Cycling shorts are technically sophisticated items of clothing and are designed to improve comfort on the saddle. The integrated seat pad is designed to lie directly on the skin. It absorbs pressure on the sit bones and perineal area, wicks away moisture and reduces friction. All of this only works optimally if there are no other layers of fabric in between.
What happens if you wear pants after all?
Pants under cycling shorts mean additional seams, folds and material doublings - exactly where the most stress occurs on longer rides. The result: pressure points, chafing and, in the worst case, open wounds on the skin. What's more, cotton underwear stores moisture instead of wicking it away, which favours the development of skin irritations and fungal infections.
Briefly summarised: Seams + wetness + friction = pain. The cycling shorts are designed to prevent exactly that - provided they are worn without underwear.
Hygiene and care: what is important
Cycling shorts should be washed after every ride - even after short tours. Many cyclists also use a chamois cream, which acts as a protective lubricating film between the skin and the padding, thus further reducing friction.
You may be asking yourself: is it unhygienic to wear cycling shorts without pants? The answer is "no" - provided the cycling shorts are washed after each use. The padding material is usually antibacterial.
Tip for bikepacking tours: Ideally, wash the upholstery every evening; if this is not possible, apply disinfectant spray to the upholstery.
Does this apply to all cycling shorts?
Basically yes - whether bib shorts, short or long cycling shorts. The only exception are so-called baggy cycling shorts, which are popular in the mountain bike sector. Sometimes cycling shorts are included or you can wear cycling shorts with padding underneath, which are also available in very airy materials. Here too, the padding is placed next to the skin.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
