Do carefree days of cycling through a beautiful countryside reveling in the enticing sights and sounds as a gentle breeze caresses your skin call out to you? If you answered yes, then it’s high time to lace up those kicks and get moving.
Before you embark on your new awesome adventure, let’s make sure you’re suited and booted with the right equipment. You may be wondering what the best underwear is for riding bicycles. Shorter rides don’t require a special type of underwear.
But any experienced rider will tell you extended rides require a different breed of knickers. The last thing you want to do is mush your soft tissues to death on a twenty-mile ride. Cushion support for the crown jewels ranks high on the list of must-have qualities of a well-rounded pair of bloomers or boxers.
While we’re on the subject of comfort can we talk about chafing? If you’ve ever been on team thick thighs you know that repeated friction of skin rubbing against skin could start a fire. You don’t want that feeling when you’re cycling.
Nor do you want the feeling of ill-fitting, biking briefs. Your skin needs to breathe in flexible, soft, and lightweight material that doesn’t ride up as you ride out.
Also, a matter of grave importance that can’t be overlooked is the obvious issue of sweat control. After all, no one likes swamp booty. Moisture-wicking fabric that keeps your nether regions dry for hours lets you concentrate on the beauty of the ride and not the downpour downstairs.
But how on earth do you find these holy grail briefs? Padded unmentionables aren’t exactly lining the aisles of department stores, let alone places like Victoria’s Secret. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of going on a treasure hunt to find the best underwear you need for riding bicycles then let this guide be the beacon of light pointing you in the right direction.
Best Bicycle Underwear for Men
Pro: Big man friendly.
Con: Runs small.
Comfortable: Whoever said no pain no gain obviously wasn’t talking about biking shorts. You want them to be as comfortable as possible. Baleaf made a pair of 3D padded underwear so comfortable you might just forget you’re wearing them. Kiss crotch discomfort good-bye with these breathable, well-fitting cycling underwear shorts.
Ranging from small to XXX large, this line has something for everyone. Plus, flat seams prevent chafing. They are moisture-wicking and dry quickly so when you dismount you’re not stuck with a full diaper feel as you walk. The downside is that these shorts run small, not exactly family jewels friendly. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy for this issue. Go up one or two sizes and keep the boys in the hood happy.
Pro: Well padded with silica gel.
Con: Tends to ride up.
Breathable and lightweight: Ohuhu created an airy, light biking short that’s perfect for those who want very breathable underwear. Thick 3D shock absorbing gel padding provides good protection minus any chafing. These soft and comfortable cycling shorts feel great on and off the bicycle. Moisture-wicking flexible mesh keeps your nook and cranny perfectly dry.
Sizes range from small to XXX large. The downside is that the unisex sizing is confusing for some. Men may find a size large is better suited for a large woman and not a large man. Fix this by going a size up and you’re all set for a worry-free ride.
Pro: Excellent quality.
Con: Runs small, need to size up.
Unisex and cushion supported: These underwear give you the luxurious feeling of sitting in a comfy chair even on long biking trips. The seams are well stitched and durable. The pad is a good size and securely attached to the underwear so washing them multiple times won’t be an issue. The thickness of the 3D padding prevents pain while riding and doesn’t slide while you’re in action. This underwear wicks sweat away so you can enjoy your spinning class or ride around in the great outdoors.
The fabric is made of a soft, thin, mesh-like material. Premium and breathable polyester ensures you won’t sweat or stink after a long ride. It’s definitely lightweight and breathes well. Sizes run from small to XXX large and are certified big booty friendly. A con is that these biker underwear are too short to be worn alone. You can easily solve this issue by layering shorts over them.
Pro: Generous padding.
Con: Too sheer to wear by themselves.
Chafe-free and tagless: Sportneer served up a well-fitting, light-weight biking short that’s sure to please. Made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, it’s very smooth, stretchy, and doesn’t ride up. Plus, it’s breathable and sweat-resistant. Anti-slip leg grips keep it from chafing. The 3D padding provides comfortable cushion support that makes you feel like you’re riding on a pillow.
Extra padding makes for a comfy fit. It also may create a bit more heat toward the back. Not to worry, it’s more like a low warming effect as opposed to a chestnuts roasting over an open fire type feel. Sizes run from small to XX large. A con is that they aren’t colorfast so the dye can run through light colored shorts that you wear underneath them. Dodge this problem by wearing only black or dark colored shorts with these underwear.
Pro: True to size.
Con: Pad position awkward for some.
Moisture Control: Przewalski’s cycling underwear gets high points for a nice wide waistband, quality stitching, and rubber grips on legs to prevent chafing and riding up. The Coolmax 3D padding is extra long and thick providing excellent coverage. The pads are designed to stay in place to provide protection for your sit bones and crotch. These cycling underwear provide total comfort and good breathability while riding. The material is soft, stretchy, and lightweight.
You may hardly notice you have them on. These well-fitting underwear may leave you wondering if they were custom made for you. Plus, the moisture wicking technology will ensure you stay cool and dry on your ride. The overall quality and construction are impressive. Sizes run from small to XX large. The downside is that the shorts are quite sheer. You have to wear something over the shorts because they are too revealing.
Best Bicycle Underwear for Women
Pro: Can wear everyday.
Con: Have to wear with shorts.
Breathable and big girl friendly: Who says biking underwear has to look like a pair of shorts? Beroy offers women a design that resembles a cute, modest style panty. These knickers are breathable and will keep your sugar bowl cool and dry. Also, they are comfy and run true to size. Sizes run from small to XXX large. These under garments are designed to fit nicely under shorts and would look even cuter under a skirt.
The material is thick but not to the point that it would be uncomfortable. Users agree that these pretty panty style cycling underwear don’t chafe or feel uncomfortable at any point. A strong waistband, sturdy seams, and thick padding provides support in all the right places, especially for thick chicks. Grips around the legs prevent the underwear from riding up. A downside is that the color bleeds when you wash these underwear. Remedy this by washing them separately.
Pro: Double elasticity fabric hug curves just right.
Con: Thick padding can feel bulky.
True to fit: Twotwowin’s flatlock seams prevent chafing while high quality 3D gel padding provides comfort. Sizes range from small to XXX large and the fit is true to size. Order the size you normally wear. If you’re worried the fit could be too small you can order a size up. These cycling underwear shorts have big leg holes and are made of a stretchy material so they are extremely comfortable. The length is rather short so wear these under shorts or gym pants.
The fabric is moisture wicking and quick drying enabling you to stay dry and fresh for hours. Your lady parts will breathe a sigh of relief in these underwear. A downside is the return policy. The underwear is shipped from China so it’s costly if you decide to return them. But if they tell you to keep the underwear and wait for a new pair, they will refund half of your money.
Pro: Doesn’t ride up or down.
Con: Crotch area is too wide.
Flatlock stitching: Baleaf’s breathable, smooth, stretchable fabric wicks moisture away keeping you cool and dry for hours. You won’t feel gross after working up a sweat in these bad boys. These underwear fit snugly but comfortably and run from extra small to XX large. The sleek material allows them to lay flat without pinching or gaping under shorts or leggings. Flatlock stitching prevents chafing.
The 3D padding is good and stays in place. These underwear provide a comfortable fit and keep your backside from getting sore after a long ride. A con is that after a few washes these underwear may not hold up well. If you want to keep them in good working order for a while you may find hand washing to be a better method than machine washing.
Pro: Fabric doesn’t roll up.
Con: Padding may be too thin.
Well-fitted waistband: Nooyme crafted a beauty of a bicycling brief. The size is true to fit for most women and ranges from small to XXX large. The waistband isn’t too tight so these will not cut into your stomach. The material is flexible and moves with your body. These underwear are incredibly comfortable and breathable. The 3D padding makes these underwear comfortable enough to enjoy a 30 mile ride.
Also, there’s good protection towards the front and back. You’ll need to wear shorts over these. An added benefit is that the slim design keeps you from looking like you’re wearing a diaper under normal shorts. A con is that these underwear can run small on some women. An easy fix to that issue is to go up a size.
Pro: Perfect for beginners.
Con: Not the best cushion support.
Moisture wicking: Beroy’s quick drying cycling underwear fit true to size and stay on your thighs. There’s no creeping up with this underwear. Preventing seat pain, they are comfortable to wear and perfect for casual riders or newbies. These are not designed to be worn with panties underneath so embrace the commando lifestyle.
So what if it makes you a “No Knickers Nancy” - at least you’ll avoid a raging yeast infection in your na-na. Riding around in these for a couple of hours is fine and your bum will feel as if it were nicely seated on a cloud. A con is that extended riding trips can make you feel as if you’re not wearing any kind of padding whatsoever. This can be remedied by wearing these on shorter biking trips.
Bicycle Underwear Buying Guide
Best Moisture Wicking Bicycle Underwear
The land down under can get pretty humid at times - and no we’re not talking about Australia. Your man or lady bits will thank you for rocking a pair of moisture-wicking underwear. Unlike your typical tighty whities, they won’t trap sweat or leave you feeling sticky. Keeping the business end of your biscuits nice and dry is key to enjoying your bike ride. Ladies especially need moisture wicking briefs because yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, such as a sweaty hoo-ha.
Redness, burning, and painful sex are just some of the symptoms of a yeast infection. No woman wants to go from having a pleasant ride in the city to making a mad dash to the nearest Urgent Care. If you’re a lady you can’t afford to go without moisture-wicking underwear. Also, when you get home, wipe or rinse your lady bits and change into cotton underwear to be on the safe side.
Oh and one more thing - for the ladies who landscape their peppermint patties - don’t shave, or wax before biking to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and hair follicle infections. Tame your lady locks by using an electric or beard trimmer, but leave some hair behind. Doing so helps move sweat from the skin so it evaporates. Plus, it gives you some protection against friction.
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Best Bicycle Underwear for Cushion Support
Long rides, think two hours or more, require cushion support underwear. Sitting on a saddle for hours bouncing around on your knick-knacks can start to feel like a newly invented form of torture. A well-padded tush cush will make you feel like you’re sitting on a big, cushy nappy instead of a wooden plank. If you’ve never seen a pair of padded shorts before, just picture a baboon’s rear end and you’re headed in the right direction.
It’s a new trend - baboons are so in right now. Actually they only look that way when they’re turned inside out, but they work like a charm. So have no fear - as long as you wear these properly no one will ever call you baboon butt. Speaking of wearing them the right way, keep in mind that biking shorts are meant to be worn without regular underwear to prevent chafing. You’ll go commando underneath. No panties or drawers are needed.
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Best Anti-Chafing Bicycle Underwear
Avoid the very uncomfortable side effect of chafing by wearing biking underwear or shorts with flat seams. Flat seams prevent the material from rubbing you the wrong way. Another great option is to find a comfortable pair that have anti-slip leg grips.
For particularly long trips of thirty-plus miles you can beef up your anti-chafing game with either Chamois Butt'r Original Anti-Chafe Cream or BodyGlide for Her Anti Chafe Balm. You’ll apply one in the morning only on the inside of the bike shorts. Never put this stuff on regular clothes. These products are best reserved for your biking underwear.
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Most Breathable Bicycle Underwear
The best material will be flexible and snug-fitting, while still being breathable. It should feel soft, smooth and stretchy. Polyester and spandex designs provide superb flexibility. When it comes to caring for your biking underwear the best way to clean them is the old-fashioned hand-washing method. If you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to take that route, simply throw them in the washing machine.
After washing them, squeeze them dry. Don’t twist or wring lycra to avoid damaging the fabric. Lay your underwear flat on a dry towel. With the underwear inside, roll up the towel. Put those guns to work and twist the towel as tight as you can. Step on one end and pull to get an extra twist. You’ll get your biking undies almost dry without deforming the fabric.
- Breathable fabric wicks quickly and keeps you cool and dry.
- Can be worn under any shorts, tights or leggings for added riding comfort. Just try it, you will love it.
- 3D foam padding helps relieve the hip pain associated with long cycle rides for women.
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