are made to be worn, sans underwear. The chamois is very protective and meant to be. If you really think you are going to stick with cycling, invest in 2 - 3 pairs of shorts, several nice cycling jerseys (the wicking material is a must) and good sports bras or bras that wick moisture. I also like good bike socks. If you ride in cool weather, invest in arm warmers (I love arm warmers) and either tights or leg warmers.

Trust me once you ride without the panties, you won't believe you ever thought of doing that!!!

[CorsairMac]

If you ride in cool weather, invest in arm warmers (I love arm warmers) and either tights or leg warmers.


Really??.....have you ordered your wonderful red Amici Veloci arm warmers yet??...they extended the deadline for another 24 hrs and they're only $29.00 and I'm betting they would look Awesome on you! (and you can use PayPal)

Corsair "yup I'm a shameless hussy" Mac

[bcipam]

No problem you "hussy" but I must have 10 pairs already and if I buy another should be shot in the head. But for someone else looking and wondering, arm warmers are a gift to cyclist. Think of investing in a pair.

[Trekhawk]

As they say if you dont live on the edge your taking up too much space.
Live on the edge and ditch the undies when riding. You will never regret it or feel more comfortable. :D

[alpinerabbit]

another undergarment I can recommend is a mesh shirt to wick sweat, for all except the hottest days. Mine are from nalini.

[lph]

- but why would you want that, when you can buy a very sexy bikini just by clicking on the link above?

We've discussed wearing bikinis under bike gear way too little.

;) :D

(PS. +1 on the mesh shirt.)


eta: there was an extremely unsubtle ad for bikinis above alpinerabbits post earlier

[alpinerabbit]

lph,

please pass me my white cane. I'll also have to ditch my bikes for a tandem.

[lph]

here ya go *tosses it over*

:D :D

[mayanorange]

I am the only person in the world who wears undies with my bike shorts. (I tried to reform, but I couldn't do it!!)

You're not the only one! Something I just can't do.... I have some patagonia briefs that are nice and smooth and essentially seamless and they don't bother me.

[Biciclista]

I wear "barely there" underwear under my bike shorts. I can wear my bike shorts for more than one (short) ride. No way could i do that if i went commando.

[indigoiis]

I wear no underwear under my bike shorts, however, when I am riding "around town" or commuting, I often will wear a pair of loose fitting cargo capris OVER my bike shorts. The cargo pockets hold everything, and the bike shorts serve as the "underwear."

Sports bras - I use the cheapo fruit-of-the-loom but I need to buy better ones, because wicking fabric is DEFINITELY better on long rides.

[Kuota Rider]

I understand the argument for riding "au naturel". I'm still having a difficult time thinking of NOT wearing underwear! Yikes!!! Any suggestions (i.e. brands, websites, material choice, etc.) of good underwear and bras??? I'm open to advice regarding going "au naturel", as well!

It seemed a little weird to me at first too. However...you will find that with wearing panties of any kind, they will bunch and bind and rub...:eek: Well you get the point. Believe me you will get used to it, and you will, in the long run, be much more comfortable. As far as a bra type undergarment, I just wear a sport bra. I am hardly well gifted in the breast area, so this works ok for me.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your new bike.

[SadieKate]

Hope this helps. Enjoy your new bike.Probably a little late! This thread is 4 years old . . .

[shootingstar]

Ok...methinks there are probably alot of women who do wear light panties when cycling short to moderate distances but they aren't telling anyone.

I don't have much problem with binding/bunching panties often. I wear a moderate (meaning not a string) bikini cut panty...so that the waist elastic doesn't hit me at the same place as the cycling short/long tights. My thigh circumference is 19" , so perhaps the elastics digging/rubbing into me, is less of a problem.

I honestly cannot bear the thought of commando in cycling shorts...it's just cleaner and faster for me to change panties, etc. instead.

By now, I'm certain I've fallen waaaay behind in cycling coolness -woman-wise. Oh well, works for me. :p:D I'm comfortable, clean, not sore and no yeast infections, even though I've broken the golden rule for the past 17 yrs.

Am beginning to feel like a true UFO in the cycling world now...this and being car-free for so long ..and not having a driver's license.

[Crankin]

I know we could argue this endlessly. I never wear underwear with cycling shorts and I can't imagine wearing it. I don't wear underwear under any exercise shorts or pants when running, hiking, yoga, aerobics! It would just hurt. Heck, I get saddle sores if a chamois has seams in the wrong place! When it's cold, I wear long underwear or my Ibex boy shorts for x country skiing, hiking, or snow shoeing.
I have a couple of pairs of cycling liners that i wear under loose fit cycling capris that can also be worn under regular clothes.
Perhaps I am weird, but never occurred to me to wear underwear with cycling shorts.

[shootingstar]

I never wear underwear with cycling shorts and I can't imagine wearing it. I don't wear underwear under any exercise shorts or pants when running, hiking, yoga, aerobics!

Jeepers, Crankin you are surprising.
By the way, I seldom wear padded cycling shorts and I do cycle long distances.

[robinmarylong]

Padded shorts are not meant to to be worn with underware, but you're shorts should be washed regularly. However, I do use underware when I have my period.

-R

[Crankin]

Shootingstar, I could see how one might get used to cycling without a chamois, which is a different issue than no underwear.
What I love about about the new running shorts I have is that they no longer have those gross mesh underliner/short. Instead, they have compression shorts, without the chamois. Much more comfortable.
I am one of those people that gets irritation/lines/welts from anything tight against my skin. Being sweaty makes it worse. So, the less I wear, the better.
Maybe I am a nudist in disguise????
Living previously in a super hot climate made me learn to wear as little as possible, which is why I wear sundresses with no waist, instead of shorts when it gets super hot. And, a loose, boy short like slip instead of panties.
OK, this is getting to be TMI. Although, the cyclists i ride with are not shy at all about discussing these things...

[sundial]

Thinking about the undies......I wonder if it helps keep things tucked up so that the girlie parts aren't running free all over the saddle. Hmmm....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...so that the girlie parts aren't running free all over...

Is that like free range chicken or something? Sounds somehow more humane... :p

[sundial]

Bleecker, lol!

[OakLeaf]

Seriously tempted to link to some pictures from Nude Bike Day....

[jobob]

Oh joy, another thread for the "ignore" pile :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh joy, another thread for the "ignore" pile :rolleyes:

Well I don't want you to ignore me ;) , so....

i'll say the same thing I say every time there's a thread on the underwear vs. no underwear schools of thought...
I wear underwear with my chamois shorts and leggings. I have NO problems with seams or chafing etc even on 60+ mile rides. No yeast infections or rashes from it. I use a little cheap hypoallergenic hand cream, nothing fancy or expensive. Works great. My 'free range parts' can frolic about as they please. :D
I don't do a heck of a lot of sweating, and I'd hate to have to throw my $100 biking shorts through the laundry every time i go for a 2 hour ride. Much better to put my cheapo cotton fruit of the Loom undies through that trauma over and over and replace them as needed. :p

Everyone is different, and there is no 'right way' or 'wrong way' here. If it's right for you, it's right!

[Crankin]

No laundry problems here. You just have to buy enough pairs of shorts to meet your laundry schedule :D.

[HappyTexasMom]

No laundry problems here. You just have to buy enough pairs of shorts to meet your laundry schedule :D.

Well, I think the point was that the shorts would need to be washed after they had been through one ride. So whether you have 1 pair of shorts or 10, each pair would be getting washed 1 time/ride, as opposed to 3-4 (or whatever), and therefore would not last as long.

Not that I know anything, I don't even have a pair of proper bike shorts yet. :rolleyes:

[Eden]

Why spend $100 on a nice pair of well designed *seamless* cycling shorts if you are going to add underwear elastic..... They are designed to go without.

You can ride without cycling shorts and you can ride in underwear, and you might even get away with it comfortably for a time, but the longer and harder you ride the more you'll find that it can be a bad idea. When I was a kid I did week long tours in jeans and regular shorts and survived, but when the technology to be more comfortable is there why not use it and use it the way it was meant to be used. Trust me - if you ever get rubbed by a seam/elastic or get a saddle sore you'll toss the undies away and never go back.

And for those who wear underwear to not have to wash their shorts as often - do you honestly believe a pair of undies keeps the sweat and beasties off your chamois............

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Why spend $100 on a nice pair of well designed *seamless* cycling shorts if you are going to add underwear elastic.....

Um...maybe because they feel good to ride in and they are comfortable and do the job well for me? My cheaper "short ride" shorts just don't have dense enough chamois support for my longer rides. Surely you are not suggesting I shouldn't have high quality long distance shorts just because I wear panties under them?


You can ride without cycling shorts and you can ride in underwear, and you might even get away with it comfortably for a time, but the longer and harder you ride the more you'll find that it can be a bad idea....Trust me - if you ever get rubbed by a seam/elastic or get a saddle sore you'll toss the undies away and never go back.

It's not a matter of my trusting you. I am totally comfortable when riding. My hardest-riding year averaged about 90 miles per week with longest rides of 70 miles, and I had no problems at all with sores or seams or elastic. To be honest, I doubt I'll ever be riding 'longer and harder' than that.
Despite what some might direly predict, I am fairly confident I will not suddenly develop problems and zealously throw my undies away. Why is this hard to accept? People ride all over the world in regular clothes, and they put in MAJOR mileage.
Just because some people have problems with biking in underwear doesn't mean everyone will. I read on TE every day about all the problems women have with their shorts (without underwear, mind you) ...feminine 'issues', pain or numbness, sores, chafing, rawness, bacteria, yeast infections.... I have none of these problems, yet it's suggested I should change what I'm doing in order to avoid those problems?? :confused:


And for those who wear underwear to not have to wash their shorts as often - do you honestly believe a pair of undies keeps the sweat and beasties off your chamois............

'Honestly believe' it or not, I don't have a problem with sweating or beasties. When I sweat, it's mostly all on my head and torso.
My shorts smell great (!), they get aired out every ride and get washed every few rides, I don't get yeast infections, sores, , chafing, bladder infections, rashes, etc.
I don't wash my jeans every time I wear them either. :eek:
But I do launder my undies every day. :p

I'm happy, I'm completely comfortable when i ride, and I'm healthy. Do I feel a need to 'fix' something or change what i do? nope. :)

[Veronica]

You know there is such a thing as too much information. I really don't want to know how someone else's shorts smell.

Veronica

[Eden]

No I'm not ever going to stick my nose in your shorts - not even if invited to. If you honestly think you don't sweat all over your body and that there isn't any bacteria on the skin of your crotch (or that a pair of underwear will stop them migrating on to your shorts), well okie dokie then.

I've never had a yeast infection, uti or other problem like that either, but I know I sweat and that my shorts are not a sterile zone.... No, I don't wash a pair of jeans each time I wear them, but then again I'm not out exercising in them and they don't have what's basically a sponge in the crotch.

No one's asking you to quit what you are doing if it works for you, but for most people it is not particularly good advice. It's kind of like saying that you can hike the appalachian trail in tennis shoes. Yeah people used to do it (we had a back packing book from the 70's and lots of people were wearing their keds...) and maybe some still do and are just fine, but for most people a good pair of hiking boots will make it a much more pleasant experience. Can you get chafing, even with cycling shorts? Sure you can, but with a good pair of shorts you are much less likely to.

Ah - and there's also the myth of the chamois.... its really not for "padding", though in later years it has morphed a bit. The reason to have a chamois is to provide a nice soft, seamless area for all of the bendy bits on your body so that they aren't rubbing against anything that would be irritating - not to pad your sit bones. That is why I say putting a pair of underwear on with a pair of shorts defeats the purpose - you are putting the seams back into something that was expressly designed to be.... seamless....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You know there is such a thing as too much information. I really don't want to know how someone else's shorts smell.

Veronica

I said they 'smelled great' (as in clean), I didn't describe the scent! I just meant the shorts smell fine, same idea as how jerseys can smell bad from bacteria or sweat. I was asked about sweat and 'beasties' building up in my shorts, so I merely answered that as best I could. Women talk about yeast infections, chamois bacteria, chamois butter products, and labial issues here all the time. Isn't it a valid sports/biking subject?
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.

[Veronica]

Offend is too strong of a word. :)

I just think it's strange how people will offer up what I think of as very personal information on the Internet. It's conversations I'd have with my female friends in person or on the phone. I've even PMed and emailed some people with some personal stuff.

But just laying it out there where anyone can read it... and I know PMs and emails can be read, but it's a little more private.

I guess we all have our comfort level. I'm perfectly willing to tell what I weigh or how much my body fat is... but discussion of my undergarments and anything near them, doesn't belong on the web. :D

Veronica

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

No I'm not ever going to stick my nose in your shorts - not even if invited to.

Uncalled for. Unless you were joking.



If you honestly think you don't sweat all over your body and that there isn't any bacteria on the skin of your crotch (or that a pair of underwear will stop them migrating on to your shorts), well okie dokie then.
I never said anything like any of that! I said I don't have a problem with sweat, bacteria, or 'beasties' as you put it. bacteria is everywhere, of course. And we all sweat everywhere, too, to varying degrees.


No one's asking you to quit what you are doing if it works for you, but for most people it is not particularly good advice.

Ironically, *I* am not advising anyone to wear undies under their shorts! I never have advised it, never will.
I just keep saying the each person is different and what works for one might be different than what works for another.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Offend is too strong of a word. :)

I just think it's strange how people will offer up what I think of as very personal information on the Internet. It's conversations I'd have with my female friends in person or on the phone. I've even PMed and emailed some people with some personal stuff.

But just laying it out there where anyone can read it... and I know PMs and emails can be read, but it's a little more private.

I guess we all have our comfort level. I'm perfectly willing to tell what I weigh or how much my body fat is... but discussion of my undergarments and anything near them, doesn't belong on the web. :D

Veronica

Well I guess we are all different.
I wasn't describing how my underwear smells- nor would i ever!
The whole thread is about wearing or not wearing of underwear under shorts, the pros and cons of it. There have been plenty of threads about this all before, including bacteria and yeast and raw tissues, sores and infections and what not.
To me it's just health/skin/comfort stuff concerning biking.
I'm glad you're not offended. :)

[Crankin]

Ah, I just meant that throwing my cycling shorts in the wash after each use meant that it was an excuse to buy more.... I started with 2 pair and now I have 5, of shorts for "regular" rides, i.e. my more expensive ones. This was built up over years, with some throwing out of ones that just didn't cut it.
I have a liner short I bought, and one that came with a pair of Shebeest board shorts that I bought really for the shorts, not to ride in. I have one pair of mtb shorts and 2 skorts for casual, errand, coffee shop rides. Once in awhile I wear a skort on a road ride, but it's usually not more than 20 miles.
I sweat a lot. Today I went on a 7.5 mile ride to a farm stand on my Jamis, which means slower speeds. It was 75 and humid, but cloudy and sprinkling. I came back as sweaty as I would be after a 50 mile ride on my road bike.
Like Lisa says, to each her own.

[Biciclista]

what if your underwear doesn't have seams and lumps? I have some like that. That's what i wear.

[lph]

weeeeellll - just to throw my two kroner into the fray: I commuted for years as a poor student in "regular" sportswear (anything stretchy I had around), then in my one pair of bike shorts with underwear underneath. I never had problems, but every now and then I'd be riding more than usual and feel a bit chafed or sore but just blame it on my saddle.

Fast forward to today, I'm on my bike for longer and more frequently, I ride to train as well as commute, I have a longer commute and take detours, and ride hard enough to need a shower after most rides. Not least - I can afford and have bought multiple bike shorts, and after wearing a good pair without underwear have never gone back. Having had a really horrible saddle sore once made me fully appreciate all the comfort I could get.

I'd say it depends on your riding style and/or the quality of your saddle and/or the sensitivity of your skin and/or how much you sweat... You certainly can wear underwear underneath, I did so for a long time and it does save your shorts from quite as much washing. But I agree with the basic premise which is that bike shorts are made to be worn without underwear and work best that way, so if a beginner asked, that is what I would answer too and I'd recommend they try without. But hey, whatever works.

Oh well. This thread is 4 yrs old as pointed out, and I'm guessing anyone reading this has made up their own mind long since :rolleyes:

[robinmarylong]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
...so that the girlie parts aren't running free all over...

_
Is that like free range chicken or something? Sounds somehow more humane... :p

You both gave me a belly laugh.

Robin

[sundial]

what if your underwear doesn't have seams and lumps? I have some like that. That's what i wear.

I'm thinking wool might be a good undie layer. :) I'm up for the Pepsi challenge.

[shootingstar]

Ironically, *I* am not advising anyone to wear undies under their shorts! I never have advised it, never will.
I just keep saying the each person is different and what works for one might be different than what works for another.

+1
If a woman is not hurt, nor infected by wearing underwear...it's working for me and some. That's all. One must think of their own health, how we individually function.

Discussion is pretty harmless and not particularily intimate. We aren't talking, not even naming bodily parts in detail/specificity..like some other different topic threads in the past. :p :o

[Selkie]

You know there is such a thing as too much information. I really don't want to know how someone else's shorts smell.

Veronica

LOL. Jesus wept. Why was this thread ever revived?

This definitely falls under that "personal preference" category. Do what works for you.

[lph]

LOL. Jesus wept. Why was this thread ever revived?

Because a spammer wanted to sell us bikinis and underwear online, and the rest of us busymouths are incapable of keeping our opinions to ourselves. :D Just the way it goes.

I'm about to go out for a ride with a swimsuit under my bike shorts. I hate that. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Because a spammer wanted to sell us bikinis and underwear online...
...I'm about to go out for a ride with a swimsuit under my bike shorts.

You mean the spammer successfully got you to buy a bikini and wear it under your bike shorts??! :eek:

;) :D

[katluvr]

You mean the spammer successfully got you to buy a bikini and wear it under your bike shorts??! :eek:

;) :D

Great, a morning laugh to go w/ my coffee.

Yeah, why is it we all want to say WHY we do (should) wear undergarments or why we don't (shouldn't).
Honestly I would like to go sans undergarments all the time!

[smilingcat]

This has been quite amusing. sniff.. sniff... sniff... My dogs do that, my cats do that and me no wayyy!!! Yewww!!!
:eek:

[Selkie]

Because a spammer wanted to sell us bikinis and underwear online, and the rest of us busymouths are incapable of keeping our opinions to ourselves. :D Just the way it goes.

I'm about to go out for a ride with a swimsuit under my bike shorts. I hate that. ;)

LOL. This put me in mind of your "seen at the local pool" thread!

[Crankin]

Personally, I agree with Katluver, but then, I've already been branded as an immodest weirdo! Really, this thread makes me laugh.
I tried riding to the pond just in my bathing suit once. Now, it's exactly .99 miles. Going down the hill was OK, but riding home; no way, never did that agin.

[sundial]

Going down the hill was OK, but riding home; no way, never did that agin.

Crankin, lol. :D

Ok, so men have jock straps so why can't women have a modified version of that too? As we get older there are some things that need corraling back into the rightful place. So why not use undies? ;)

[OakLeaf]

Supposedly, the original Jog-Bra was made out of two jock straps sewn together...