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?
The short answer is no – you do not need to wear underwear or knickers under padded bike shorts. The pad is designed to sit next to the skin.
In this guide, we’ll explain why and how padded shorts worn next to the skin help to prevent saddle sores and improve comfort. Four reasons why you shouldn’t wear underwear when cycling
> The seams of underwear can rub, causing painful chafing, which will be uncomfortable on long rides. This can also contribute to painful saddle sores
Cycling shorts are designed to hug your body and keep the chamois pad in the right position while you ride
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)
Underwear, particularly if it’s made of cotton, will absorb sweat or rainwater, so your skin will stay wet, which can exacerbate rubbing and irritation Why do cyclists wear padded shorts? 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.The seat pad – also known as the chamois or chammy […]
Continue reading the original article at: www.bikeradar.com