First of all, cyclist should dress however they feel comfortable.

Cycling has a long tradition going back tens of years. There is little on a bicycle or cycling apparel that has not been honed over decades of experience of what works. One of the biggest problems with cycling is chafing and saddle sores due to rubbing and pressure from sitting on a saddle spinning the pedals and supporting body weight.

Years ago, when I started cycling, we had wool or cotton cycling shorts with chamois (animal skin) pads to put in contact with the skin. The idea is to reduce friction and make the ride as comfortable as possible for long periods of time.

One of the problems with skin chamois is that even though it is soft, it can harbor bacteria that can embed in hair follicles and cause saddle sores. And the chamois can get wet and create more friction and chafing.

Skin chamois has been replaced with micro fiber very soft low friction material that does not support bacteria. With modern chamois cream on these new synthetic material, friction and saddle sores are reduced. There is less chafing at higher cadences over long distances.

Wearing any material between the chamois and skin is what it is - rider preference and if it works for you hallelujah.

I wear cycling shorts with a modern, very soft, firm padded chamois upon which I put my skin and sit bones.