You're putting on your cycling kit and the same question comes up: should you keep your briefs, boxers or panties on under your cycling shorts? With shorts that have a chamois pad, the answer is generally no. The pad is designed to sit against your skin. With pants or shorts that have no padding, however, padded cycling underwear can serve as your first layer.
First, check whether your clothing has a pad
The word "cycling" isn't enough to identify padded clothing. Some tight fitness shorts look like cycling shorts but have no seat protection at all. Turn the garment inside out: a chamois is recognizable by its padded panel at the crotch.
When there is one, adding regular underwear puts extra seams and an extra layer of fabric in between. Cotton can also hold moisture. British Cycling recommends wearing padded shorts without underwear to limit sources of discomfort.
Padded boxers go under clothing without a chamois
Prefer to ride in loose shorts, casual pants or your commuting outfit? Padded cycling underwear is made for exactly that. It adds a seat pad under clothing that doesn't have one. Cycling UK describes this solution for commuting, touring and mountain biking in its padded underwear test.
The combination to remember is simple: one first layer with a pad, then, if needed, an outer layer without a pad. Stacking padded boxers and already-padded cycling shorts isn't a reliable way to increase comfort: it can add bulk and shift the whole setup.
Check the fit in your riding position
Before you set off, get into your usual position on the bike. The padding should stay in place, without awkward folds or edges digging into your groin. The pants worn over it should let your legs move freely. Very stiff or tight jeans can still be uncomfortable, even with a pad underneath.
Start with a short ride in your new combination. If you constantly have to readjust the fabric, check the size and fit. An outfit that feels fine standing up can behave differently once you lean forward and pedal.
Answers to last-minute doubts
Does this rule apply to women too?
Yes, the principle is the same for padded cycling shorts: avoid adding regular panties between your skin and the pad. Padded cycling briefs are another option under clothing without a chamois.
Can I keep my kit on after the ride?
Plan to change if it's damp. Taking off a wet chamois quickly is one of Cycling UK's hygiene tips to limit irritation. Then wash the garment according to its label and let it dry completely.
Choose your first layer at OZALO
To keep your usual shorts or pants, discover our OZALO GSX Gel 5D Classic Boxers or our OZALO GSX Gel 5D Shorty Briefs. Choose the cut and size that suit you using the product size guides, then wear them under clothing with no extra padding.