I know you shouldn't wear underwear under bike shorts BUT:

[mmckelly]

Here's the situation: I'm on a collegiate cycling team and my (mostly dude) teammates thought that white skinsuits would be a really good idea. They are ALL white. The whole thing (except logos).

This obviously raises a number of concerns, most of which I think could be resolved with a good cycling-specific bottom baselayer.

I'm thinking I might try the Craft boxers. Is anyone else wearing something between herself and her chamois? Got any favorite garments?

[OakLeaf]

I guess if it were me I'd cut the chamois out of the team kit and wear it over another pair of shorts.

Or bleach. ;)

[Biciclista]

I wear underwear under bike shorts they're called something like "next to nothing"
I have never had a problem with this and have ridden thousands of miles a year.

[Eden]

Do you have the skin suit yet? Is it actually see though? I wouldn't worry about it until then. Companies are actually doing much better with white these days - thicker better lycra.

There's a team out here that has all white too - they don't have see through problems even in the wet.

[mmckelly]

Biciclista, a quick google search came up short for 'next to nothing' but if you have any more info I'd definitely be curious!

Eden, it's not as bad as it could be, but I think everyone would be a little less uncomfortable if I had a little more of a safety layer. The kits are champ-sys which is fine but not stellar.

Thanks everyone so far for your input!

[malkin]

I've worn smartwool microweight boy shorts underneath when I don't like feeling a clammy chamois.

[jessmarimba]

It may not be worth the money, but I wonder if a tailor could add a layer of that tan bathing suit liner fabric into the pre-existing seams? Might also end up causing friction problems but I wouldn't think it would be any worse than adding a layer of underwear.

If they're uncomfortable seeing you in the white, they should've taken that into consideration before choosing that color! Make 'em deal with it :)

(and thanks malkin, now I have "clammy chamois" stuck in my head!)

[malkin]

When I was in high school one of the schools in our district chose white team suits for their swimmers!

I don't know what they were thinking when they ordered the suits, but as soon as the suits were wet, everyone was thinking pretty much the same thing.

[Biciclista]

ahem. try "Barely there" LOL

[Holland]

Hi Biciclista,

I was just on the Barely There website. Do you still like them? Do they dry fast? Bikini style or Boy shorts?

[Biciclista]

they dry faster than cotton. I guess mine are more the bikini style

[Holland]

thank you! :)

[mariposa]

I too went for years following the rule Never Ride With Underwear.

Last year I discovered that I can wear my seamless Patagonia Active Hipster underwear under bike shorts, with no detriment. (In fact, that is how I do touring now...Instead of washing the shorts every single day, I can just switch out the underwear.)

In conclusion: The No Underwear Rule was written by/for men...who maybe do not have some of the nice seamless undie options that we do :)

- Mariposa

[Crankin]

I loathe underwear. It must have been invented by a man who thought it was a chastity belt.
Wearing it under any athletic clothing? Never have and never will. Even back in the aerobic 80s I knew better than to wear underwear under my tights and leotard.
I know it's a personal choice. But white bike shorts? :eek:.

[Rebekah H]

I wear my microfiber boy shorts under my knickers because the chamois rubs my lady bit raw. I think they're either Hanes Her Way or Fruit of the Loom. Either way, it's infinitely more comfortable than having that particular bit rubbing against the chamois...especially in the Louisiana summer heat.

[Crankin]

You are wearing the wrong shorts for you if the chamois hurts you! You need something that's less padded, or with less seams. Shorts are not supposed to hurt and there are infinite varieties of chamois, just like saddles.
Please try other brands! Call customer service at TE and they can assist you if you describe what is bothering you now.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Ditto on not wearing padded shorts. I tried them and had terrible chaffing. I switched over to wearing tight seamless stretchable underwear beneath my shorts and have been riding that way for over 25 years.

I recently tried on some padded shorts at Performance - felt like I had a diaper on (Gees, I'm old but not quite at the stage where I need Depends yet!) and they were hot and not very breathable. I can see why padded shorts were de rigueur when saddles were leather and/or hard shelled, but in these days of well-thought-out padded saddles (closed cell and gel), padded shorts don't make sense to me.

To each his/her own...

[Susan Otcenas]

I n conclusion: The No Underwear Rule was written by/for men...

I'm sorry, but that is simply not true.

Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without underwear by both men and women. Anytime you introduce a layer in between, you are creating an opportunity for chafing and rubbing. The last place you want to add an extra seam/edge is where your butt meets the saddle.

If your shorts or chamois are causing you to have chafing issues, you are either wearing a pair that is not appropriate for your shape, or you are wearing a pair that is too big. Shorts should fit SNUGLY but without being so tight as to be restrictive. Chamois should fit snug to your bottom, so that there is no shifting or moving around when pedaling.

I understand that some people are wearing underwear or other undergarments successfully, and for their sake, I am happy that is working for them. But they are in the minority. Shorts are NOT designed to be worn that way.

Susan

[emily_in_nc]

I understand that some people are wearing underwear or other undergarments successfully, and for their sake, I am happy that is working for them. But they are in the minority. Shorts are NOT designed to be worn that way.


The gospel has been spoken. Thank you Susan! :)

[OakLeaf]

If your shorts or chamois are causing you to have chafing issues, you are either wearing a pair that is not appropriate for your shape, or you are wearing a pair that is too big.

Or too small. There is such a thing. When you're half suspended over your saddle with your parts sawing back and forth over the chamois, it will chafe...