Originally Posted by
CbadRider
Bike shorts are worn for comfort, support, and because lycra doesn't flap in the wind. If you're not concerned with speed, wear whatever is comfortable.
Whatever you do, don't wear underwear with bike shorts. That's definitely a no-no.
One other advantage to lycra is it doesn't get snagged on the saddle nose, water bottle cages, etc. When I was wearing MTB shorts, the loose shell was always snagging on something. I've relegated loose fitting clothing to short distances or destinations where "tight isn't right."