Should You Wear Underwear Under Cycling Shorts?
No. You should not wear normal underwear under padded cycling shorts. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn directly against the skin. Adding briefs or boxers underneath brings back the seams, sweat and friction the chamois is meant to remove. But there is an exception: if you prefer regular or baggy shorts, padded cycling underwear is the underwear, and it is a great option.
Why you go "commando" in cycling shorts
- Seams cause chafing. The waistband, leg openings and crotch seams of normal underwear sit exactly where you rub against the saddle.
- Cotton holds sweat. Damp cotton softens the skin and creates the warm, wet environment bacteria love: the classic recipe for saddle sores.
- The pad cannot do its job. A chamois is shaped and positioned to sit against your body. An extra layer lets it shift and bunch up.
- The chamois is made for skin contact. Pads are soft, smooth and treated to wick moisture, as long as you wear them clean for every ride.
"But I don't want to wear Lycra"
That is the most common reason people wear underwear on the bike: they ride in everyday shorts, chinos or MTB baggies and want something underneath. In that case, swap your normal underwear for padded cycling underwear. It looks like a brief or boxer, but it has a chamois built in and breathable mesh panels. You get cycling-short comfort with the clothes you already like.
Learn more in our complete guide to padded cycling underwear.
Which setup is right for you?
| How you ride | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Road rides in Lycra | Cycling shorts or bib shorts, nothing underneath |
| Commuting in normal clothes | Padded cycling underwear under your trousers or shorts |
| Mountain biking in baggy shorts | Padded underwear or a padded liner under the baggies |
| Spin class or indoor trainer | Padded underwear under gym shorts, or cycling shorts |
| Bike touring | Two or three padded pairs in rotation, washed every evening |
Never wear two pads at once
Padded underwear under padded cycling shorts doubles the thickness, makes the pads slide against each other and creates more friction, not less. Choose one or the other.
Hygiene rules for any padded layer
- Wear it clean and dry for every ride.
- Take it off soon after the ride.
- Wash it inside out at 30°C (cold), no fabric softener, and air dry.
- Use chamois cream on long or hot rides if you are prone to chafing.
Getting sores anyway? Check our nine fixes to prevent saddle sores.
Our padded underwear: comfort under anything
CycloGel™, VeloShield™, RideGuard™ and the women's GelCush™ all use a 5D gel chamois with breathable mesh. Free shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee and buy 2, get 1 free, so you always have a clean pair for the next ride. Shop padded cycling underwear.
FAQ
Do women wear underwear under cycling shorts?
The same rule applies: no normal underwear under padded shorts. Women who ride in everyday clothes can wear women's padded cycling underwear instead.
What about bib shorts?
Bib shorts are also worn without underwear. The straps simply replace the waistband.
Is it hygienic to wear cycling shorts without underwear?
Yes, as long as you wear them clean for each ride and wash them after. That is far more hygienic than sweaty cotton underneath.
