Originally Posted by Kojak

Contrary to common perception, the chamois in cycling shorts is for moisture absorption, not for padding. You can purchase a sort of cycling undershort with a chamois pad to wear under conventional shorts. The key is to change out of these when you get to your destination lest you want festering saddle sores.

Beyond that, there seems to be a healthy fear of lycra clothing among some cyclists, but at the end of the day, it works really well for its intended purpose and makes cycling more efficient especially for longer distances. And as someone pointed out, absolutely no briefs, boxers, gonch or undies of any kind should be between you and your chamois.