Bike Shorts and Girlie Bits

[beagldog]

OK, first I searched the forum and couldn't find an answer so here goes. I have never bought a pair of bike shorts but knew I needed to after getting an (eeww) infected hair after riding wearing my cargo shorts. I went to my LBS and tried on about 3 pairs of shorts and wound up buying the Sugoi Evolution shorts. They were comfortable and I didn't feel like I had a diaper on. When I went to pay for them, the guy behind the counter asked if I tried them on with my underwear on. I looked at him like he was a total idiot and said of course I did. He went on to explain that you should wear biking shorts without underwear. So this leads to my question - Is that correct?

I told my best friend about it, she rides all the time, and just did a 75 mile ride and said she always wears underwear.

What's the verdict?

[tulip]

No undies. Could lead to chafing. Ultimately it's your choice, though. Those are nice shorts, by the way.

[indysteel]

No undies. Could lead to chafing. Ultimately it's your choice, though. Those are nice shorts, by the way.

Ditto. Those are my favorite shorts at the moment. I'd add that they should ideally fit pretty snugly.

[Catrin]

No undies, they are meant to go commando to prevent chaffing from the seams. It is, of course, your call to make.

[beagldog]

Thanks for the input! I never really thought about it but then again, I've never bought bike shorts. Totally makes sense though to not wear underwear. We'll see what happens tomorrow!

[Irulan]

Kudos to lbs guy for passing on the right info.

[ny biker]

I'm just wondering if the LBS guy thinks it's okay to try the shorts on without underwear, and then put them back on the rack if you don't like them.

[Blueberry]

I'm just wondering if the LBS guy thinks it's okay to try the shorts on without underwear, and then put them back on the rack if you don't like them.

Snort!

Seriously, though. Nice to see a guy in an LBS relatively politely passing on correct information. Even the guys I like in the shops I frequent get all squeamish with women's shorts/saddles/etc.

[beagldog]

I'm just wondering if the LBS guy thinks it's okay to try the shorts on without underwear, and then put them back on the rack if you don't like them.

No he didn't. After I tried them on he said that you should wear underwear when trying them on. I guess he figured I didn't know that you should wear the shorts without undies. I've never bought bike shorts before. He was a cool guy and really very helpful.

[PamNY]

This has been discussed a lot. Some people do wear underwear with bike shorts -- I do occasionally, and nothing untoward takes place as a result. But they are meant to be worn without.