Cycling underwear vs Cycling shorts

Cyclists always prefer to ride in comfy, special equipment on their body. Recognized as the best version of such clothing for pro cyclist is to wear cycling shorts. Yes, you still can buy cycling liners with pad or padded cycling underwear, but it’s still not at the same level of comfort as cycling shorts.

Cycling shorts have been developed specially for cycle riding, and that’s it, what makes them special. Thanks to cycling shorts, bicycle will always be in comfort and safe.

If you choose to wear cycling shorts, then you’re sure that they look good on the body and will emphasize the leg muscles.

As for the other type of clothing, if you are wearing cycling liners and cycling underwear, then they are also suitable for cycle ride. If you wear underwear, then this type of clothing will also provide the rider with comfort and moisture management. But despite this, they are still not ideal.

But in order to buy this piece of clothing for yourself, you should still read all the information in order to know exactly what suits you best.

Why cyclists choose to wear cycling shorts?

For a pro cyclist, cycling shorts are one of the most important elements of comfort while riding a bike. If we consider the equipment of a cyclist, then this particular element of clothing is the main one, since it directly contacts the bike saddle while cycling.

Many beginners in the selection process can not decide what suits them better, it can be bike shorts or padded underwear. Professional long distance riders advise choosing the first option for your own convenience.

Bike shorts produced from high-quality fabrics that allow the skin to breathe easily and do not accumulate sweat, and also do not hinder movement. Often you will find spandex, polyester or Lycra shorts. If you choose traditional Lycra cycling shorts, so the cyclist can be sure that the cloth from which they are produced will be pleasant to the touch, will not irritate the skin, and will also be just applicable for any physique.

Also, cycling shorts have good aerodynamic properties, as they fit snugly against the body due to the nature of the fabric. Because of this, in comparison with regular shorts, a strong difference will be felt.

The major part of the cycling shorts is the cushioning pad. Padded cycling shorts are an important element of cyclist comfort, most shorts have pad in shorts from the manufacturer. Due to the padded bike shorts, the cyclist will ride very comfortably and without saddle sores.

These pads are created from a special fabric called chamois, and also there is chamois cream for cyclists. This material is very soft and will give maximum comfort for the bike trip.

Due to the fact that such a shock-absorbing pillow exists, the cyclist can not use chamois cream. When riding, the cyclist will not feel discomfort when falling into small holes or from small hills.

Now, after we have considered the features of chamois cycling shorts, it becomes clear why the majority give their preference to it.

Besides that, an important point is that under these type of shorts cyclist don’t need to put on underwear or padded underwear, due to this, the whole essence of chamois padded shorts is lost, and you won’t have any effect. Also, if two layers of clothing are worn, more sweat will accumulate.

What about padded underwear or regular underwear?

If you still do not give your preference to cycling shorts, then you’re gonna start wearing underwear. You can wear underwear, so it is the best alternative for cycling. But it is worth remembering that these are not the same as specifically designed shorts.

Cyclist can put on underwear or cycling underwear under baggy shorts. If you want to wear regular underwear, then you need to wear it under ordinary shorts, namely under baggie shorts, since in baggie shorts your movements will not be constrained and the skin will not be pressed anywhere. Regular underwear won’t give any cushioning, but a specialized underwear will give this effect, but it won’t have the same effect as if you put on cycling shorts with chamois.

It is also worth considering the issue of aerodynamics. Normal underwear is for wearing under a regular pair of pants or shorts, so there won’t be any significant aerodynamics.

Also, the crotch area has less space in the cycling underwear, which is also a minus. Since there is more space in nether regions for crotch area in bicycle shorts.

The choice between these two options is an individual matter. There is a certain number of cyclists who will give preference to cycling underwear for long rides over built in chamois shorts. Therefore, there is no standard for every cyclist.

Why regular underwear should not be worn under bike shorts?

Many people wonder if you wear Lycra shorts, do you need to wear cycling underwear under them. The problem is that underwear will significantly reduce the effect of chamois in bike shorts. Because of this, the cyclist will not get the desired cushioning while cycling. The bottom line is that the chamois should be in direct contact with the rider’s crotch.

If you don’t wear cycling liners or underwear, but rather a regular option, such as cotton underwear, it can cause chafing of the skin in the crotch area. You may not experience discomfort on shorter distances, but long distances will become a real discomfort for you, since comfort is the main priority for long distances.

Also, ordinary underwear will not be able to adapt to different saddle while ride, in this case a specialized pair of chamois padded liner can give relative cushioning.

A regular pair of pants or regular shorts are not meant for cycling because they don’t have sweating protection or good skin ventilation. Due to sweat, the skin is mainly rubbed and irritations appear, which will bother the cyclist for several more days.

In turn, cycling shorts do not have such problems. The cycling shorts have breathable material, no sweat accumulation, and good aerodynamics. Also, cycling shorts have cushioning, especially for mountain bikers. Mountain bike shorts are important because the cyclist rides on uneven terrain and the risk of hitting the crotch is much higher, so cycling shorts with pad are much needed and reduce the risk of injury. In order for the effect of these bike shorts to really appear, they must be worn without underwear.

If you still cannot wear bike shorts without underwear, then try to buy a pair of specialized underwear for cycling.

Also, if you’re wearing bib shorts, then you can apply a special cream that will help you avoid chafing and discomfort while cycling.

What are cycling skirts and are they comfortable?

This type of cycling clothing is not common among women, for example bib shorts or regular bike shorts are more common. But such a clothing option for many women is a cycling skirt.

Such skirts are worn by those women who want a special look for themselves while cycling, as such skirts add femininity and make you stand out.

As for chamois, skirts can be padded or not.

More Helpful Info

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