Commuting in regular clothing?

[jayjay]

In all likelyhood, your 'bum' is just not accustomed to the pressure. Time and repetative riding will take care of that, probably with whatever saddle or clothes you ride, if you're only riding 2 miles. I agree with the ealier quote "Maybe you just have to (re)build up the appropriate butt callouses???".... yes, ditto here.

For the longer distances, I have found that narrower saddles, and not too padded, are most comfortable. My favorite saddle is Terry Liberator (for men) and I have two and keep switching those two on the bikes I ride most (have 4 alltogether) . I am too fat right now, but when I am even 20 pounds lighter, I can wear Gramicci pants comfortably, and they have a nice gusset so I'm not sitting on any big knots of seams in the crotch. So, one or both of those tricks, helps me stay comfortable longer.

[SouthernBelle]

I did my first 'official' commute on Baby Blue today, but wore pants. That was mostly because it was chilly. I plan on trying it in a skirt soon though. I'll let you know how that works.

[Jolt]

I did my first 'official' commute on Baby Blue today, but wore pants. That was mostly because it was chilly. I plan on trying it in a skirt soon though. I'll let you know how that works.

Definitely let us know--I've wanted to try riding in a skirt but just haven't been able to get up the guts to do so (afraid I'll do something klutzy!).

[Torrilin]

I look for good fit (so the damn skirt stays in place), a sensible fabric, and a nice active cut. If I need a slit to walk, it's cut too narrow. If it needs a crinoline to hang right, it's too full. Most skirts are too narrow to bike in easily - they're fine if you have a step through frame and are not going far. If you have a diamond frame or are going more than 3-4 miles, you'll really want something you can move in.

Kilt style wrap skirts seem like they'd work best. Good freedom of movement, and they only need to fit properly at the waist. Fixing fit issues is also pretty easy, even if you can't sew very well. I've been having a hard time finding 'em tho

[SouthernBelle]

I commuted in a skirt this morning!! It's an older bell-shaped skirt. My commuter is a step thru.

'Twas a bit chilly.