this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2025
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Guys don't wear underwear when cycling? Why?
I don't get it either. I have a good saddle and just wear boxers and cotton shorts. No problems all day long, when I get the chance for weeks at a time.
Cycling shorts have padding in them already; adding underwear is counterproductive.
Underwear is not for padding. I suspected my insistence on wearing both wasn't a "real" cyclists' choice, but this comment is first confirmation I've seen of that.
Your shorts must be nasty.
The reason for not wearing underwear is that it can cause chafing or pressure points where it shifts or creases. Cycling shorts are designed to minimise that by not doing either. There is nothing nasty about cycling shorts if you wash them after each ride. If anything they handle sweat better than cotton underwear would.
That being said, if you feel better wearing underwear, then you should feel free to do so. But there are practical reasons why most people don't and they don't have anything to do with trying to be a "real cyclist".
and your underwear isn't?
Most people wash their stuff when it gets sweaty but if just changing underwear is working for you and the people who are exposed to you then keep on keeping on I suppose.
I guess I figure I wash bicycle shorts not every time, to reduce wear and tear. Underwear costs way less to replace.
And you assumed everyone else does the same?!
I think you owe me an apology.
I usually wear brief style under where and the legs always roll up your leg when you pull up the riding shorts. If you just wore tighty whities it might not happen