I still remember the first time I tried on cycling shorts. I stood in my room, holding them up, and thought, “Do you wear underwear with bike shorts or not?” If you’ve asked the same thing, you’re not alone. The answer is simple: no, you don’t wear underwear under bike shorts.
It may feel odd at first, but there’s a good reason. Bike shorts are made to sit right against your skin. The padding only works if nothing is between you and the shorts. Many new riders compare them to gym shorts and think underwear is normal. I made the same mistake. In this article, I’ll explain why skipping underwear matters, what to wear instead, and how to stay comfortable on every ride.
Do You Wear Underwear with Bicycle Shorts?
The quick answer: no, you should not wear underwear with bicycle shorts.
Bike shorts are made to sit right on your skin. They have padding inside, called a chamois. This pad only works if nothing is between you and the shorts. If you add underwear, you block the shorts from doing their job.
Think of bike shorts as a second skin, not an extra layer. They wick sweat, cut friction, and add cushion in the saddle. Underwear breaks that system. That’s why every rider, from weekend cyclists to pros, skips it.
I know it feels odd at first. Most of us grow up thinking every pair of shorts needs underwear. I made the same mistake when I started riding. But once you try without it, you’ll feel the comfort right away.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Underwear with Bike Shorts
At first, underwear under cycling shorts may seem fine. In truth, it causes more trouble than it helps.
Comfort Issues
Underwear bunches and rubs. The seams press on your skin. After a few miles, that rubbing turns into chafing. What should make riding better only makes it worse.
Performance Problems
Bike shorts use fabric that pulls sweat off your skin and dries fast. Underwear traps sweat. It creates heat and friction. On long rides, that feels like sandpaper. Without underwear, the shorts move with you, not against you.
Hygiene Factor
Here’s the part no one likes to bring up: bacteria. Sweat plus trapped moisture leads to saddle sores and skin issues. Underwear makes it worse by holding sweat in place. Riding without it is not just more comfy—it’s healthier.
A Personal Lesson Learned
I remember the first time I wore underwear under bike shorts. I thought it was modest. By mile ten, I was sore and shifting in the saddle. The seams dug in, and the chafing was awful.
Next ride, I skipped underwear. The change was huge—smooth, cool, and pain-free. That one mistake taught me more than hours of reading online.
What to Wear Inside Cycling Shorts Instead
So if underwear is out, what should go inside? The answer: nothing but you.
The Role of the Chamois
Every pair of cycling shorts has a chamois. This pad cuts pressure, wicks sweat, and stops friction. It’s not just extra padding—it’s built to replace underwear.
Types of Cycling Shorts
You’ll see a few main styles:
- Bib shorts with straps that keep them in place. Best for long rides.
- Standard padded shorts, great for new riders or shorter trips.
- Liner shorts that fit under loose mountain bike shorts.
All come with a chamois. None need underwear.
A Pro Tip for Longer Rides
On long days, a bit of chamois cream helps. It cuts friction and stops skin irritation. I once thought it was only for racers. But after trying it on a 100-mile ride, I saw how much faster I recovered.
Bottom Line
So, do you wear underwear with bicycle shorts? No. Bike shorts are built to work on their own. Trust the design. Skip underwear, and your rides will be smoother, cooler, and much more comfortable.
Are You Supposed to Wear Underwear Under Shorts?
The answer is clear: no, you should not wear underwear under cycling shorts.
This is a mistake many beginners make. We are used to wearing underwear with every type of shorts. But cycling shorts are not like normal shorts. They are made with padding and smooth seams that work only when worn against your skin.
Think about it. Gym shorts don’t have padding, so underwear makes sense. But bike shorts are built as a full system—wicking fabric, flat seams, and a chamois pad. If you add underwear, you break that system.
At first, it may feel odd to ride without. I remember the first time I left my underwear at home. It felt strange, almost like forgetting socks. But ten minutes into the ride, I forgot about it. The comfort was much better. My advice? Trust the design. Bike shorts are built to do the job on their own.
Tips for Wearing Bicycle Shorts the Right Way
Good habits will keep you more comfortable and help your shorts last longer.
Choose the Right Fit
Your shorts should be snug but not too tight. Loose shorts bunch up. Tight shorts restrict movement. The right pair feels like a second skin.
Wash After Every Ride
Always wash your shorts after each ride. Sweat and bacteria build up fast. I once skipped this step, and the saddle sores that followed taught me never to do it again. A quick wash keeps you safe and protects the fabric.
Don’t Re-Wear Without Washing
Even if they “don’t smell,” don’t risk it. The chamois holds moisture. Fresh shorts make for a fresh, safe ride.
Rotate Multiple Pairs
If you ride often, own two or three pairs. That way, you don’t need to reuse the same shorts each day. When I started riding more, buying a second pair made life much easier.
My Personal Routine
I treat bike shorts like running shoes. They need care to last. I wash them gently, air dry them, and never use fabric softener. With this routine, I’ve kept some pairs going strong for years.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Cycling Shorts
Cycling shorts may look simple, but many new riders use them wrong.
Wearing Underwear Inside
This is the biggest mistake. Underwear causes chafing, ruins comfort, and defeats the purpose of the chamois. Always skip it.
Buying the Wrong Size or Cheap Shorts
Fit matters more than price. But quality counts too. A cheap pair with a stiff pad can hurt more than help. Invest in one good pair—you’ll feel the difference on your first long ride.
Skipping Chamois Cream on Long Rides
If you ride longer than one or two hours, chamois cream can save you. I used to think it was only for racers. But after trying it on a 100-mile ride, I realized it makes recovery much easier.
Wearing Them Off the Bike Too Long
Cycling shorts are for riding, not lounging. I see beginners spend hours in them at cafes or shops. That’s not good for your skin or the shorts. After the ride, change into normal clothes.
Final Thoughts
Most mistakes with cycling shorts come from not knowing better. I made all of them in my first year. But once you learn the basics, bike shorts change your rides forever.
So, are you supposed to wear underwear under cycling shorts? No. Trust the design. Skip underwear, ride in comfort, and let the shorts do their job.
FAQs – Do You Wear Underwear with Bicycle Shorts?
Do I wear underwear with bike shorts?
No. You should not wear underwear with bike shorts. They are made to sit right against your skin. The built-in padding, called a chamois, only works when nothing is in between. I made this mistake on my first ride, and the chafing felt like sandpaper. Lesson learned—skip the underwear.
What do you wear inside cycling shorts?
Nothing extra—just your skin. The chamois pad is there for comfort and hygiene. On long rides, you can add a little chamois cream to reduce friction. I was unsure at first, but after a 100-mile ride, I saw how much it helped.
Are you supposed to wear underwear under shorts?
Not under cycling shorts. With gym or casual shorts, yes—underwear is normal. But cycling shorts are different. They are a complete system with smooth seams and padding. If you add underwear, you break that system and lose comfort.
Can I wear compression shorts under bike shorts?
No, that’s not a good idea. Compression shorts add layers that rub and shift. That friction cancels out the comfort of the chamois. I tried it once, thinking it would give support. Instead, I was sore halfway through the ride.
How do I wash and care for bike shorts?
Wash them after every ride in cold water with mild detergent. Skip fabric softener—it clogs the fibers and shortens the life of the shorts. Always air dry. I treat mine like running shoes: gentle wash, no shortcuts. This routine has kept my bibs going strong for years.
Conclusion
So, do you wear underwear with bicycle shorts? No. Cycling shorts are built to work on their own. The chamois keeps you dry, reduces friction, and stops saddle sores. Underwear only gets in the way.
It might feel odd the first time you ride without. I remember feeling like I forgot something, almost like leaving home without socks. But ten minutes later, I forgot all about it. The comfort was night and day.
If you want the best rides, skip the underwear, care for your shorts, and trust their design. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. Once you try it, you won’t go back.
