Unmentionables

[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.

[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.

[beav]

I'm not sure what about going without underwear bothers me...Catholic upbringing perhaps?? Thanks for all of the advice...I'll have to go with the consensus and try it without!!

[Tri Girl]

..Catholic upbringing perhaps??

hee hee... I think that's what made is so easy for me to go underwear-less. All that confinement over the years and I was ready to let loose!

[kmehrzad]

When you do start wearing those biking shorts without underwear, just be mindful of when the shorts start to wear thin in the back. Otherwise, the riders behind you get quite a view. It seems that guys are notorious for wearing biking shorts until they're threadbare.

[TrekTheKaty]

Zen,
You mean "while biking", right?

[PamNY]

Going commando is more comfortable. I didn't think much about it because I rarely do long rides, and I never really got chafing. But something started feeling not quite right during the coldest part of winter -- dry skin maybe? So I took the plunge and felt so fine that there's no going back (at least for rides more than 10 miles).

[kenyonchris]

There is nothing visually worse than panty lines under bike shorts...just as an added reason to stay away from underwear while riding. Ow.

[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!

[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!

[Irulan]

There is nothing visually worse than panty lines under bike shorts...just as an added reason to stay away from underwear while riding. Ow.

lol I used to ride with a gal who wore thongs under her bike shorts. Shudder. She said she was fine but I couldn't see that line under her shorts without cringing.

[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.