My commute is only about 2 miles right now, but I can't do normal clothes. I think it's because I'm completely incapable of taking it easy when I'm riding in traffic -- I get on my bike and ride all out for those two miles. (And in one direction, half of it is uphill, a hill that is probably 8-10% grade at the steepest). I do get sweaty, plus normal clothes would be much too restrictive, I think. (I don't need a chamois for this distance, I will wear regular tights in winter and skorts, with and without chamois, when it's warm). I wish I could just wear jeans, because I end up sitting in class wearing full on bike gear, and I feel a little like I must look as though I'm looking for attention. But I'm really comfy on the bike .