Embarrassed to Ask.... [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Aquila

07-30-2010, 07:13 AM

Most people don't wear underwear with biking shorts. There's a tendency for many folks to chaff uncomfortably with underwear.

But, a few folks do. If you're not having problems, maybe try without and see which is more comfortable. If you're more comfortable with underwear, then do that.

As long as you're smiling, you're doing it right!

Sadie

07-30-2010, 07:24 AM

Thanks. I've always worn underwear, but have always wondered if I'm doing it "right"....:-)

Eden

07-30-2010, 07:25 AM

This has really been done to death here....

the short answer is NO - cycling shorts are designed to be worn alone

for the long answer and plenty of debate do a search

trista

07-30-2010, 07:51 AM

I posted this same question not too long ago:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=38563&highlight=undies

Since I posted it, I've done it both ways and I honestly think it's fine either way depending on the shorts. I have one pair of shorts that bug me w/o undies. A few other pairs that are more comfy without. And a couple pairs that I don't care. I wear seamless panties when i wear them w/ bike shorts.

Today I wore regular ol' pants (no chamois) and undies for a few miles to test out a new sadddle. Felt totally fine.

Zen

07-30-2010, 07:54 AM

I don't know what kind of drawers you guys are wearing but how do they not ride up your butt while you're riding? Duct tape? Super glue?

This is truly mind boggling to me.

ny biker

07-30-2010, 08:01 AM

Eden

07-30-2010, 08:02 AM

I don't know what kind of drawers you guys are wearing but how do they not ride up your butt while you're riding? Duct tape? Super glue?

This is truly mind boggling to me.

I seem to remember one person here talking about how they wore a g-string to not have panty lines...... personally I wouldn't find that comfortable *ever*, much less while riding a bike.....

trista

07-30-2010, 08:41 AM

I think it might also depend on how long you're riding.

Maybe so. I don't ride more than 1 1/2 hours at a time usually. But I still think it's fine either way - if the rider is comfortable, then I don't think it matters.

Zen, mine don't ride up b/c I wear undies that are designed not to. They don't shift around at all.

nscrbug

07-30-2010, 09:19 AM

Maybe so. I don't ride more than 1 1/2 hours at a time usually. But I still think it's fine either way - if the rider is comfortable, then I don't think it matters.

Zen, mine don't ride up b/c I wear undies that are designed not to. They don't shift around at all.

Please share your secret with us - what brand of panties are these??? Because all of my undies shift, ride up, and essentially end up wedged in my crack..:eek: I'd LOVE to find some that don't do this...so please share!!! :D

jessmarimba

07-30-2010, 09:50 AM

I occasionally ride with, particularly if I know I'm going to have to change clothes sitting in my car or something. I do the same with running shorts, too.

And when I do wear undies, I have a handful of generic Dillards (Cabaret is their brand, I think?) that are made of essentially the same material as the insanely expensive patagonia underwear. They don't budge, they wick moisture, and they're seamless & don't chafe.

trista

07-30-2010, 09:56 AM

Please share your secret with us - what brand of panties are these??? Because all of my undies shift, ride up, and essentially end up wedged in my crack..:eek: I'd LOVE to find some that don't do this...so please share!!! :D

They are Vanity Fair brand... I got them at Kohls, so nothing fancy. They're not exactly sexy either - 10 years ago I'd have called them Granny Panties. But I like them now, esp for exercise since they don't ride up or chafe.

nscrbug

07-30-2010, 10:00 AM

They are Vanity Fair brand... I got them at Kohls, so nothing fancy. They're not exactly sexy either - 10 years ago I'd have called them Granny Panties. But I like them now, esp for exercise since they don't ride up or chafe.

Ooooh...thank you!!! I'm off to Kohl's to buy some new undies. :p Heck, I'm 45 and I don't think I've ever worn "sexy" undies. So based on that statement...I'm fairly certain that ALL of my undies would be considered "Granny Panties"...LOL

GLC1968

07-30-2010, 10:56 AM

Funny that I should see this today. Last night I raced home from work, threw on my cycling clothes and headed out the door to ride with my husband. We were rushed because we had plans to stop for dinner mid-way and we wanted to beat the dark home.

We did 29 miles (pretty hard, actually) and had a brief dinner stop at ~17 miles.

I got home and felt something strange as I got off the bike. I pulled the waist of my shorts open and looked and sure enough, panties. In my rush, I'd forgotten to take them off. I was amazed that I didn't really notice them at all until the very end! Ride time was only 1:40...but they really didn't get in the way at all.

I'm not going to make a habit of it, but I can now see how people can wear underwear under their chamois shorts when biking.

Bike Chick

07-30-2010, 11:10 AM

I got home and felt something strange as I got off the bike. I pulled the waist of my shorts open and looked and sure enough, panties. In my rush, I'd forgotten to take them off. I was amazed that I didn't really notice them at all until the very end! Ride time was only 1:40...but they really didn't get in the way at all.

Sounds like something I would do. Went to the bathroom when I got to work yesterday morning and saw that I had put my underwear on wrong side out:eek:

I can't believe you didn't notice it. I've never worn panties with my bike shorts and, like Zen, can't believe they don't ride up your crack.

smilingcat

07-30-2010, 01:06 PM

ny biker

07-30-2010, 01:31 PM

I'm too modest to go commando :o :D :D :p I'll just leave it at that.

Have ridden on timed 100+ mile events on numerous occasion without any discomfort.
Actually quite a number of 100+ mile timed event. Clock on your way out and clock in. at the finish line. :D

And G-string :eek: Oh my!!! on a bike? :eek: :eek:

Honestly, bike shorts without underwear feel the same as regular clothes with underwear. And unless the shorts are old and/or stretched too thin, they don't reveal anything that you want to keep hidden. Except panty lines.

Crankin

07-30-2010, 02:37 PM

I know it's personal, but I don't understand what the "modesty" thing is. Who will know? What's the big deal? I wear thongs (La Mystere and Hanky Panky) when I am not in my athletic clothes, and I can barely stand those. Those brands of underwear are great for no vpl, but I can still feel them on me.
It never even entered my mind to wear underwear under cycling shorts; I never wore it under any gym clothes, leotards, tights, running shorts, starting over 30 years ago when I started exercising. My DH told me about the cycling shorts thing, but he didn't need to.
Maybe I'm too comfortable in my body? I never minded being nude in the health club changing room, either. Not like I was running around exhibiting myself, but I was always surprised when women had to run into the little "dressing room" so they could change in private. Pretty sure men don't do that.

Bike Chick

07-30-2010, 03:09 PM

I'm like you, Crankin, and I'm not very modest. Actually, the sooner I can get home and dispense with undergarments, the better I like it. I am always running around the house braless.....I'm sure the UPS driver has told the other drivers about this old lady that really needs to put a bra on:eek:

GLC1968

07-30-2010, 03:17 PM

See and I'm perfectly comfortable in my underwear. If I wasn't, I wouldn't wear it! My panties don't ride up...those that do get thrown out. I often wear thongs (for the no VPL thing) and I don't feel them at all. Bras? Like a second skin. I will admit to having the occasional bad bra or two (or a good bra gone bad as I've gained or lost weight) and those come off immediately. Hoenstly, if your underwear is uncomfortable, you aren't wearing the right underwear. You shouldn't feel it at all!

I'm also not modest in locker rooms. I figure no one wants to have my white butt in their face so I don't flaunt it, but I'm certainly not going to hide in the bathroom to change or anything.

I go commando with bike shorts but I wear underwear in other athletic bottoms (like running tights). I have a good reason to, and it's not modesty. I was thankful that bike shorts didn't pose the same issue.

shootingstar

07-30-2010, 03:28 PM

Well, I did a 42 kms. ride today. Had my underpants on, etc.

I always do --even for long rides. Do I have to get into the details?? :p I lost caring what other cyclists think a long time ago.

And for modesty thing in changing rms.: I'm the sort of gal that changes quickly. No, I'm not ashamed of my bod..it's probably a body that alot of women at my age, would envy to have.

But I'm not the sort of person to yaak with other women for awhile in changing rms. --nude or in underwear. I just leave.

I've never found G-strings/thong underwear comfortable. But I wear bikini oriented underwear. I don't like underwear that goes far up the stomach. Too many elastics hitting around the same area. Even worse if it's rain long pants, then shorts and then underwear for a commuting ride. Sheesh.

Zen

07-30-2010, 04:45 PM

Maybe I'm too comfortable in my body?

BLASPHEMER!

All naked, all the time, that's my motto.

malkin

07-30-2010, 05:29 PM

After we standardize the pelvic MRI needed to find the perfect saddle, maybe some of the images will help find the perfect fit for undies too!

KnottedYet

07-30-2010, 05:37 PM

My panties don't ride up...those that do get thrown out. I often wear thongs (for the no VPL thing) and I don't feel them at all. Bras? Like a second skin. I will admit to having the occasional bad bra or two (or a good bra gone bad as I've gained or lost weight) and those come off immediately. Hoenstly, if your underwear is uncomfortable, you aren't wearing the right underwear. You shouldn't feel it at all!

My no-ride-up-undies: Title 9 "No Sweat" microfiber undies (around $15 each), Costco "it-se-bit-se" cotton undies (around $12 for a pack of 5 or 6) I can ride in normal clothes in these undies about 15 miles without any discernable misery.

But the grand winner for the no VPL are Under Armour 4 or 7 inch inseam compression shorts!!! (about $28 each) They are also what I wear under dresses and skirts and for rides longer than about 15 miles. http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/womens/apparel/bottoms/shorts/pid1001226-Women-s-Ultra-7-Team-Compression-Short/1001226-001

zoom-zoom

07-30-2010, 05:52 PM

I'm sure the UPS driver has told the other drivers about this old lady that really needs to put a bra on:eek:

I swear that EVERY time the meter reader walks behind our house that I'm in the kitchen completely topless. Gah, I hate that I never know when they are going to walk by! :o

OakLeaf

07-30-2010, 05:56 PM

My no-ride-up panties - for running in my one pair of shorts that rides up my @ss if I don't wear underwear, for under yoga pants, and for running in the winter in tights that I'd like to wear more than once before washing - are the Ibex briefs (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_242_1.html).

I don't wear them under "normal" clothes though, they leave a very weird line, on my body anyway.

And nothing under cycling shorts, or workout clothes if the fit doesn't require it. I'm with Crankin.

I don't get the "modesty" thing either. Do you wear underwear under swimsuits?

shootingstar

07-30-2010, 06:09 PM

And nothing under cycling shorts, or workout clothes if the fit doesn't require it. I'm with Crankin.

I don't get the "modesty" thing either. Do you wear underwear under swimsuits?

That is a good analogy re swimsuit. 'course no underwear in swimsuits

But for myself, in terms of why I wear underpants when cycling...it's for hygienic reasons.
I eject stuff when exercising heavily.

Have I said 'nuff? :o

Sorry. But then I don't wear shorts with chamois. So I am fundamentally a strange cyclist.

I also think enough experienced women cyclists that I know do wear underpants. I've asked them in person..and they barely can admit this...because they know they are supposed to go commando. And these are women who go on long touring rides. 100 kms. daily for several consecutive days.

ny biker

07-30-2010, 06:15 PM

BLASPHEMER!

All naked, all the time, that's my motto.

For realz.

Remember last year when they arrested that guy in Fairfax County for being naked in his own home? Happily, he was not convicted.

KnottedYet

07-30-2010, 06:26 PM

For realz.

Remember last year when they arrested that guy in Fairfax County for being naked in his own home? Happily, he was not convicted.

Is that the guy who was making coffee for his wife because she'd been up all night with their colicky baby? And two women at a bus stop across the street were looking in his kitchen window and called the police because he was nekkid in his own kitchen?

If that was him, then I'm very glad he was not convicted.

That story reminded me of a co-worker who was out for a walk with her friend one night and they looked into some neighbor's window and saw that he was watching porn on his TV in his living room. She was shocked and said he should be ashamed. There was no way I could convince her that actually SHE should be ashamed for peering into his window!

jessmarimba

07-30-2010, 07:33 PM

This thread just reminded me...I vaguely remember a couple people at the hospital being surprised that I had no undies when I came in wearing cycling gear after that wreck. I also had none to wear for the next 10 days, either (couldn't bring myself to ask the awkward male coworker who was feeding the cats to bring me any).

But didn't our mothers always say to make sure we wore clean underwear in case something happened? :)

PamNY

07-30-2010, 08:06 PM

My only concern with not wearing underwear is -- what if the bike shorts get torn? I have Shebeest Shindiggers for summer and they are lightweight. Which I love.

But when I'm birding, I worry about sitting on a rock or tree trunk. That lightweight fabric could snag. I doubt it would tear very much, but it's something to think about.

Speaking of wearing underwear while biking, I once went biking with a pair of panties stuck to the Velcro on my parka. I snatched it out of the dryer in a hurry and didn't notice. It was dark, so I doubt anyone saw, except maybe my doorman who helps me get the bike outside. Luckily he is very discreet.

alexis_the_tiny

07-30-2010, 11:38 PM

Crankin

07-31-2010, 03:34 AM

Geez, I woke up to reading all of the responses since last night.
Zen, yes, I am a BLASPHEMER. Seriously, I was called that in high school, when I moved to Florida and I was annoying some little sweet southern girl with my worldly northern ideas.
I don't think the Fed Ex man has seen me nekkid, though.
Knott, I think I will try some Under Armor compression shorts for situations where I need warmth, but not wool, like fall season hiking. Those Ibex boy shorts ride up on me something fierce.

Eden

07-31-2010, 06:51 AM

.......Costco "it-se-bit-se" cotton undies (around $12 for a pack of 5 or 6) I can ride in normal clothes in these undies about 15 miles without any discernable misery.

Goes to show how different bodies can be - I have some of these, just normal wearing wedges them firmly and uncomfortably between my cheeks....
Unlike Crankin, I love boy shorts, but only microfiber ones. Other materials are way too bulky.

Eden

07-31-2010, 06:57 AM

It took forever for me to stop wearing cargo shorts to ride because I liked wearing underwear, but apparently, cargo shorts aren't very aerodynamic on the road. It does feel odd wearing underwear under tights but I guess its ok if they don't chafe or ride up. The only times I wish I'd worn underwear or a bikini botton with tights are when I'm riding on a muddy, wet trail and there's grit getting into my tights and heading southwards. That's when I start getting paranoid about grit and UTI. *Shudder*

Having ridden and raced in all sorts of conditions I've had a fair amount of grit in my shorts. I've never known it to cause UTI (never had one at all), but it sure can cause *nasty* saddle sores. Even sans the added friction of undies grit can rub a body raw. 1 kind of poorly designed chamios (in all our shorts, same team) + 1 really rainy gritty race day + 6 women racers sharing a cabin = many yelps when the water in the shower first hits the heiney.

sundial

07-31-2010, 02:08 PM

All naked, all the time, that's my motto.

Does the pizza delivery guy know this? ;)

Zen

07-31-2010, 07:23 PM

No, but I suspect the UPS man does ;)

TrekTheKaty

08-03-2010, 05:14 PM

My sis wears bicycle shorts under cargo shorts. No undies with modesty.

REI also sells padded bicycle underwear--to be worn under regular clothes.

ginaleah

08-04-2010, 04:45 AM

Please share your secret with us - what brand of panties are these??? Because all of my undies shift, ride up, and essentially end up wedged in my crack..:eek: I'd LOVE to find some that don't do this...so please share!!! :D

These are THE ONES you need! Too expensive, yes, but I wore them under bike shorts for my first four years of road cycling and never had a problem. Now I've made the switch to no underwear but I'm not sure it's any better and these undies are great for everyday wear, too.

nscrbug

08-04-2010, 08:58 AM

These are THE ONES you need! Too expensive, yes, but I wore them under bike shorts for my first four years of road cycling and never had a problem. Now I've made the switch to no underwear but I'm not sure it's any better and these undies are great for everyday wear, too.

Hmmm...thanks, I'll have to check 'em out. I don't wear undies under my cycling shorts ever, but was interested in a "no ride" undie for regular everyday use.

GLC1968

08-04-2010, 09:08 AM

Hmmm...thanks, I'll have to check 'em out. I don't wear undies under my cycling shorts ever, but was interested in a "no ride" undie for regular everyday use.

It really depends on body shape (not unlike finding the right saddle and the right chamois!).

I wear Gap Body stretch bikini undies and they don't ride up at all.
The virtually identical undie from VS is just awful for me. Those patagona ones ride up something fierce as well and any 'boy short' style also won't work. It's really individual!

lisathew8lifter

08-15-2010, 02:42 AM

Please share your secret with us - what brand of panties are these??? Because all of my undies shift, ride up, and essentially end up wedged in my crack..:eek: I'd LOVE to find some that don't do this...so please share!!! :D

i wear under armour boy shorts under my bike shorts. i have NEVER had a problem! i started that when we would go on vacation and i didn't have anywhere to wash my shorts. the undies work well for moisture wicking and you don't even know they are there!

nscrbug

08-15-2010, 11:06 AM

i wear under armour boy shorts under my bike shorts. i have NEVER had a problem! i started that when we would go on vacation and i didn't have anywhere to wash my shorts. the undies work well for moisture wicking and you don't even know they are there!

Thanks for the recommendation...but I don't wear undies under my bike shorts...never have. I was just asking about "everyday wear" undies. But I do have a pair of the UA boyshorts...unfortunately, the don't work too well with my body type, so after wearing them only 1 time...they now sit in a dark corner of my underwear drawer. :o