{"id":46735,"date":"2023-02-20T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=309668"},"modified":"2023-02-20T11:34:42","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T10:34:42","slug":"should-i-wear-underwear-when-cycling-do-you-wear-underwear-with-padded-cycling-shorts","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/should-i-wear-underwear-when-cycling-do-you-wear-underwear-with-padded-cycling-shorts\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I wear underwear when cycling? Do you wear underwear with padded cycling shorts?"},"content":{"rendered":"

And why do cyclists wear padded shorts anyway? <\/p>

By Aoife Glass\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 20 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Padded cycling shorts can help make your ride much more comfortable. They perform a whole range of functions to increase your enjoyment on the bike and reduce the risk of discomfort, but should you wear underwear with your cycling shorts?<\/p>\n

The short answer is no \u2013 you do not need to wear underwear or knickers under padded bike shorts. The pad is designed to sit next to the skin.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain why and how padded shorts worn next to the skin help to prevent saddle sores<\/a>\u00a0and improve comfort.<\/p>\n

Four reasons why you shouldn\u2019t wear underwear when cycling<\/h2>\n
  1. The seams of underwear can rub, causing painful chafing, which will be uncomfortable on long rides. This can also contribute to painful saddle sores<\/li>\n
  2. Cycling shorts are designed to hug your body and keep the chamois pad in the right position while you ride<\/li>\n
  3. The pad is designed to absorb sweat. Wearing underwear can affect how well it can do this, which in some cases can lead to a greater chance of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI)<\/li>\n
  4. Underwear, particularly if it\u2019s made of cotton, will absorb sweat or rainwater, so your skin will stay wet, which can exacerbate rubbing and irritation<\/li>\n<\/ol>

    <\/p><\/div> <\/section>

    Why do cyclists wear padded shorts?<\/h2>\n
    \"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
    The pad in cycling shorts is designed to sit against the skin.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Howes \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

    The main purposes of padded cycling shorts are to protect and cushion the backside and genitals from the pressure of the body on the saddle, and to cushion the sit bones.<\/p>\n

    The seat pad \u2013 also known as the chamois or chammy \u2013 is a highly technical piece of kit and is usually formed of multiple layers, with different thicknesses and densities of padding in different areas.<\/p>\n

    It may even include a gel pad and may be highly perforated to promote airflow.<\/p>\n

    It will be covered with a soft fabric layer that\u2019s designed to avoid chafing, wick sweat away from your skin and may have antibacterial properties. It\u2019s designed to sit against the crotch and form a cushioning barrier between your body and the bike saddle.<\/p>\n

    You can also find different densities and thicknesses of seat pad to suit different riding styles and preferences, and to handle different ride durations. Cycling short makers often rate their shorts for how long a ride they\u2019re designed for.<\/p>\n

    \"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
    Saddle design and padding (or lack of it) can make a big difference to riding comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

    It\u2019s also important to consider your saddle because this will also play a big part in your cycling comfort. Our guide on how to choose the right bike saddle<\/a> will help you.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re going for a longer ride, you may also want to use chamois cream to help avoid skin irritation.<\/p>\n

    This is a thick cream that you put on your chamois and\/or your nether regions, and is designed to help reduce the friction between skin and chamois, or skin and skin.<\/p>\n

    This, in turn, reduces the chance of rubbing, which can become painful over a long ride. Many are also antimicrobial, which will help avoid saddle sores and UTIs. Read our guide to the best chamois creams<\/a> for cyclists if you want help choosing.<\/p>\n