Unmentionables

[redrhodie]

But, if you must, how about Ibex underwear? It's Merino wool, wicks moisture, is very comfortable. That would be my first choice to ride in, over cotton or a synthetic, which would hold moisture and probably contribute to chafing.

https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/produc...womens-balance

[Skierchickie]

But, if you must, how about Ibex underwear? It's Merino wool, wicks moisture, is very comfortable. That would be my first choice to ride in, over cotton or a synthetic, which would hold moisture and probably contribute to chafing.

https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/produc...womens-balance

From my own personal Ibex bra experience, wool holds water like crazy (although not quite as bad as Patagonia bras)! And is kinda stretchy - I wonder if it might gap & sag & cause more chafing. Never had their undies, so I don't know what they're like - maybe it's a blend with something more form-holding and wicking than the bras?

[redrhodie]

From my own personal Ibex bra experience, wool holds water like crazy (although not quite as bad as Patagonia bras)! And is kinda stretchy - I wonder if it might gap & sag & cause more chafing. Never had their undies, so I don't know what they're like - maybe it's a blend with something more form-holding and wicking than the bras?

No, it's the same material. I have (and love) the briefs. I haven't had an issue with the bras holding water, though. For me, they're much better cotton sports bras for sweat. I don't even have to change out of them when I get to work. But, I haven't worn them in really hot weather, yet. Maybe that will be when it becomes an issue. I can imagine they might get heavy if they were really drenched.

[OakLeaf]

If I have to wear underwear while running - for instance if I'm wearing my multi-use thermal tights, or this one particular pair of shorts that's looser in the legs but has no built-in brief - the Ibex briefs are the ones I wear, and I adore them. I want to say the longest I've run in them is 18-20 miles, and not a bit of chafing. That's if I have to.

But on the bicycle is something else. You're sitting directly on whatever you're wearing. The chamois is made to protect your sensitive parts from chafing.

The whole reason for underwear is (1) under a skirt or loose shorts, so you have something between your parts and the fresh air and prying eyes , and (2) under pants, so you can wear them more than once before washing. Neither of those is true for cycling shorts!

[Crankin]

I do have the Ibex boy shorts to wear when x country skiing or snow shoeing. Before I had them, I just wore my silk long underwear between me and my wool tights or hiking pants. The problem came when doing winter sports in sub 20 degree temperatures, or hiking in cool, but not cold weather. I needed warmth to "cover my butt."
However, the boy shorts ride up terribly, effectively giving me a wedgie. I tried going up a size, but it's still horrible. They are just not cut for someone built like me. But, I deal with it, to avoid being cold.

[baddy13]

...a forum that has answered my question. Recently did a mini tour in prep for a South to North Wales charity ride. Main problem of chafing. Have tried different underwear, shorts combos including boy boxers in the hope that length would reduce the problem...but from your answers looks like commando is the way to go..so will be trying that next. All the other forums seems to be male dominated and didn't have the answer, so cheers for that!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The whole reason for underwear is (1) under a skirt or loose shorts, so you have something between your parts and the fresh air and prying eyes , and (2) under pants, so you can wear them more than once before washing. Neither of those is true for cycling shorts!

Well, i must respectfully express a different view-
1) I've read plenty of threads on TE over the years which complain about being able to see right through black biking shorts to one's 'crack'. Or even worse, the front parts! The fact is that some shorts use fairly thin material even before they get well worn.
2) I don't sweat that much (mostly just on my head and neck), and by wearing panties I only need to wash my chamois bike knickers/tights/shorts about 1/4 as often as i would without panties. For shorts that cost $100, that can add up to 2 or 3 times longer shorts life.

I definitely can see not wanting to wear panties on 100 mile century rides, but everyone is indeed different. I have no chafing or problems whatsoever wearing cotton panties on rides from 5-70 miles long. I do apply a water-based hypoallergenic hand lotion as a lube before every ride however- if I skip that it gets uncomfortable.

To each their own- do whatever works for you and don't feel weird about it!

[Kerry1976]

For me it was easy to go commando under bike shorts because I learned quickly in my running life that wearing underwear under good running shorts leads to horrible chafing, especially at longer distances. However, making the transition to no underwear in running took a little getting used to!

[Skierchickie]

No, it's the same material. I have (and love) the briefs. I haven't had an issue with the bras holding water, though. For me, they're much better cotton sports bras for sweat. I don't even have to change out of them when I get to work. But, I haven't worn them in really hot weather, yet. Maybe that will be when it becomes an issue. I can imagine they might get heavy if they were really drenched.

Hmmm - maybe it's just me. I get pretty sweaty while skiing, and am chilled before I get home (so it isn't just a hot weather problem for me). I'd NEVER wear cotton bras - cotton kills! But my Ibex bras hold a lot of moisture. I sweat a lot. I could never go straight to work in one once I've worked out - I'd get chilled, plus my shirt would probably get pretty damp. I wear them all the time biking, but they are wet when I get done.

Everyone is different - I'm cursed with excessive sweatiness . Which is why I'd be afraid to try Ibex under bike shorts.

[WindingRoad]

This thread made me think of some of my more 'memorable' experiences riding in groups, lol. Definitely go commando, so much more comfy, but to all of those (usually guys) out there riding in shorts so old I can see the mole on yer butt, please replace your shorts.

[MomOnBike]

I'll second the biking skirt over bike shorts. TE has some really cute ones. They are also helpful if your shorts are getting a bit thin, but are still comfortable.

[hulagirl]

Just the thought of wearing undies under my cycling shorts makes me shudder.

Wool or not, there is still elastic in them and oh boy that would start to dig in to things after awhile. Yikes!

[Trek-chick]

I'll second the biking skirt over bike shorts. TE has some really cute ones. They are also helpful if your shorts are getting a bit thin, but are still comfortable.

+1 ...........I got one from TE last season and absolutely love it. Mine actually has the shorts sewn into the wrap type skirt as one piece.

[Pedal Wench]

If you're that 'attached' to your undies, you could always wear them over the bike shorts.

I'm just saying...

[SadieKate]

I wonder what kind of undies Dara Torres wore at the Olympics.

Or Kara Goucher at the Boston Marathon.

Seriously, what is going to show under decent quality black lycra (except a very unclassy and uncomfortable VPL)?