I ride monthly weekend trips to Richmond and back from Norfolk, VA (110 miles each way) with basic cotton shorts and Hanes Whitie tighties (boxers don't keep my stuff where it needs to be) and have nevver had any chafing, saddle sore or the like with my Brooks saddle (on cold days, I wear long john's under the shorts, still doesn't look as goofy as tights would on me - and VERY comfortable). I've never used bicycle shorts, mind you, so I can't compare, but since I have no problems at all, then I see no reason, maybe if I'm riding 200+ mil;e trips I might have a differnet opninon, but not yet.